I want to give in and start HRT

[Michrose]

I am 47 years old. For about 4 years I have had intense itching down below. I have had lots of tests and nothing they can find. Possible chance I have pruritus of the vagina. I have been on and off antidepressants. Changed my diet and what I wash my body in etc. inknow there are dangers with hrt and I worry as I am a mum . Any positive stories from anyone that are on HRT. Not had my period for 6 months so I am guessing I am hitting the menopause’s. Hot flushes aren’t as frequent etc.thank you 😩😊

It’s not giving in. I got sepsis from a uti and vaginal oestrogen can usually be used by people who’ve had breast cancer as the dose is so low.
So even if you don’t want to take systemic hrt, then at least use vaginal oestrogen

modern hrt doesn’t increase risk of breast cancer like old methods did… in fact the risk is higher from drinking alcohol but I see nobody worrying as much about that!

Ask for Yes VM vaginal moisturiser as well as HRT. The risks of HRT are tiny and the benefits potentially huge.

there has been some recent research linking it to increased risk of dementia, in particular amongst those who have a particular gene/family history of it, and that does worry me. So although there are lots of people who say the risks are really low, much lower than they thought they were, there are still some specific ones that are concerning. A lot of things aren't that clear yet, like the dementia link, and is probably different depending on people's genetics. People in that study had a mix of types of hrt, including tablets, so some of it might be lessened with patches, but not sure yet.
Also lots of positive and protective effects. So it is a hard decision for sure, I'm thinking about it myself.
I do know doctors who are very against medicalising menopause and say they don't want to take it unless things get unbearable, but they tend to be the sort of people who think anything natural is better!!

It could be lichen sceloris (sorry, spelling is wrong) if the itching is the only symptom.

"Giving in"

Bullshit.

HRT is the bomb.

I am 48 and use topical estrogen/testosterone and take progesterone each night.

I feel like I am fucking 25 again. Except this time I have my shit together and don't feel like I have to tolerate anyone's nonsense.

If you need the medicine. Take it.

Wasn't intended to be patronising. Just brief.
OP did not mention her own mum's cancer in her initial post, which is the most important factor. Instead she said she was a mum. Well, so are we all!
With a family history of breast cancer, perhaps she is a poor candidate. But I would urge her to get a second opinion or specialist advice as most doctors know very little about HRT.

I am so on the fence about taking it. Don't feel my symptoms are massive. I exercise regularly and have other autoimmune conditions that cause lots of symptoms of menopause so not sure I'd even notice! Maybe I notice a slight change in mood and maybe energy levels. Have the odd night (like now) where I can't sleep but it is the odd night.

I am on the pill so was prescribed double my pill and the gel. However the doc forgot to up my pill prescription so have just sat on it all while still deciding.

She did say I could experience random bleeding etc. currently don't have periods due to my pill. Occasional breakthrough bits but that is all. Would say not as lubricated down below but a bit of gel sorts that no problem.

I think my fear is that symptoms don't seem extreme and worry I may get worse symptoms by using it. Have read so many mixed reviews apart from this thread where everyone is super positive!

I do find it strange that we are completely happy to take the pill (myself included) from a young age - the pill is a completely synthetic hormone whereas HRT is not. The pill goes through the liver in tablet form yet HRT can be transdermal. The pill stops ovulation. I took it for 15 years!

I think there’s so much misinformation about HRT. Especially the newer forms.

This talk of ‘medicalising’ menopause. If I didn’t have my low dose patch then I’d be on - sleeping pills as I wasn’t sleeping for more than 30 minutes at a time and probably anti depressants for mood and anxiety. All which would treat the symptoms not the cause. Far more medication!!

I didn’t take the pill. Did when in early 20s and didn’t get on with it . Anti depressants , I was on Prozac and I think they helped me a lot. I don’t take them any longer. I have b12 injections and now on just the tablets , vit d, ahcc and probiotics. I haven’t been unwell for over a year and off the antidepressants. My hot flushes seem to be returning but not as frequent, I haven’t been using the aloe Vera gyn gel down below which has stopped my itching but I still feel the hrt is likely to make me feel better overall. It’s so hard to decide x

yes We are all mums . Just saying it’s alot to think about . I can’t reply to each individual post as I have no idea how to lol.

I had a lot of vulval itching for a couple of years. Also dryness. Gone in a week. More comfortable sex. Sleeping through the night again. That took a little longer. No more hot flushes. A lot less irritable. A vote for HRT from me. Oh, and achey joints much improved.

You could always start on the vagjnal oestrogen which has zero risk (it’s safe for those who have had breast cancer).

Meridabrave yes I am going to book In and see my dr again , I can only try it . I don’t think I can handle another summer with the hot flushes again , it made me feel so miserable .

Several drs have examined me and said it's not lichen sclerosus. It's worse when I use tampons and sanitary towels. Bubble baths , o haven't had a period since September and was relived that I may have finally hit the menopause but came on my period Saturday evening .