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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be fed up with the mixed messages about HRT

56 replies

Cinammoncake · 26/08/2019 18:00

Today's being that compounded HRT (ebHRT) is unsafe. It's not surprising that women are reluctant to go on HRT. I feel like one minute you're told no it's fine go on it, then things like this which cast doubt.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cinammoncake · 26/08/2019 19:38

bumping for any HRT views or experiences

OP posts:
BG2015 · 26/08/2019 19:48

I had a hysterectomy in 2017. Began to suffer with terrible night sweats, mood swings, tiredness, joint pain. It was affecting my sleep, work and relationships.

I read up on HRT, went on the Menopause board on MN, consulted with my practice nurse at my doctors and spoke to other women. I decided to start taking HRT, and it was like a miracle.

I have no history of breast cancer and have regular check ups at the doctors. For me it's been the best decision.

Check out the Menopause board as there is a wealth of experience and advice on there.

Original poster
Cinammoncake · 26/08/2019 20:07

Thanks BG2015 will take a look and repost on there Smile

OP posts:
lljkk · 26/08/2019 20:12

Guardian is saying that the stuff declared 'unsafe' in today's news is unregulated. It won't be what an NHS GP would offer. It's stuff that people get thru other channels.

lljkk · 26/08/2019 20:14

Guardian article.
It's a very specific unregulated version of HRT sold by private clinics that the official bodies want to discourage women from pursuing.

thenightsky · 26/08/2019 20:18

It's getting very difficult to get it through the NHS, so I can see why women are looking around for other sources.

MiniCooperLover · 26/08/2019 20:21

A friend who is having early menopause and has been on HRT for the last year or so (she's 37) has just this week been warned it's becoming difficult to source it (thanks Brexit) so she's been offered a coil despite not having troublesome periods and basically been told she may have to just get on with it 😳

HazelBite · 26/08/2019 20:31

I've been on HRT for 10 years, I am terrified that I won't be able to get supplies soon, I am a gibbering wreck when I've had to come off it (for surgery) and cannot think straight.
I have an aunt, now in her 90's that took it for 30 years, she was a medical professional, and is very pro HRT, if you are suffering.

Original poster
Cinammoncake · 26/08/2019 20:52

Thanks all. Yes, there's also the Brexit factor - feels a bit dodgy to start it at the moment, just in case supplies dry up.

OP posts:
BG2015 · 26/08/2019 21:17

I've had to have an alternative drug but it is NOT to do with Brexit, it's because the factory that makes it has relocated and supplies are low until the factory is back up to speed.

I'm due to go back in September for a check up so I'm going to ask my GP for a years supply (they usually say every 6 months).

Original poster
Cinammoncake · 26/08/2019 21:40

Oh I didn't realise that BG2015 thanks

OP posts:
thenightsky · 26/08/2019 22:03

I'm going to ask my GP for a years supply (they usually say every 6 months).

blimey you're lucky… I'm only given one month at a time at my surgery (dispensing practice) Shock

allthatmalarkey · 26/08/2019 22:07

Watch the Mariella Frostrup menopause thing on bbc iplayer. That handles the risks brilliantly.

TheWernethWife · 27/08/2019 21:21

HRT - took it for over 15 years, was a life saver. Started early menopause and was angry at everything, fantasized about stabbing my boss, nice guy but really got on my nerves. Felt like a new woman after being a crying, snivelling wreck.

Original poster
Cinammoncake · 30/08/2019 09:41

So it's not just the unregulated stuff that's unsafe it seems. Today's news saying HRT twice as likely to cause breast cancer as thought. And the supposed benefits don't last either. No doubt we'll be told not to worry about it Hmm

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berlinbabylon · 30/08/2019 09:44

I am not at all convinced that some of these studies aren't just another stick to beat women with: oh get over yourselves, these hormones are bad for you, it's only a hot flush.

I am not keen on messing around with hormones but my mum has been on HRT for more than 30 years and it works for her. Just leave women alone to make their own decisions (also see pregnancy and how you feed your baby).

Londonbum · 30/08/2019 09:49

I think women should be able to make their own decisions about HRT (and everything else for that matter) but, frustrating as it can be to see these headlines, we do need as much good information as possible to do this.

The study reported today does show an increased risk, but it’s up to each individual to assess how they feel about the risk-benefit ratio. It’s a value judgement, not a scientific one.

fussychica · 30/08/2019 09:54

I cant velieve this has all changed again.
I wonder about the timing of the release of the results from this study. Cynic that I am, it makes me wonder if they hope this news will make women drop HRT at a time of shortage thus easing the pressure.

Original poster
Cinammoncake · 30/08/2019 10:23

That did cross my mind too fussychica

It's not right though that women over 50 are supposed to put up and shut up or take risks with drugs when the advice keeps changing. There needs to be a lot more discussion about the menopause and about what HRT entails and ideally alternatives too. It's so frustrating either way, and you don't know what to believe/do any more

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JustHereWithMyPopcorn · 30/08/2019 10:30

I am also wondering about the timing of this advice. Hmm Been struggling to get HRT for 6 months now, everything seems to be hard to get hold of.

I remember my mum abandoning her HRT years ago when the last scare came out about it (and the pill). She stopped it immediately because of the scaremongering in the papers without looking in to it properly or talking to her GP. She was not even a high risk factor. Lots of women will do the same this time and lo and behold, no demand on the NHS for essential medicine.

And yes I do mean essential. It allows women to function fully without all the debilitating side effects of peri menopause and menopause. If you haven't experienced it then be grateful, honestly.

I for one will weigh up my risks versus benefit and make an informed choice.

HazelBite · 30/08/2019 10:42

I watched Dr Hilary on the TV this morning talking about this he said the figures are 2 in every 100 run the risk, there is a higher risk from excessive alcohol consumption, not breastfeeding and obesity!
I think if you have a family history of breat cancer it would be something to consider.

Original poster
Cinammoncake · 30/08/2019 10:53

It feels like nobody actually knows though doesn't it. So I don't necessarily believe Dr Hilary.

OP posts:
JustHereWithMyPopcorn · 30/08/2019 10:59

You're right they don't know for sure,but that research indicates the risk factor. But for me, I don't want to go back to how I was before starting HRT, I don't have family history of breast cancer and I will do regular breast checks just as I do regular blood pressure tests.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 30/08/2019 11:02

Like a lot of medical treatments it’s a balance of benefit vs risk. If you have a family history of osteoporosis maybe the risk of breast cancer isn’t a major consideration: if you have a family history of breast cancer it could be a risk you are not comfortable taking.

All you can do is make an informed judgement based on your individual circumstances.

So I will not use HRT (I am 50) as my DM had breast cancer at 39 and my symptoms as manageable so far.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 30/08/2019 11:03

are manageable