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Menopause

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Original poster

HRT long term

27 replies

Applejack87 · 08/01/2021 11:53

I’m 54 and currently not taking HRT , realistically how long would you stay on HRT
Estrogen is such an important hormone protecting our hearts , bones & brain
My aunt is 84 and has been on HRT since her 40’s she is so fit and healthy , she’s sprightly & does everything in her home herself you wouldn’t think she was 84 . A few months ago she was pushed over quite severely by a drunk on the st & was admitted to hospital she feels that if she hadn’t been on hrt she would have broken bones she feels that if it wasn’t for hrt she’d be an old lady lol
The Dr does keep advising her to come off it but she’s not having it , as it keeps her young .

OP posts:
JinglingHellsBells · 08/01/2021 12:49

There is no time limit and this is in the NICE guidance.

It's down to you and your own dr to assess your risks and preferences.

There is a risk of cancer with it, which increases slightly in the longer term, but bear in mind it also protects your bones, heart, reduces bowel cancer, and diabetes.

At the end of the day you have to work out what you are happy with.

My own consultant told me they have at least one if not more women in their 90s using HRT (one started quite late with it as well I think.)

I have also seen podcasts on the Liz Earle Wellbeing site where meno specialists refer to several of their patients in their 80s being on it and they do not advise them to stop.

I mean, what's the point? If they are using transdermal which is safe re; clots. they are probably still benefiting.

I had heard rumours years ago that both the late Queen Mother and the Queen used HRT long term but no one will ever know the truth on that!

dingledongle · 08/01/2021 17:23

Interesting thread, why do women have such a fear of hrt? Is it the bad rep from years ago?

I wonder whether most women would benefit?

It seems we have to fight for any help, imagine of these issues were experienced by men! Firstly there would be more options and secondly more research 🧐

Spodge · 08/01/2021 19:22

They can prise it from my cold, dead hands...

bevelino · 08/01/2021 22:16

@Spodge

They can prise it from my cold, dead hands...
This Grin
winterw · 09/01/2021 09:53

Trinny Woodall done a piece on her YouTube channel with a menopause expert it's worth checking out and this expert was saying there is no reason for women to stop taking HRT and breast cancer is minimal risk now from all the new research and we should be insisting to our GP's to stay on HRT for the long term ! Which is something I'm definitely going to push for as I get a bit older and they try and take me of it .

Ibizafun · 09/01/2021 22:37

I have been told by my hormone consultant that I can stay on it as long as I like.

Ibizafun · 09/01/2021 22:38

Exactly Spodge I’ll be taking it to my graveGrin

Oblomov20 · 09/01/2021 22:41

I've only been on it a short time, after a very long fight to get it.
But is it actually a good idea to stay on it long term? Why would you? What would happen if you came off it? After 10, 15, x+ years? Why would you want to be on it at 60? 70? 80?

Cocolapew · 09/01/2021 22:45

I've been on it about 8 years and have no intention of giving it up soon. During the shortage I couldn't get it and the aches and pains and tiredness was awful.

JinglingHellsBells · 10/01/2021 08:54

@Oblomov20

I've only been on it a short time, after a very long fight to get it. But is it actually a good idea to stay on it long term? Why would you? What would happen if you came off it? After 10, 15, x+ years? Why would you want to be on it at 60? 70? 80?
When you are young, everyone who is older seems ancient :)

I am in my 60s and been on it for 12 years.

Reasons I am using it the same as when I started; night sweats, insomnia and to help my bones (I had low bone density even before menopause)and protect my heart as CVD runs in my mum's side of the family.

Stopping hrt may cause pelvic floor disaster (prolapse and bladder issues) osteoporosis, dementia, heart disease, arthritis and goodness what else!

Research from the International Menopause Society shows women on long term HRT live longer and healthier lives.

But- personal choice and I'm not saying everyone should carry on forever.

I tried stopping for a month last year and all my symptoms came back.

Original poster
Applejack87 · 10/01/2021 09:17

I’m having a mammogram today which I’ve been putting off because of covid
Hopefully if the results are ok I’m asking my gp about hrt I’m only 54 but feel old
I’ve been awake all night unable to sleep 😴 and terrible pains in my hips and joints , I had a 45 minute chilled walk yesterday & my joints ached afterwards . My mum sadly passed away with dementia and it scares me she also had terrible arthritis in both knees . Estrogen is such an important hormone for overall health , if I’m feeling like this now what will I be like in the future
As previously mentioned my aunt has been on it over 30 years and she’s like a 21 year old
Ok hrt doesn’t suit everyone but I’m going to give it a go

OP posts:
JinglingHellsBells · 10/01/2021 09:43

When someone asks why would a woman want to use HRT at 60, 70 or 80, it reminds me of young people saying why would people that age want to have sex! Grin

It's like saying you are over the hill and shouldn't want to stay healthy and enjoy life.

