The benefits of HRT -on going discussion

[pinkfrocks]

I thought I'd start this thread because I seem to reply to lots of posts saying the same thing.
I know that some women don't want HRT and that's a personal choice. On the other hand though it can be fantastic for women who are really suffering and who have tried everything else to no avail.
There is also a lot of mis-information about HRT based on the now-reviewed research done 10 years ago that showed certain risks and these have now been shown to be exaggerated.

HRT usually works really well for hot flushes, night sweats, dry vagina and bladder problems, low bone density, joint pain, memory, moods, and a whole load of other stuff.

There is now a lot of evidence that taken within 10 years of the menopause it reduces heart disease by 50% ( the biggest killer in the UK) and also reduces risk of colon cancer.

I'm not saying it's right for everyone but all I'd say is if you are suffering then make an effort to read all the research out there then make your choice. Websites like www.menopausematters.co.uk and the British Menopause Society have unbiased and expert content that's worth reading.

mybody this was a private consultant, the Mirena was inserted when I had an operation to remove a cyst from an ovary. However I no longer have private health care so I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I would certainly prefer to stay on HRT as I'm terrified of returning to the way I felt before.

There's no way I'm coming off HRT - not ever, no.

Elliptic - not all consultants believe the same thing just the same as not all GPs believe the same thing, or work in the same way. Some are more pro HRT than others and even if they aren't, they should allow a patient to have the final say as long as they acknowledge the risks.
A relationship with a dr should be an equal partnership- not them playing 'god'!

Interesting thread. I'm already in chemo induced menopause and will be having ovaries removed next week - I'm 37, have had breast cancer and am BRCA2 positive. Research I've done indicates that a low dose HRT may be suitable for me, but other places say it's a complete no no because of the breast cancer. Any thoughts? The hot flushes and insomnia are not fun!

weebarra, you are way to young to accept old age!
Menopause (getting old) can lead to:

Thickening waist, thinning hair, coarser skin, deepening voice, facial hair, sagging skin, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, hot flushes, brain fog, tearfulness, insomnia, vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, lack of libido... and that's not all of it.

Some women are happy to slip gently into old age and if you're one of them, then that's alright.

For the rest of us - theirs HRT thank god

Sorry to hear about your illness and dilemma.
I think this is one where you need advice from really good oncologists. I think I've read that sometimes HRT is appropriate if all the risks and benefits are weighed up. I suppose the question is have you had a total mastectomy and if not are you still at risk if you took oestrogen?

And I still think Pinkfrocks comments sums it up perfecty:

Women are living longer now (maybe we weren't supposed to - biologically) But we are.
So, why should we have to go through the second half of our lives suffering because of lack of hormones? There's no need.

and this:

There are some women who cannot use HRT for medical reasons and they need support too. But the vast majority of women can if it's something they want to try. I mean, would men want to live another 30 years or more with their balls cut off- and suffer the ill effects of no testosterone?

Yes, I've had a bilateral mastectomy - I had cancer in both breasts. I will have a chat with my oncologist. I'm completely pro-HRT, it was great for her, but I do have to weigh up the quality of life thing with the being dead because of cancer thing.

weebarra, that sounds a tough choice for you. I had a "surgical
2 menopause though I was ten years older than you. I don't feel that it has made me an old woman though. I've had a second bone density scan three and a half years on and my bone density is fine and hasn't changed from the first scan. I go running three times a week (not particularly fast or far) and I try and walk as much as I can. I rarely drink and I try and eat a good diet with plenty of vegetables and not too much processed sugary foods. It's all fairly dull and standard stuff but I feel really well on it. My hot flushes are not too bad and I am sleeping much better than I did. All in all I feel pretty positive. Just my own experience though.

I think HRT can be really good for many women but risk is different for different people and everyone has to consider their own personal risk.

mkmjimmy I'm on Qlaira as well, apparently it's relatively new and I assumed it was a relatively "mild" version of HRT. I'm a few years older than you and although I've been on it for nearly a year now, I really don't think it's working for me. It sorted out my night sweats and insomnia to a certain extent but I'm finding the mood swings quite frightening now and am going to ask for something stronger (or different at any rate).

Could I ask people about their experience of the Mirena Coil wrt menopause. You hear such scare stories about it, and the doctors are always pushing it, which means I have resisted having one up until now - but I'm thinking maybe that plus conventional HRT may be the answer.

I'm doing the mirena/Estradot 100mg patch combi. Seems to alleviate hot flushes but my memory is still shot to fuck, and the brain fog continues.

rockdoctor I mentioned above I'm using the Mirena and Elleste solo, it's been wonderful for me - brain fog gone, all symptoms gone, no more dry skin, memory improved wonder if they could give it to DH

Hello. Checking in to the thread.
My GP was about to start giving me HRT but then she vanished in a puff of smoke leaving without continuity of care, and, more importantly, her hand to hold.
Luffly, she was, and I don't know why she left.

Hi. Joining in

You replied to my other thread - thank you.

For the benefit of the other posters, I'm 46 and have been on 3 types of HRT so far. None have ageed with me and I decided to stop taking my tablets in August before I killed someone. Mentally, I feel fab, the best I have felt in years. Physically, I feel exhausted and I'm experiencing warm flushes (not hot, raging flushes). Deep down I know I should be taking something but I can't face going back to the anger and depression I felt when taking HRT.

I shall read this thread with interest.

Have you looked at the ingredients of what you were taking?
There are 3 main progestogens and a bio identical one too.
Have a look at the menopause matters website under HRT preparations?
It's usually the progestogens that cause side effects- oestrogen doesn't.

If you have only ever had pills STOP! They are not so safe, a lot is lost during digestion, and the best ways are patches or gel with a separate progestogen.

A friend at work has recommended a local clinic that specialises in the menopause. It's self referring so I'm going to make an appointment. I'll update withthe outcome. 4th time lucky?