Excuse my ignorance but....

[AuntyJackiesBrothersSistersBoy]

I’m 56. Should I be post menopausal now? I’m on HRT but want to come off it.

Yes.

But being post menopause doesn't mean all your symptoms will have gone for good. You may be grateful for the HRT for some time yet! I'm early 60s and still using it.

Ahh. May I ask, have you gained any weight whilst taking it?

Ask your doctor for a FSH blood test. My understanding is that the usual scale for a fertile woman is 3.5 to 12.5. Symptoms can last until the mid sixties. I know how you feel - I was ignorant of all things menopausal until a few weeks ago, so having to quickly catch up! :)

'fraid NICE has advised no blood tests for women over 45: too ££ (waste of NHS cash), and no point as the advice is treat symptoms. (

At 56 it would be highly unlikely to be having periods ( average age to stop is 51) though not impossible.

There is no set length of time that symptoms can last. Consultants say that they have women in their 80s and 90s using HRT because the symptoms sometimes never go away.

@AuntyJackie No, not at all (weight gain.)

Queen I am just wondering if the women who are on hrt in their 80s and 90s, take only estrogen because of hysterectomies or are on cyclical type of HRT. I guess that estrogen alone is far more safe than cyclical, isn’t it?

Queen I had been period free for 2 years when I first started HRT. As for the weight, I’ll have to do something because I’m at the same weight now as when I gave birth to DS, 18 yrs ago 😐

I am just wondering if the women who are on hrt in their 80s and 90s, take only estrogen because of hysterectomies or are on cyclical type of HRT. I guess that estrogen alone is far more safe than cyclical, isn’t it?

Some might be but others are probably on continuous/ no bleed.

AuntyJackie- Lifestyle changes- less food ( due to changing metabolism) and more exercise. Only way!

Thanks for replying Queen! 💐

Yes, I’ve gotten into some bad habits, for sure.

Much of my life (like most people) is stressful, chronically. No way of changing it....it’s a “live with it” scenario. I’ve recently read of a link between chronic stress, increased cortisol levels and weight gain. My eating habits haven’t changed but I guess I need to accept that I cannot eat at that level, anymore.