Scared to begin HRT

[Anonymum263]

I know I'm very lucky in the current climate to not only be prescribed HRT but to be able to get it from the pharmacy, but the incredibly long list of side effects (and warnings) on the packaging has put me off! My GP just spoke with me for 5 minutes on the phone, and didn't discuss any of the drawbacks. Everything I've read lately seems to say that HRT is beneficial, but the packaging is all "cancer blood clots heart attacks". I thought those studies were debunked? Both my mum and my grandmother had strokes, and I have varicose veins (another side effect listed!). I don't know whether to use this patch or not!

My HRT patch has been life changing.
I’ve spoken to a gynaecologist (socially, just chatting) who said she will take it for life as the benefits far outweigh the risks.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/risks/
HRT does not significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease(including heart disease and strokes) when started before 60 years of age, and may reduce your risk

maybe book a chat with the practice nurse? They generally do the HRT reviews and are often more knowledgeable and supportive than the FP’s tbh.

GP’s not FP’s!?

Watch Davina's programme, I think it explains the risks, iirr.

It's fine, don't worry.

All meds are a balance between risk & benefits. Even "natural" remedies.

Helps with anxiety to. 😊

Too.

Have you also read the huge amount of benefits? You need someone to explain properly what those figures mean - my private doctor sat and explained it thoroughly.

My GP had a good 20 min chat with me about pros and cons, side effects etc. Once prescribed, she finished by saying "Don't read the leaflet in the package, it will scare you off"!

www.themenopausecharity.org for up to date information and research.

HRT has probably saved my life; it's certainly saved my marriage.

All medications have many side effects. If you look up Paracetamol you'll see heaps of them.

Hmmm, thanks all for the reassurances. I will watch the Davina show. Good to know@BigWoollyJumpers,that some GPs take time for a chat and that the leaflet is over-cautious! Yes, @Wombat98 that would be welcome.

What side effects?

I saw the stats about breast cancer and fat and HRT and it looks like I'd be better losing weight than not taking HRT.

Do you drink any alcohol? If the answer is yes then stop that too. Because its been proven that it can cause breast cancer.

I was exactly the same as you but decided to be brave and disregard it.

Louise Newson and others are campaigning to update the info on the leaflets as they are outdated and misleading.

I believe the stats for transdermal hrt are very little difference if any.

There's a good Book called Oestrogen matters that I found helpful

You are saying that transdermal HRT is no better than oral HRT? That is not true.

No, impact on breast cancer. Sorry if unclear.

I did read somewhere, possibly Newson website, that it's been shown to be protective for some cancers, eg bowel cancer (if my memory is correct - covid x peri has proved challenging!)

Haven’t you ever read the leaflet for any medicine? They are all absolutely full of a detailed list of possible side effects.

i regard HRT as preventative medical and hope to be on it for life.