Original poster
Applejack87 · 10/01/2021 10:58

Why would anyone want to suffer if there’s a possible solution ? Especially in later life it’s about a good quality of life , everything comes with a risk & I feel that once it’s monitored there shouldn’t be a problem
I used to be a bit worried about HRT but the way in which I’m feeling at the moment has completely changed my mind

OP posts:
Getbuzywiththefizzy · 10/01/2021 11:12

I feel in such a dilemma about it.
I’m nearly 48 and starting to really suffer some perimenopause symptoms, the thought of feeling like this for years on end is down right depressing. My poor 78 year old mum has never taken HRT and has so many health issues:- heart problems, osteoporosis with a dowagers hump and worst of all Alzheimer’s.
However, I also suffer from awful, awful health anxiety and the cancer scare stories about HRT are etched in my brain even though I spend most of my spare time on sites like Dr Newsons.

JinglingHellsBells · 10/01/2021 11:13

@Getbuzywiththefizzy

I feel in such a dilemma about it. I’m nearly 48 and starting to really suffer some perimenopause symptoms, the thought of feeling like this for years on end is down right depressing. My poor 78 year old mum has never taken HRT and has so many health issues:- heart problems, osteoporosis with a dowagers hump and worst of all Alzheimer’s. However, I also suffer from awful, awful health anxiety and the cancer scare stories about HRT are etched in my brain even though I spend most of my spare time on sites like Dr Newsons.
Sadly, the issues your mum has tend to be genetic and you need to have your own bone density assessed at some point around 50.

HRT will protect your heart and bones, and they also think, the brain.

TheOriginalNutty · 10/01/2021 14:26

I started HRT at 36 (now 42), after a total abdominal hysterectomy. I was told I'd have to take it for a minimum of 20 years for bone protection but as a pp said, they'd have to prise it from my hands to get me off it lol

Rafflesway · 10/01/2021 14:38

I'm mid 60's and have been taking HRT for 8 years.

I was initially against taking it 🙄 but suffered a horrendous 10 year menopause. My female GP finally convinced me to give it a try and to say it proved a life changer is an understatement.

Like PP's, I intend to take it for the rest of my days although I have reduced the dosage to half now as I find it is sufficient. Only ever had one doctor suggest I start weaning myself off it. Yep, a MALE locum!😡. I VERY politely told him to do one. 😁

Neliyordanova · 11/01/2021 13:20

Hi. I recently started HTR . My GP prescribe me Utrogestan 100 mg. I feel bloated and pain in my ovaries . I read that it can be used viganally. Does it come in a different form or same capsule can be used virgin ally?

Deux · 11/01/2021 20:42

@Spodge

They can prise it from my cold, dead hands...
Same. I’ve only been on it for 3 years and I haven’t felt so well since before I had my children.

My consultant has patients in their 80s on HRT. Also, interestingly, my consultant claims that when she’s out and about she can tell which women are on HRT.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 11/01/2021 20:47

I've been taking Kliovance since I was 45, I'm 58 now. There is no way I am coming off it until at the very least I retire if then.

bestbefore · 11/01/2021 20:47

Wish my bloody GP would let me have it...AngryAngry

Annamaywong25 · 11/01/2021 20:54

Another vote FOR. Started an early menopause at 46 and was prescribed it. Been on it 17 years and am like a spring chicken! Will be on it till I take my last breath if I have my way! Smile

Elphame · 11/01/2021 22:04

I've been on it about 5 years - came off in preparation for surgery and got full meno symptoms back in spades.

I'm not the ideal candidate for HRT but I have no choice and I'm working with a specialist to find a combination I can stay on indefinitely. I just can't face life without it and I'll take the risks

Teenageromance · 11/01/2021 22:11

@Deux how can she tell which women are on hrt?

JinglingHellsBells · 11/01/2021 22:19

@bestbefore

Wish my bloody GP would let me have it...AngryAngry
so why won't they? have you 'fought back'?
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