Should I start HRT?

[PeachesPumpkin]

I would really love some advice from peri/menopausal women. Obviously I note the MN warning about medical advice etc
Is anyone taking HRT purely for the protective effects on osteoporosis, dementia etc?
I am 49. Irregular periods. I did have a phase of hot flushes at night for a few weeks but that has settled (none for months).I feel at present I have no symptoms of the menopause that affect my quality of life - only current symptom is irregular periods.
I was very interested in Davina’s program which opened my eyes on the benefits of HRT and changed my knowledge about risk of breast cancer. Both my parents have diabetes. I am aware women are at great risk of dementia and osteoporosis so I was thinking of going on it for that reason.
Would you recommend HRT if you are menopausal without symptoms?

My other big question is there seem so many sorts of HRT I don’t know where to start. Does your GP just start you on the cheapest ones? Are patches better than tablets? Gels? Body identical ones? Should I have an idea of what I want before I see GP?

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed after internet research so was hoping for some real life advice from women.

Perhaps it is relevant to say my mum went through menopause age 55. My periods have been irregular for about 6 months, previously regular.

I have started on HRT, the only symptoms I had were unmanageable periods. No hot flushes yet. I started it because I wanted the benefits against osteoporosis, heart disease and vaginal atrophy. I'm on tablets but that's all my GP would prescribe but I might speak to her again as I've heard gels might be better.

Hi op I'm 45 and started HRT a few weeks ago due to irregular periods. Like you I've had a few hot flushes but they were manageable, but I was concerned about the long term effects of oestrogen lack, such as osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy etc. It's early days but one thing I've noticed is that I feel much better - more energetic and a lot less achey. I think the build up to meno can be quite insidious, and it isn't until you start HRT that you realise how long-term crap you've been feeling all these years. Dd2 said earlier 'wow mum, your skin is glowing' and it is! I am a bit emotional mind you, I'm hoping this will settle down!

Go for it.

I started on HRT in my early 50s because of hot flushes (hourly), insomnia, but also I was diagnosed with osteopenia (quite advanced in my hips) in my late 40s. I had no risk factors for this and my periods didn't stop till 53.

However, you may have problems getting HRT from a NHS GP as a preventative treatment. It's not licensed as such.
If you simply go in asking for HRT to prevent osteo etc your GP is likely to say a firm no.
Bluntly, you might need to 'up' the hot flushes, or see a private GP or meno gynae.

The type that is most favoured by specialists is transdermal- through the skin- so gel or patches- as these do not increase the risk of stroke.

There is not a huge difference in cost between types of HRT.

I was just going to say what @JinglingHellsBells has.
NICE guidance says that HRT is not recommended for prevention of any medical conditions, only for treatment of menopausal symptoms, so most GPs would not prescribe it.

Thank you. Some great advice.
I think my hot flushes may suddenly be getting worse…

Aren't irregular periods a symptom of menopause? I thought they were.

My GP did turn me down for HRT at 50 as I had regular periods, and no hot flushes, anxiety or any of the main symptoms. My oestrogen levels were good when they tested it. I did have insomnia though and felt exhausted. (which was arguably down to my lifestyle and the pandemic). Anyway, I ended up going to a private dr, have got HRT and feel a million times better.

I think at 49 you will be having lowering or fluctuating levels of oestrogen and would benefit from HRT.

I have the gel and it suits me well.

Aren't irregular periods a symptom of menopause? I thought they were.

They can be yes.

But by themselves, they are not a reason to use HRT because they don't affect quality of life other than being an inconvenience at times.

A Dr won't prescribe HRT to regulate irregular periods (unless they are causing flooding etc and then they might give the Mirena as part of HRT.)

I wouldn't be taking HRT if I was symptom free