Anyone asked for HRT when they are post menopause? How easy was it?

[SwedishEdith]

I'm over 5 years post menopause. I had some hot flushes at the time but not enough to disturb everyday life. But, during a recent x-ray for something else, it's been noticed I have some bone thinning. I don't like the sound of that. I've been given Vit D and calcium tablets but I think I'd like to try HRT. Recently, my sleep has also gone to pot - waking at 3 or 4 in the morning. Plus, parents both died of heart related issues (but, could have been because of lifestyle).

So, in short, all these things are starting to make me think I'd like to try HRT. But how easy is it to get it at my age? Are GPs resistant to prescribing it is I'm now post-menopause? I'm already anticipating being fobbed off.

@SwedishEdith HRT is for women in peri meno and post meno.

You can start HRT at any time and the most benefits come when starting within 10 years of your last period.

There are women using it in their 80s and 90s. My consultant started someone on it at a very old age!

Why do you think your GP might object?

You say you had some bone thinning- assume this wasn't a DEXA scan with an actual score of your bone density?
If it was you need the results so you can see how bad it is.
If you did not have a DEXA scan you ought to if it was picked up that you had bone loss.

I'm just anticipating they might object so want to be prepared.

I wondered why it hadn't been suggested as it was following an x-ray for a joint issue. They weren't looking for that but my GP said the results showed some indication of bone thinning. It was quite a quick call during work time and I wasn't expecting her to say that so didn't really have time to think about what I wanted to ask. But, having now mulled over it, I'm thinking I'd like to try HRT.

It's probably worth you spending half an hour reading and watching the info on the website of the British Menopause Society. It covers all of this @SwedishEdith.
thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/

You can also go to BMS TV on the same page thebms.org.uk/publications/bms-tv/

If you see your GP it may be best to focus on a) your meno symptoms and b) your bone thinning.

You do need to push for a DEXA scan as if you have low bone density it needs rescanning every 3 years starting now with a base line score.

Some GPs will not give you HRT for low bone density and will push other drugs, but HRT is licensed for women under 60 with low bone density. You can find an article on it on the first link I left to the BMS.

I have recently asked for exactly the same reasons and it was agreed without question.
I'm on Lenzetto spray in morning and Uteogestan 100mg at night

Bone density was a major reason, together with anxiety/brain fog and sleep issues.

No hot flushes, last period around 8 yrs ago? She said this was ok. Previous GP was not so helpful

Hope this helps

Ps. I phoned after watching the Davina programme and made list of my symptoms. I am not due another bone scan until next year, but GP said to start asap. I was prepared for a bit of a battle!!

As posted on another thread my periods stopped early 50s and I thought I had got through the menopause with good diet and exercise, which largely seemed to work. Late 50s now and the last 9 months have been challenging. Lack of sleep, vaginal atrophy, dead libido, hair loss, massive struggle to lose weight and nightmare hot flushes. I went to a trichologist about the hair which triggered blood tests and due to non existent hormones it got me thinking about HRT. I asked to speak to a female GP who was fabulous and my male GP followed up with a phone call when he was back from holiday. He was also fabulous and supportive suggesting I try some testosterone too if the libido was still low. Im so pleasantly surprised I can't tell you ! Im three weeks in and I don't want to imagine things but I think it might be making a difference. Go for it OP.

I had a gp call booked this week to discuss the same things. My last period was 4 years ago and I thought I was dealing with the menopause but frankly I'm fed up with it now, the crap sleep, vaginal dryness, no libido, I'm angry and shouty (I'm a great wife at the mo!) and generally a bit volatile.
I'm really hoping not to have a battle to get it

Oh, thank you all.

Thanks for the links @JinglingHellsBells. Yes, I need to push for a scan - just somehow thought I'd be invited for something (I know with Covid etc but at least some information).

Right, will make a list and make a call this week. Good to hear some of you have had help and good luck this week @balzamico

@SwedishEdith I'd query the results of the X ray that showed bone loss TBH. It's not usual for bone loss to show on an ordinary X ray. It IS possible to see bone changes due to osteoarthritis - eg wear and tear with bone loss around the hip joint. DEXA scans and X-rays for fractures/ arthritis etc are totally different.

What did they look for and say they saw?

Have booked an appointment so will ask and find out more - a few weeks away still. X-ray was for a frozen shoulder.

Thought I'd come back and update - just had frantastci telephone conversation with GP, I had done my own blood pressure, after a chat through pros and cons she has prescribed my HRT patches with a review in 3 months.
There was no hint of reluctance or being fobbed off. I just hope they work!

Great news @balzamico. I hope it brings some improvements for you. Early days here but I think things may be improving a little.

@balzamico

Thought I'd come back and update - just had frantastci telephone conversation with GP, I had done my own blood pressure, after a chat through pros and cons she has prescribed my HRT patches with a review in 3 months. There was no hint of reluctance or being fobbed off. I just hope they work!

That's great news about no hint of fobbing off. Fingers crossed you get some relief.

Thank you. Glad I read TheDogsMother posts. I have been having huge hair loss in the last couple of months.

I've tried loads of different HRT, since finally starting last year, got referred by GP to hospital to their HRT clinic. Yesterday they said Needed to refer me on to a specialist because they said I'm on the highest dose they can give and they can't give me anything more.

I'm on utrogestan, and a 50 evorel oestrogen patch, having just moved up from a 25 patch. I told them I feel like it's not enough. I asked for gel aswell (having used it before) and they said they can't do patch and gel together.

I am so pissed off.