Anyone gone on HRT in early 60s?

[JennieLee]

I had HRT about 10 years ago but stopped. I seemed to be getting headaches and reflux that were more trouble than the hot flushes.

But now, I'm getting really bothered not just by the hot flushes, but also by dryness, burning, itching - urethral/vaginal area, nostrils, mouth eyes.

I have had a conversation with my GP who seems a bit cautious and also asked if I had any preferences about the particularly kind of HRT I wanted. I've also had to give a urine sample and will need to give her a blood pressure reading. Just wanted to know about other older women's experiences.

Hi Jennie, Im 59. Managed without it until now. Just back from an appointment with gynaecologist who has recommended I take it to try and stop repeated water infections, most likely caused by vaginal atrophy. I'm dithering but might give it a go.

Maybe what you are asking is if you can go back on HRT rather than start it for the first time in your 60s?

The answer is yes you can.

The British Menopause Society statement on HRT covers this- older women.

The guidance is to start on a low dose of transdermal. So that's estrogen gel or patches.

If you use gel, it would be 1 pump to begin, moving up to 2 if necessary. You'd also need micronised progesterone (Utrogestan) with it.

OR you could have a low dose combined patch.

But you should also start with vaginal estrogen for the symptoms of burning - vaginally etc. This treatment can be used for life and many older women in their 80s and 90s still use it.

I am a bit older than you and have been on HRT since about age 53.
I use gel and Utrogestan.

Hope this helps.

@Back2front Even if you don't want full-on systemic HRT you are going to use vaginal estrogen - yes?

There was a long gap after the HRT that I used in my early 50s. I've had Vagifem prescriptions a couple of times, but this latest time the symptoms it was prescribed came back pretty much as soon as I stopped.

But the nasal/mouth dryness also seems to be getting worse which made me wonder about having non-local HRT.

but this latest time the symptoms it was prescribed came back pretty much as soon as I stopped.

Yes that's what happens. You need to use it forever.

@JinglingHellsBells I've tried local estrogen. Didn't work for me I'm afraid. Vagifem did nothing in terms of relief. Just made everything wet and gloopy. Ovestin was fine for about a week, then everything felt irritated everytime I used it. Gynaecologist recommending systemic HRT.

[quote Back2front]@JinglingHellsBells I've tried local estrogen. Didn't work for me I'm afraid. Vagifem did nothing in terms of relief. Just made everything wet and gloopy. Ovestin was fine for about a week, then everything felt irritated everytime I used it. Gynaecologist recommending systemic HRT.[/quote]
I have replied to you on your other post.

Not sure how long you used Ovestin for BUT I've used it for 15 years (then started full HRT a little while later.)

I had horrendous bladder issues and it took a good 3- 6 months of Ovestin to improve it .

I did experience some irritation with Ovestin but found that if I persevered it went away as the skin toughens up and doesn't react to whatever is in the cream.

Vagifem now is a low dose. Years ago it was 25mcgs estrogen per pessary but it's now only 10mcgs. Many women have to use it daily, rather than 2 x a week, to feel the benefits.

Just saying :)

Maybe you can have another go?

Is it possible to go on some form of HRT after 60 even if you've never had it? I did ask my GP a couple of years ago and she was reluctant; she seemed to think it wouldn't help me. I am wondering because I'm fed up to the back teeth of being exhausted. I am just sick of being so wrecked tired! Would HRT help improve my energy levels? Would it be worth insisting on being allowed to at least try it?

@2Gen

Is it possible to go on some form of HRT after 60 even if you've never had it? I did ask my GP a couple of years ago and she was reluctant; she seemed to think it wouldn't help me. I am wondering because I'm fed up to the back teeth of being exhausted. I am just sick of being so wrecked tired! Would HRT help improve my energy levels? Would it be worth insisting on being allowed to at least try it?

@2Gen See my post from yesterday.

Yes it is allowed.

If your GP won't do it, quote/ print off the BMS statement on t it- on their website under the Publications on menu bar, under HRT consensus statements (or google those words to find it.)

@JinglingHellsBells thanks for the information. That's interesting re Vagifem dose. I'd much rather just have local estrogen as I don't have other wide spread menopause symptoms. I might ask to try with Vagifem or Ovestin again.

@JinglingHellsBells- Thank you, I'll do that so.

[quote Back2front]@JinglingHellsBells thanks for the information. That's interesting re Vagifem dose. I'd much rather just have local estrogen as I don't have other wide spread menopause symptoms. I might ask to try with Vagifem or Ovestin again.[/quote]
There is a product called Estring which is a silicone ring that you push up high into the vagina and leave for 3 months. It releases a low dose of hormone very slowly and equates to a higher dose than Vagifem. You just replace it every 3 months