HRT under 50 and breast cancer risks

[cola2019]

I am almost 46 and have been peri menopausal for 4 years. It all started in my early 40's when my periods became very erratic no bleeding for 3 months then a bleed every 2 weeks but the flow became lighter and lighter every time I had a period. 2 blood tests 6 months apart showed high fsh levels. As I was only 42 at the time the lovely dr at my practice informed me of the pros and cons to HRT but as I was under 50 she said in her opinion that the benefits outweighed the risks. I did my own research and found evidence to suggest that if you reach menopause under 50 HRT is necessary to protect your heart and bones. So I started on Ellesse duet and then when the supplies started to dwindle I started on novofe. 4 years ago I wasn't aware I had any menopausal symptoms at all but since being on HRT palpitations at night, nausea and a hot face have completely disappeared. I put all these little nuances down to being a busy stressed working mum as I was only 42 I had no idea that these were signs of the menopause.

Had my review at drs today and the Dr I used to see has left so I saw the other dr who is ok but very non commital. He told me that I need to be aware of the new risks of breast cancer that has been researched and re evaluate my use of HRT based on fact and evidence on both sides I asked him his opinion and he was very non commital and said it is my choice. I don't know what to do. Help!!

There is some controversy over the latest research. It comes up with slightly different results to all other research. It may be flawed. It doesn't cover the types of HRT used mainly today for a start, but does look back at HRT used in trials 20 years ago. It's very complicated and the British Menopause Society has made some statements about the latest research along the lines that it is alarming women and GPs perhaps unnecessarily.

The risks of BC are very small. The risks of osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia are greater for women with an early menopause. It is a personal choice.

If you do decide to stop HRT before 50, then make sure you have DEXA bone density scans every 3 years .

This website is brilliant for advice and facts

www.themenopausedoctor.co.uk

Your story sounds like my experience. I had an early menopause at 42 and I am on hrt for 2 years now. Premature or early menopause is considered as a medical condition that needs therapy until at least 51. That is the official medical advice. The risks don’t apply to us.

@Emerald13 There was a report of research published in the UK in August (in the Lancet) which showed that the risk to women under 50 was still there. However, this is the only research which has shown this. In the UK there is a lot of controversy over the report and I think, on balance, most specialists would agree that HRT for early menopause is necessary.
Having said that, everyone has to make up their own mind on risks/ benefits.

@cola2019 This is from the British Menopause Society website. Their site is very good for information. If you look under the tabs 'news' or scroll down the Home page you will find more on their response to the Lancet report.

thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/HRT-and-breast-cancer-risk-should-women-be-worried.pdf

Hi Bells! Thank you for replying!
I have mentioned the Lancet report to my gyn and my endocrinologist and they both agree that hrt doesn’t cause cancer, it promotes an existing one. They are very pro hrt, maybe for life if it is my choice.
They both say that Lancet report doesn’t offer something new and it is based more on bias and myths from the past.
I agree with you and taking hrt is more a personal choice and nobody can reassure us for what will happen if we take or avoid hrt.

@JinglingHellsBells what age do you think until a woman can use hrt safely? My doctor told me that the average natural menopause age in my country was 48. I was quite shocked to be honest.