Anyone choosing NOT to use HRT?

[WandaWomblesaurus73]

Does anyone feel that HRT isn't for them or feel happier without it?

Me, too. What misinformation, what nonsense?

Well ...was it this thread with the "hrt makes you look 25 years younger " which seems a little unjustified

And certainly some people were communicating the message that you will get osteoporosis and dementia if you don't take it which clearly isn't actually true

I think it's revealed to me that people who could benefit are struggling to get it without going private

'Well ...was it this thread with the "hrt makes you look 25 years younger " which seems a little unjustified'

Yep. They're the only false claims I’ve seen, oh and also your dh will run off with a younger model don't forget. But only facts and figures here, no scaremongering at all..

I think ( after following some links posted here ) is that the research so far is quite basic

Just to clarify - I have found the links I've shared by googling. I have no special knowledge and if there's an issue with any of them, I'd be happy to hear about it. I'm certainly not aiming to spread disinformation.

I’d rather people were specific about what is incorrect over vague insults re nonsense.

Aside from wanting to know what information is misinformation / nonsense, does anyone know how much it costs to go private? I guess there's the initial consultation, follow ups, blood tests? Prescription charges ongoing?

Sorry to be so boring... I found the FRAX calculator useful, just because you could compare male vs. female risks of fracture by age -- what struck me in the conversation here is that women live much longer than men, so they have higher risk of any disease that has higher risk if you live long enough.

The FRAX calculator suggests women have almost double the risk of fracture, adjusted by age (over men).

That's good, lljkk, thank you! Boring is far preferable to alarmism.

@JaniieJones

'Well ...was it this thread with the "hrt makes you look 25 years younger " which seems a little unjustified'

Yep. They're the only false claims I’ve seen, oh and also your dh will run off with a younger model don't forget. But only facts and figures here, no scaremongering at all..

Never let the facts get in the way of a nasty character assassination attempt JaniieJones.
I said that I had been assumed to be the daughter of some of my friends (by medical professionals as it happens.) That was factual. For some reason you chose to grossly misrerepresent that. Also I did not say your husband would run off with a younger model. (presumably you meant if you don't take HRT) I said something to the effect that I have comforted friends through many of life's trials to illustrate that being close we discuss things you would not with so called friends who do not have your back. I would never in a million years tell someone like you that I had vaginal atrophy, however people confide in me. I have no idea why you are so bitter that you would choose to misrepresent what someone states to further your narrative. I will not be responding to you further. You seem programmed to be negative and destructive. Peace and love.

Esspee that is not a character assassination. That is someone pulling up a post that was not helpful. There is absolutely no trace of 'bitterness' in the post that I can see.

Again, I find the responses on this thread really have taken me aback. I'd just like to find the most objective, rational and evidence-supported information, if possible.

'I have no idea why you are so bitter that you would choose to misrepresent what someone states to further your narrative.'

'I have been on HRT for 30+ years and have been assumed to be the daughter of several of my peers when accompanying them to medical appointments. Listening to their worries about broken bones, stress incontinence, prolapse and husbands leaving them for younger sexually more active models is so sad'

You said this ^, which is crass and inappropriate. Pointing that out is not a character assassination, stop being so dramatic,

I'm certainly not bitter I have family and friends some of us take HRT and some of us don't. It is a subject very relevant to me so I have an interest it.

Thanks @ArabellaScott for disputing the rather unnecessary post.

@FrankBurnside

Aside from wanting to know what information is misinformation / nonsense, does anyone know how much it costs to go private? I guess there's the initial consultation, follow ups, blood tests? Prescription charges ongoing?

*@FrankBurnside* I tried to PM you without success. It really shouldn't be necessary, assuming you are in the U.K., to have to go private. If your GP is not receptive you can ask to be referred to a menopause clinic. Many find asking their GP why they are not following NICE guidelines enough to get their attention. Some people I have advised went to their GP's clutching a copy of the NICE guidelines with a high success rate. I so hope you get good advice and if HRT is suitable for you that you find the combination best suited to you. Remember that patches, gel and (my choice) implants are far far better than oral medication.

Esspee what was the nonsense and misinformation?

@ArabellaScott
When words are twisted to suggest I am shallow and boasting that I look 25 years younger when I suggested no such thing and wrongly stating that I said husbands would leave you (presumably if you didn't take HRT) which I in no way suggested she is portraying me as totally different from the person I am. That is an attempt at bullying by denigration.
You have been most reasonable on this thread. Seeking the best decision for yourself.
I hope you find it.
I must get back to work but happy to get PMs.

@Esspee, I think it is important that healthcare is meant to be individual for a reason. There is so much diversity in women's bodies, hormone levels, response to hormones etc.

Myself, having had breast cancer with a family history of all sorts of cancers (one shortly after taking HRT and loving it), I am wary. I have had enough medical management and intervention to last me a lifetime and am rightfully wary of pursuing any or indeed accepting that might be unnecessary, at worst harmful. Anything that you take, including lifesaving medical interventions, has potential side effects which can be deadly. (Having had cancer treatment I know all about side effects!)

