Would you take the HRT?

[HRTorNot]

Hi,

NC'd. I'm 41 and probably about to be diagnised with premature ovarian failure. My periods have been hit and miss since about age 38, and tailing off to one or two a year for the last 2-3 years. Last period was end of jan/beginning of feb. 4 early MC.

The Gynaecologist has recommended HRT until about age 50. My GP has asked for a mammogram before she prescribes it. I have a blood test on monday to check my thyroid, autoimmune markers etc.

But, other than slight dryness and lack of libido, I have no other symptoms. I know HRT protects your heart and bones, but I've had a bone densitity scan and a more in-depth one for younger people and my bones are fine.

We would like to try IVF but the gynaecologist said we'd need an egg doner. I had an internal ultrasound the other day to check my ovaries and they are in atrophy. So I don't know where we would get with IVF. We Will need to wait for our house to sell before doing anything and she said if we are going to do it, its needs to be sooner rather than later so we don't have time to mess around. Which we knew anyway. She said take the HRT and then if we do IVF, they will adjust everything so taking it won't affect that.

But what will HRT do? I know nothing about it other than there's a breast cancer link. Its hard to speak to the doctors in depth because we have to wear the FFP2 masks still here.

Apparently it will it bring back periods? Why on earth would I want to do that with no chance of getting pregnant? Fuck that noise.

Once I start taking it, what will happen if I stop? Am I commiting to it for the next ten years? What will happen while I'm finding the right dosage?

I was reading something the other day that said once you are 12 months without a period, you are classed as postmenopausal, so is this it for symptoms? Or have I got the worst to come? I have no idea whether I've got all the awful symptoms that women talk about, to come or whether I'm nearly out the other side. If so, do I need the HRT?

I would like my libido back as its non existent atm, and why I originally went to the GP over this anyway. I really could never have it again and just sort myself out occasionally, which is so unlike 'me' and its not really what I want. Plus a sexless marriage isn't fair to my husband. Would the HRT even fix that?

I know there are issues with getting HRT prescribed in the UK, but I have health cover here and can ask the GP for what I want - if I research it and find out what I want - and probably get whatever I ask for prescribed. I don't know what the cover is for prescriptions and how much it is if I have to pay for them.

So, would you take it and is it likely to help me?

Anyone?

The breast cancer link has been established as a faulty study I think, and for most people HRT doesn't increase risk. I have read somewhere that the paperwork that comes with the HRT is going to be updated.
I probably would take it because I wouldn't want low libido or dryness. I'm on HRT (am 48) and had symptoms of peri menopause for a few years before I realised that's what it was and got it treated - if I had known, I could have saved myself the vaginal atrophy etc and wish I'd started earlier.

If you try it and feel it isn't for you, it doesn't have to be permanent - you won't hurt yourself by trying it for a while if that's what your dr recommends.

I would as it will protect your bones and a number of other things affected by early menopause such as cognitive function. To improve your libido, you will need testosterone, I don’t think the HRT will make any difference alone.

I've just read a book called preparing for perimenopause by Louise Newson. It covers the different types of HRt and pros and cons. I'm just starting to look into it bit there's so much information out there it's a bit overwhelming. Also going to listen to Davina Mccols podcast

Yes I would definitely take it

Just to add that the progesterone tablets gave me headaches but I'm now on the patches and they are the easiest things ever - just put it on and change it twice a week. They even put the patches in the correct order for you in the box, so it's completely hassle free.

Why exactly did the gynaecologist recommend HRT?

I agree you’d need testosterone for any real effect on libido but even then it doesn’t work for everyone - you may have some emotional issues related to TTC.

She didn't say, she produced the report for me to take to the GP and said she recommends HRT til around normal Menopause age.

I just read about someone having testosterone patches to help their libido. Patches seem the way to go over creams and gels and pessaries.

Does it bring back periods? I'm not a fan of that. Thats the only bloody perk 😂

I love it, even with the periods. All the health benefits are worth it to me. Not sure why they would want you to stop it at 50. I'd recommend watching Dr Louise Newsome on YouTube

You could have a mirena coil and oestrogel to prevent periods. So take it, protect your bones! I've just been diagnosed with osteopenia, which can lead to osteoporosis. I also have arthritis in my hips. I'm 52.

She said around 50 odd, around normal menopause age.

I'll suffer them in case anything comes of the aim for IVF.

I would want to know why she is suggesting it. Certainly there is a known benefit for the brain, bones and heart and as I understand it there are very few risks under the age of 50 (taking the pill is far riskier in your forties). It sounds like she is from the school of thought that all women should be taking HRT to replenish their basic hormones as they start to deplete, which isn't a bad school but normally women present with 'worse' symptoms than you to begin with, which makes the decision a bit more clear cut.

I’ve definitely felt an improvement in my libido since taking HRT. I used the combi patches too, but also a pessary/cream to prevent dryness and itching. It’s made a huge difference (annoyingly as I’m currently single!)

Watch the Davina documentaries for a bit more insight into it all.

And also while I was annoyed at first having periods back again, it makes me feel the connection to my younger self again. I hadn’t realised that without them puncturing my life I felt a little bit adrift!

Punctuating ffs!

Ok thanks