HRT Issues

[Miggymoggymugwumps]

I went through the menopause 10 years ago and luckily after a few typical symptoms everything settled down and I had no problems. However 2 years ago I had both ovaries and fallopian tubes removed and this has just sent my body back into menopause mode, but worse than before. I now have numerous hot flushes on a daily basis, I sweat buckets, my joints ache , I have brain fog and my libido has all but disappeared and I hate being like this!

I put up with it all last year as I didn't want to bother anyone due to Covid. However, last week I spoke to my GP about getting some HRT to try and get back to normal and this is now where it gets tricky. The first thing she said was that because I am now 61 I am actually too old to start HRT & doubts it will be effective. She also explained that the risks are much greater because of my age stating that I would be more prone to blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, brittle bones, and heart disease. However she is willing to prescribe me patches and see how I get on, then check me again in 3 months time, but she reiterated that having HRT at my age is very unusual.

I am now in a dilemma as perhaps naively I wasn't expecting my age to be a problem. I have a good life, I'm healthy and active and don't want to jeopardise that, but at the same time I am utterly fed up with being a wet soggy mess and feeling so out of sorts at this stage in my life. So do I risk the HRT or just accept my symptoms and get on with it???

There are risks but I believe the benefits outweigh the risks dr Louise Newsome has really interesting research on this. www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/

@pinkcattydude & @Miggymoggymugwumps actually, both doctors are kind of correct in this case. The health benefits of HRT are best when supplemented from perimenopause and right through the menopause period. Starting AFTER menopause isn’t as effective, but I don’t believe it’s not worth trying, especially if you are symptomatic and you don’t have have any contraindications (blood pressure/breast cancer). I would definitely give the patches or gel a try!!!

I started HRT after the menopause and it has changed my life! I'm on gel and tablets. I used to wake up at least twice a night soaked through and chilled to the bone, I was teary, forgetful and irritable. I would give it a go if I were you.

I've had to start HRT due to preventative surgery to remove ovaries as family history of ovarian and breast cancer.
I'm 2 weeks in. Feel sick, exhausted and really 💩 but been told 3 months is needed to see any improvement.

I had my ovaries removed a few years ago and while reading up on it before the op, I remember that when you experience natural menopause, your ovaries continue to produce a low level of androgens and testosterone which are converted into estrones in the body.

That could well be why now you've had your ovaries removed, you are experiencing more symptoms.

I don't know about the risks of starting HRT at an older age but I do know that in most cases it's perfectly ok to keep using it for as long as you want.

A few years back my DM's GP tried to persuade her to stop (for no good reason) and she felt terrible so she got a second opinion and they re-started her. She's late 70s.

Can you access a menopause specialist/ clinic? I find many GPS really don't know as much as you'd hope.

Please insist.

I doubt your GP has read the NICE guidelines or the NHS's own advice. None of my GPs ever have. It's pathetic.

And please join the Menopuase board on here.

Posters like @JinglingHellsBells know their stuff.

Have a look at the Newson Health clinic website. And Dr Newsons videos on You tube.

You are never too old to start taking HRT and women can take it forever. You don’t have to stop. There are so many myths out there.

Thanks for everyone's replies, and for sharing your experiences, & for pointing me in Dr Newson's direction...it's a very informative & encouraging website. I'll also join the Menopause board so thanks for the tip.

I've decided to start on the patches and hopefully they'll help me get back to my normal self. And for anyone who's interested I'll post an update in about 3 months!

Good luck @Miggymoggymugwumps… I hope you find relief from your symptoms very, very soon! (Nobody needs to be under attack from their body on this day and age if it’s avoidable!)