Going back on HRT for prevention even if no symptoms

[shellstarbarley]

I have just finished watched the Davina Mcall documentary and was very interested to hear about the preventative positives of HRT.

My periods started becoming irregular and very light at 40 and by 42 they were barely present at all. I had blood tests for my FSH levels and it was confirmed 3 months apart that I was perimenopausal but I was very young so in this case HRT was prescribed because the doctor it was vital to protect my bones and heart but also I should understand the risks of certain cancers from taking HRT.

I was on Ellesse duet for 3 years then it became hard to source so I started on Novofem for 2 years I then started to get some breast tenderness so my GP suggested the patch to give my body a change and this sorted out the breast tenderness but my bleeding became erratic and as I swim alot it was really annoying. So as I had no symptoms and because of the risks associated with being on HRT I asked if I could come off HRT altogether as I had been on it for 6 years and also because I wanted to see if I had reached natural menopause. I came off the patch in June 2021 and have never bled since.

Now after watching this documentary I worry I came off it too soon but I didn't want to be taking medication unnecessarily when I felt completely well. I am still symptom free and love not having to worry about my periods. I am 48 now and I know I am very lucky to have sailed through like I did but it has worried me that I should still be on HRT for preventative measures.

I have found doctors erring on the side of caution with prescribing HRT because of the risks but this program seems to make out that HRT is good for you.

I first went to the GP 8 years ago and discussed HRT and it was definitely something that came with high risks to your health but because of my young age (40) I was told the benefits outweighed the risks but I wonder now 8 yrs on due to research and different preparations if it is now much safer than previously.

So my question is if you have no symptoms and are no longer bleeding and are 48 yrs old should you go back on to HRT?

I am almost exactly the same as you. Except 3 years older for everything.

As I live in Spain I bought my own HRT (OTC Gel and ustrogen) no point in asking a doctor here, well I tried but... I came off them recently as they werent available for a while and it was hot and I couldnt be bothered with the gel sliding off etc.

6 months on, my bones actually creak, I look old, my hair is thinner and I feel tired.

Straight back on it. Bones are far too important (Am 51 and also saws Davina!)

Should have added, no, I have no hot flushes, traditional symptoms. I sleep well etc. But the difference when I stopped was so subtle but became noticable (to me)

I have always looked young, I was beginning to look my age. I honestly see a difference and feel a difference in a week. I was ambivalent 2 weeks ago!

@shellstarbarley yes. without any doubt at all.

Sadly you have been misadvised by an ignorant GP.
The 'risks' of HRT do not apply to women under 51 (age of average menopause.)

As you had an early menopause (before aged 45) you should have stayed on HRT to at least 51. Then, the choice to continue would be yours.

Many women don't start HRT until their 50s anyway.

To protect your bones, you need HRT . For women who have a normal menopause age (in their 50s) bone health is improved by at least 10 years on HRT.

What you must do is ask your GP for a DEXA scan to assess your bones. You ought to qualify as you had a very early menopause.

Then you have a baseline for them.

The risks of HRT are far less than the risks of bone loss and heart disease for most women, but especially you.

(For info, I have used HRT for nearly 15 years, from a top consultant. I have my bones assessed every 2-3 years. I had 'almost' osteoporosis even with my periods stopping at 53.)

When I came off HRT last year I had a DEXA scan which showed my bones were very healthy. I feel really well and I would have no idea I had reached menopause if my periods hadn't tailed off . I came off it originally as i didn't get on with the patch and I wanted to see if my periods had completely stopped which they have. I have only been off it for a year so think I will now ask to go back on it . Maybe I better say I have symptoms or they may not let me go back on it!!

Definitely say you have symptoms!
Good luck.

I don't see why you need to lie.

You are still younger than the average meno age.

It's great news your bones are good and that will be down to HRT.

I have 2 friends whose periods stopped in their mid 40s. They now have severe and less-severe bone loss. One has had spinal fractures. Another has had a foot fracture.

Just ask for your HRT back.

Spoke to the doctor yesterday and he has prescribed Femseven - I told him I had symptoms so they would prescribe it - but the leaflet insists it must only be taken if "symptoms are inhibiting daily life" but they aren't I feel so well and healthy. Just looked up all the other leaflets for the other types I have tried Ellesse duet, Novofem and Evorel conti and they all say must only be taken if symptoms are inhibiting daily life. He says I will probably bleed to start with, put on weight and suffer with sore breasts - there is lots of evidence about the benefits but the actual GP's and patient info leaflets do not mention this.

I am now reluctant to take a medication for prevention which the actual GP's and pharmacutical companies do not believe in which could end up giving me side effects when I have no symptoms.

Such a complete minefield.

Ask @JinglingHellsBells, she will know more than me as she writes about it.

IMO I would take no notice of that and take it.