How do you know if you need HRT?

[Destinysdaughter]

I'm 52 and last year periods stopped for 4 months, then I had 2, now stopped again. Had hot flushes but no other symptoms ( except not much sex drive ), just wondered what the benefits of HRT were and if it's worth going to GP for a chat/check up? Or not...?

There are benefits to HRT but you would probably have a problem getting an NHS dr to give it to you if you don't have symptoms that are really bothering you.

The new NICE guidelines say each woman has to be treated as an individual and risk / benefits weighed up.

I was adamant I'd not use HRT, but insomnia and hourly hot flushes ( awful when in a client facing role) made me ask for it. Now used it for 8 years. I think the benefits for bones and heart are important (for me personally) as well as bladder and vaginal health.

You need to do some reading around it- Menopause Matters is a great site- read the blogs on the Home page by Dr Currie.

Thanks Polly

It helps me when hot flushes were becoming completely unbearable, but you will get a lot of conflicting advice as to what works and what doesn't.

Your colleagues tell you they won't work with you any more if you don't start taking it is when yes they really did. Much better now after HRT.

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