Keeping on taking HRT into mid-late 50s

[M0stlyHet]

I'm early 50s, on HRT, very happily so, working brilliantly for me. But (there had to be a but) I have a new GP (lovely old one retired) who has given me another year's worth of repeat prescriptions but is making noises about taking me off HRT.

Except that my family history is one of osteo-arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, not breast/uterine etc. cancers. And I've just been for a physio appointment for what turns out to be tronchanteric pain syndrome - again, post-menopausal musculo-skeletal problems which lack of oestrogen would exacerbate. So my feeling is that given my particular family history and experience so far, I actually am prepared to take the risks on HRT for as long as possible - my skeleton and muscles are the things that pose the highest risk to me.

Can anyone (Pinkfrocks?) point me at some good research literature to help make the case to my new GP?

There is no time limit on the use of HRT if it's benefiting you. Many of us are in our 60s and still using it.

patient.info/doctor/hormone-replacement-therapy-including-benefits-and-risks#ref-35

See here- scroll right down to the HRT part. You may also find it on the Menopause Matters website and the NICE guidelines.

Just tell your GP you have no risk factors and want to carry on.

From the above website

"The dose, regimen and duration of HRT need to be individualised. There is no maximum duration of time for women to take HRT; for the women who continue to have symptoms, their benefits from HRT usually outweigh any risks. Systemic HRT should not be arbitrarily stopped at age 65 years; instead treatment duration should be individualised based on patients' risk profiles and personal preference.[35]"

I had to go on it at 47 after removal of ovaries and it's fab (tried without and was dysfunctional) I see a specialist and she said to maybe try around 54 to reduce it slowly to a point when I have no symptoms still.
I won't be giving mine up without a fight that's for sure

Thanks, those are really useful links. Fingers crossed for persuading the GP.

The idea that HRT should only be used for 2-5 years came I think from the notion that this is how long some women have symptoms. But the reality is that something like 20% of women have symptoms for 15+ years or longer.

This link is to menopause matters and the author of this is Dr Currie, chairperson of the BMS. It's a 10 point summary of NICE.

www.menopausematters.co.uk/toptips-feb2016.php

This is what it says

February 2016

Ten key points from NICE guideline

(National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - NICE)

Women should have access to evidence based information about menopause and treatment options to help them make informed, individual decisions about menopause management
Blood tests should not be used to diagnose perimenopause or menopause in women aged over 45
HRT should be offered for menopause related vasomotor symptoms and low mood
Clonidine or antidepressants should not be routinely offered for menopausal symptoms
vaginal estrogen should be offered for urogenital symptoms, even if HRT is also taken, and continued long term
Women should have access to specialist services when:
treatments do not improve menopausal symptoms
side effects persist
concern from medical history about use of HRT
The decision to stop HRT should be made by each woman when she feels is the right time for her; she should not be given arbitrary limits on duration of HRT. When stopping HRT can be stopped gradually or suddenly
HRT does not increase risk of cardiovascular disease when started in women under age 60
Any increase in breast cancer risk is related to treatment duration and reduces after HRT is stopped, with HRT promoting tumour growth rather than causing tumour
Women with Premature Ovarian insufficiency should be offered hormonal treatment up to average age of menopause at least