I appreciate you are an individual success story in terms of HRT and that is your narrative which is an important one. However, that doesn't make women with alternative narratives wrong - just different.

@anothersmahedmug

Well ...was it this thread with the "hrt makes you look 25 years younger " which seems a little unjustified

And certainly some people were communicating the message that you will get osteoporosis and dementia if you don't take it which clearly isn't actually true

I think it's revealed to me that people who could benefit are struggling to get it without going private

Who said HRT makes you look 25 years younger? Certainly not me. Please check your facts. I have never suggested that by not taking HRT you will get osteoporosis and dementia though it is a fact that lack of oestrogen is a contributor to both. Where I live only a few of the older GPs who don’t keep up with the recent research on HRT are loath to prescribe it but I am aware there is a bit of a postcode lottery out there. The solution is to insist on a referral to a menopause clinic. They are up to date and will advise you if it is suitable for you. Their decision I believe overrides your GP. My advice to you is not to take pills. Other than that best wishes and I hope you find the solution to suit you long term.

[quote whowhywhenwhat]**@Esspee, I think it is important that healthcare is meant to be individual for a reason. There is so much diversity in women's bodies, hormone levels, response to hormones etc.

Myself, having had breast cancer with a family history of all sorts of cancers (one shortly after taking HRT and loving it), I am wary. I have had enough medical management and intervention to last me a lifetime and am rightfully wary of pursuing any or indeed accepting that might be unnecessary, at worst harmful. Anything that you take, including lifesaving medical interventions, has potential side effects which can be deadly. (Having had cancer treatment I know all about side effects!)

I appreciate you are an individual success story in terms of HRT and that is your narrative which is an important one. However, that doesn't make women with alternative narratives wrong - just different.[/quote]
Thank you @whowhywhatwhen*. With your history I would most certainly not consider HRT. Congratulations for getting through it, it can’t have been easy. Early diagnosis is the key to beating cancer and you no doubt were very alert. 💐

I didn't bother with it. (I'm in my late 50s and menopause pretty much over and done). This is partly because my symptoms were not particularly severe - a few bouts of hot flushing, the final few periods were unpleasant, but that was about it. I think one of the key factors in deciding whether to go for HRT or not is how you, personally, feel: if you are really suffering, get some meds. If you CBA, you'll be fine.

@Wreath21

I didn't bother with it. (I'm in my late 50s and menopause pretty much over and done). This is partly because my symptoms were not particularly severe - a few bouts of hot flushing, the final few periods were unpleasant, but that was about it. I think one of the key factors in deciding whether to go for HRT or not is how you, personally, feel: if you are really suffering, get some meds. If you CBA, you'll be fine.

Wreath there is a lot of discussion on here about this because the issue isn’t just ‘symptoms’ for a couple of years. Hence the chat about osteo. Worth reading back a bit.

Esspee I have found your posts very helpful and informed. Thanks. I think you are older than some posters so I value your experience and that of your friends.

My lot at 49 think it’s hot flushes and then done, periods stop and all sorted. I wish there was much more knowledge - I do think some women are sleep walking into later life health issues. Not all but some.

Just to clarify earlier points as thread is long and some of it is lost in bumpf

• benefits outweigh risks if you have symptoms
• It’s not advised to take it for more than 5 years in U.K.

• if you don’t have symptoms then most people are not recommending it’s used but it can be sourced

I suppose it’s that last point that I’m most interested in

Do any countries prescribe long term use

With your history I would most certainly not consider HRT. Congratulations for getting through it, it can’t have been easy. Early diagnosis is the key to beating cancer and you no doubt were very alert. 💐

Thank you. I'm can't really speak on the early diagnosis or being alert though, my cancer was diagnosed as Stage 3! I wasn't at the age for screening and I couldn't feel it easily. Is nearly 5 years since my diagnosis however, I am still here and out of treatment with clear mammograms, CT and bone scan so there is reason for hope!

As I think I said earlier, I am relatively comfortable with risk. With my history, perhaps you can see why!

@MarshaBradyo

Just to clarify earlier points as thread is long and some of it is lost in bumpf

• benefits outweigh risks if you have symptoms
• It’s not advised to take it for more than 5 years in U.K.

• if you don’t have symptoms then most people are not recommending it’s used but it can be sourced

I suppose it’s that last point that I’m most interested in

Do any countries prescribe long term use

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says "because some women aged 65 years and older may continue to need systemic hormone therapy for the management of vasomotor symptoms, the ACOG recommends against routine discontinuation of systemic estrogen at age 65 years"

On an anecdotal level I have spoken or corresponded with a number of women in the UK who, like me, are on it for life. All of us are under consultants ( some NHS, some private) who clearly feel that the benefits for each of us clearly outweigh any disadvantages.

Personally I take mine for the protective effects on my cardiovascular system and to prevent osteoporosis. I have extremely low risk of breast problems. Everyone is different.