Is it beneficial to take HRT as a preventative measure?

[CherryPod]

If you're able to, I mean.

I've been reading up on HRT and am now understanding that it is beneficial to all women to take. (Of course I'm excepting those who cannot take it for various reasons)

So I'm 50 and still having regular periods. They're very heavy now and closer together and I also have some fatigue and some very mild stiffness in the mornings sometimes. Apart from that, no flushes or anything too obvious - I'm aware that at 50, I will be perimenopausal without a doubt though

So would you take HRT simply because you're perimenopausal and is it wise to?

This question came up a few days ago on another thread.

The short answer is it's unlikely your GP would prescribe it for prevention.

You might like to listen to a podcast between Liz Earle and Nick Panay ( consultant who does research and runs a large meno clinic in London at the Chelsea and Westminster.)

lizearlewellbeing.com/podcasts-videos/podcast/making-sense-of-hrt-nick-panay/

Included are:
Nick explains why he decided to specialise in women’s hormonal health
What causes early menopause?
What treatments are available for early menopause?
What are the first signs of early menopause?
Can we prevent menopause?
How has HRT prescribing changed over the years?
Does the type of HRT matter?
What is micronised progesterone?
Is HRT plant-based?
What role do GPs play in menopause care?
What are the benefits of taking HRT?
Can mindfulness and CBT help menopause symptoms?
Can alternative therapies help?
Does progesterone boost mood?
Can you buy HRT online?
What is the difference between bio-identical and body-identical HRT?
Is compounded HRT safer?
What is DHEA?
Can women with breast cancer take HRT?
Do women need testosterone?
Is there a case for taking HRT early?
Can we continue to take HRT forever?
Should women without symptoms take HRT?

Your question is the last one on the list :)

So helpful @JinglingHellsBells thank you

I take it as prescribed by my GP mainly to prevent osteoporosis, as my mother had it.

It also has restored suppleness to my joints and some sexual function. Other than those things I had no symptoms before starting HRT

I've been on HRT since I was 41, and I'm 48 now. Absolutely no plans to stop. It's fabulous.

It can be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis even if no other symptoms IIRC. Obviously there are lots of other benefits too!

Yes I notice a lack of libido which I've never had before. I love and fancy my husband but I'm not bothered about sex - fine once I'm doing it but could take it or leave it

I wouldn't be too young (a ha ha ha ) to take HRT then?

@Aquamarine1029 what combination so you take?

@RedLemon

It can be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis even if no other symptoms IIRC. Obviously there are lots of other benefits too!

Usually only if you have real risk factors like family history, OR you have had a DEXA scan showing advanced osteopenia , or a fracture after a minor fall and bone density is reduced.

I have a very enlightened GP who says every woman over 45 should take HRT as the benefits outweigh the risks, irrespective of symptoms or not. She specialises in menopause and teaches the other doctors who are stuck in the dark ages! I'm so glad she's my GP!

My mum is 82 and still takes it.

Louise Newsom who created the Balance app thinks all women should use it to ward off osteoporosis and heart problems. I am more of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mould, and I run a lot which I would hope would help ward off osteoporosis but I may change my mind if I get more symptoms.

i did take the Pill briefly in my 20s - as contraception - but I also hoped it would sort out my irregular heavy periods and it didn't. They still lasted 7 days and were heavy so I wonder if HRT would work for me anyway.

Louise NewsoN.