What are the actual risks of taking hrt ?

[GingerKittenTail]

I’m so scared about then menopause
had a few night sweats
dr won’t test my blood to see if I’m peri
as this stage can go on for 10 years ! Wtf

Treatment is based on symptoms

Risks are stupidly small - which is why you can now buy it over the counter

I didn’t know you can buy it over the counter !!

Very very small increased risk of breast cancer. Similar or less than if you drink alcohol or are overweight and I don't see women freaking out about those with regard to breast cancer.
Conversely HRT protects against other cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia. I find it funny that no one panics about these and rushes I go on HRT!!
Any increased risk btw are related to tablets. No increased risk associated with patches or gel. No brainer for me.

You can only buy the vaginal cream otc for vaginal atrophy. Not systemic HRT

I thought the blood test is largely pointless as it only shows your hormones as at when the test is done and they fluctuate.

Very small increased of stroke, but so does being in the pill 🤷🏽‍♀️

Im on it bio identical stuff and ive had stage one breast cancer.. really wanted to try it as I was not sleeping at all, plus have a slight heart condition, and no sleep is very bad for the heart.
went private to Newsom Health in Stratford upon Avon to get the first prescription, then my doctor took it over, still have to pay privately for the testosterone, and I'm undecided about that. no increase on my 0 sex drive, but it does many other things for you.

How old are you? I went to my GP at 45. No blood test needed for me. I have the patches and tablets for my HRT.

www.menopausalnotmad.co.uk/
Check out this site for accurate up to date menopausal advice.
Most GPs are woefully lacking in up to date treatment and advice so it's important to educate and empower yourself
I had a private consultation through this site and my GP had taken on board their advice on treatment and expertise
They have a FB page too if you use SM
Knowledge is power ✊

Same here, but through Menopausal Not Mad site. Then had my first prescription for Testosterone ( for low libido) which has been taken over by my GP

I’m definitely peri but I have a few concerns about hrt. My main symptom is brain fog. Making stupid mistakes at work and forgetting everything. Does hrt help with that? Also, MIL is in her 80s and still on it. Is that normal?!?

Do you still have periods when on it? Mine are horrific and I’m actively looking forward to them stopping.

I can’t take hormonal contraception. I was a wreck on the mirena. Does this mean I can’t take hrt?

Sorry for the barrage of questions!

I’m post-menopausal and sailed through menopause but wish in a way I hadn’t as I might then have sought HRT. Brain fog has already been mentioned but does it help protect against osteoarthritis for example/ joint pain and does it help with sagging skin?!

I read the info sheets inside the gel and the vaginal pessaries, and the increase in cases of cancer is higher than my GP or Davina said. It’s something you need to weigh up.
I’m already overweight and like the occasional drink, so decided against it. It really is an individual choice.

@Watto1 if you still have periods you will need to take progesterone too. This comes in different forms. Talk to your GP to find the best configuration for you.

If you still get periods, they will likely continue.

@GingerKittenTail blood test won't really say. Start a diary of symptoms to show your GP. If you are over 45 and periods becoming irregular then GP will likely lean to HRT if you think you need it. If still having periods you will need progesterone too.

Only localised oestrogen to be used vaginally. It's a v small dose and won't make a huge difference to symptoms not relating to vaginal atrophy.

There is no reason to come off HRT if it is suited to you. Your body will not start producing oestrogen again.

I didn’t do well on hormonal contraception. I had to fight for a non hormonal coil. So I just waited to see how my menopause went and it was quite ok. I’m glad there is more talk of the menopause but it’s not bad for all women. My most annoying thing was very itchy ear canals and some joint pain but that passed and I did become allergic to hair dye, I was already allergic to lots of products anyway.