Doc apt to discuss HRT but don't have typical symptoms. Any advice?

[Jewel1968]

I have been thinking about HRT for a while but I don't have typical symptoms. I don't get hot flushes or brain fog (clearer headed than when I was younger) or anxiety but I do have depression which I think is situational. Have also lost weight since being menopausal.

The reasons I want to explore HRT with doc are I have osteoarthritis, extreme dry eyes (inflammation related) and a lot of joint pain (long history of back pain).

I don't like the idea of being dependent on HRT given the shortages but am fed up of pain and thought HRT might help.

Have not had period for over 2 years.

Is doc likely to think HRT is a good approach? Is there anything I should ask or say?

Thanks

Just say you have lots of hot flushes 🙂

Seriously, it all depends on how cooperative your GP is. Some will say no unless you have the classis signs, others are more open minded.

No one becomes dependent on HRT. Your decision when to stop.

Which of your symptoms do you think will be helped by HRT and why? That's what you'd need to talk to the GP about.

Well I am hoping the osteoarthritis pain and joint pain will be helped. Also have family history of osteoporosis. I find it strange that I don't have the classic symptoms. I guess my worry is because not classic they might not see it as appropriate treatment. I guess I will find out. And it might not be the appropriate treatment. I did ask specialists in hosp if HRT might help and they didn't know.

I have no idea what the pain I had was caused by but all over joint pains were noticeably reduced within the first day of patches.

Worth trying, I don't know if it would take longer if pain is a different cause.

I didn't have flushes as such but would often wake up too hot at night.

I'm used to having cold extremities and feel better like that. I can tell hrt is starting to work as feet are cold again, not hands yet, if this helps symptom wise.

I'd say hot flushes too, and over heating at night.