How have you decided to have or not have hrt ? What made up your mind ?

[Perimeopausepip]

Just wondering about people’s though process as to weather to take hrt or not ?

im tempted but worried

I am 57 years old & I don't take HRT (and never have).
I don't think I have any particular symptoms.
I don't want to take medication that I don't need.
I don't want to waste a doctor's time unnecessarily.
Menopause is not an illness, it's a normal part of life.

Other people can, of course, choose differently, but this works for me.

Oestrogen tablets are metabolised by the liver. I am prone to superficial blood clots so GP said those would be too risky for me.

I have oestrogen gel and progesterone tablets.

I only found out I was going through the menopause when I went for a routine blood test at age 43. I'm mid 50's now and haven't had any HRT. My symptoms weren't all that bad (occasional night sweats), so never felt the need to ask for it. It took a fair old time before the GP stopped trying to push it on me though.

I had severe hot flushes but no other symptoms. Decided against HRT because of breast cancer risk. I was very healthy, slim, ate a healthy diet and drank little alcohol.
Got breast cancer anyway aged 60 and diagnosed with osteoporosis aged 63.
So I massively regret not taking HRT.

I was through the menopause by 45 and haven't had HRT. The only symptoms were horrific night-time hot flushes (not sweats) and my GP gave me a very low dose of an antidepressant off licence which tackled them.

Physically I had no problems, but mentally was a whole other story. Anxiety, deep depression leading to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

HRT made a huge difference very quickly.
Having to justify wanting it to my GP every 6 months was annoying but I was allowed it for 5 years, but then had to go private.

No fears of breast cancer, but very aware of osteoporosis risks getting older. The recent discoveries re dementia are reassuring too.

I've been on it for 13 years now (late 60s), and having endured a break from it 8 years ago, hope to stay on it forever.

I'd just like to add that initially I was put on antidepressants, which sort of deadened me inside, as well as completely killing my libido.
To me it's no different from a diabetic taking insulin - you're just replacing hormones that your body has decided to stop producing.

Mine was having 2 periods a month so on any day of my life at that time I was either bleeding or having awful mood swings. Final straw was when I was cleaning the bathroom mirror, couldn't get it streak free and it took all my control not to smash my head against the glass I was so angry and my head felt so full. At that point I knew I needed to do something and doctor suggested coil or HRT and I opted for HRT.
Been on it probably 18 months/2 years and , until last week, I'd not had another episode like that however had a "proper" period week before last and then yesterday had the same feeling of rage/overreaction to something trivial so am wondering if my ovaries are having a last hurrah and doing something mad with my hormones or if I just need a higher dose. The health stories have been largely debunked if you are worried about those. This has reminded me I need to make an appointment to see the doctor before the self harm thoughts get any worse so thank you for the thread!

I turned into Godzilla basically.
The other staff who haven't had it had years of sweaty misery were cross and unapproachable and looked really old.
Once I was settled on it I looked great and felt like my old self.

Yes when my mum said - apropos of nothing - have you gone through the change (hate that phrase) I said I've no idea as I am on HRT and she said are you in a disapproving way. She took it for not very long I seem to remember - I wish she had persevered as she was so bloody angry!

I’d take it if I was allowed (breast cancer).

This might be helpful for people to understand the risks. Please not that not all HRT treatments are the same when it comes to risks. I have been told by my Nurse Specialist that the bioidentical patches I take pose no risk.

I bit the GPs hand off when offered it - started fairly young with perimenopause - late 30s and was on Qlaira a contraceptive pill first, then femeston and now gel and a mirena. This feels like the best combo for me now. I'm also on Estradiol.

I was anxious, not sleeping, night sweats, foul mood before - much more even tempered now and sleeping better and the anxiety has largely gone.

I also feel my bones are being protected.

I think some people do have an easier time than others - and diet and exercise may be enough for them. I was suicidal and on the verge of a divorce...

I tried it for three months, the progesterone caused irritation and anxiety so I came off it. I’m doing fine, menopace seems to manage the hot flushes and insomnia.
im also concerned about the breast cancer risk so would rather avoid if I can.

How do you know when you might need to start it? What symptoms are you looking out for? I'm 35 now and never taken any hormonal contraception (always used condoms without issue), have regular easy periods, good sex drive and mood, etc.

I definitely don't want to suffer through menopause or risk vaginal atrophy etc so just wondering what signs of peri menopause I should look for and how old I should expect to be when it starts if anyone has any insight?

@hamsterchump i noticed changes when my periods started to become irregular.
Unfortunately, for me, my 40s have been a time of huge stress, kids, bereavements, work issues etc. So a lot of the peri symptoms were written off as stress/anxiety etc. It’s only recently I’m realising that it wasn’t all due to external factors,

@hamsterchump hormone levels start to drop up to 10 years before actual menopause, average age of menopause (no period for a year) is 51. It’s worth asking female relatives when they reached menopause as there is a genetic component to it. I’m 48 with regular periods still but symptoms gradually over the last couple of years but also started my periods late which can delay it. Davina’s book or Dr Newsom’s site well worth a read to be forewarned.

Thank you, so is it better to start taking HRT sooner rather than later? What symptoms tend to present earliest do you know? What sort of symptoms would I need to have to get HRT on the NHS?

Sorry about all the questions, reading about vaginal atrophy in particular has scared me and there's no breast cancer in my family so I think I will definitely want to at least try HRT, I think I'm worried about not starting it early enough, but are symptoms likely to be unmissable?

If you don't mind me asking; what symptoms did you notice that you put down to other factors but now think were peri menopause?

I have had to stop the patches as they were having a horrible effect on my gut. However, I feel rough again (stopped a month ago) with achy joints and fatigue. I wish I could afford to see a proper menopause specialist- my GP gives out treatment without any real idea what works best/suits individuals. I would love to find HRT that works without the terrible stomach side effects.

Had a few days of hot flushes at work one January aged 50 - realised hadn’t had a period since the previous October ( and haven’t since ) - made a GP appointment and been on it since - interestingly sleep improved - been on it 8yrs now and no plans to stop

theconversation.com/is-hrt-safe-to-use-for-the-menopause-what-the-science-says-50564

Hard to say exactly, as it definitely was a stressful time.
Things exacerbated by peri (I think) anxiety, general flat feeling, feeling no joy in anything, complete loss of libido, tiredness.
Diagnosed with depression/anxiety.
Recently started hrt, feel loads better.

I wanted to stop crying at work before I lost my job. It also sorted my aching joints. Supplements exercise and diet changes didn't touch it, but once on hrt I had the energy to exercise again. Check your facts about the things you are worried about and notice that it has some health benefits too, especially for prevention of osteoporosis.

I eat healthily, exercise and am not overweight. I take HRT and it has revolutionised my life. No more foggy brain or tearing mood swings, my vaginal atrophy has improved and I feel like the old me. I have been on it now for 3+ years and will try to stay on it for as long as possible.