First time using HRT and just read the possible side effects

[Bluedoor11]

I mean, wow! I really wanted HRT to work but now I’m wondering if I should wait. Cancer, strokes, blood clots, migraines, hair loss, vertigo etc etc etc. EVERYTHING is on the list! Now I know I’m being ‘a bit’ dramatic - and they just have to include everything even if the chances are very very small - but come on, it’s not a great read is it? Please talk some sense into me, what side effects did you actually have?

If I read the lists of possible side effects in the packets and thought I'd get them, I'd never take any medicine!

Remember that if they listed the side effects of NOT taking HRT the list would be longer.

Have you read the side effects for any dugs?
Aspirin, paracetamol, cough medicines, hay fever meds, and so on?
8 paracetamol taken close together can kill you.

For me, the symptoms of menopause day to day are WAAAAAAAAAAY worse than any future effects of my HRT patches.

Look at other risks OP.
If you read the number of deaths per day on the road, would you still drive?

Bear in mind most HRT research is woefully outdated and most of the side effects have been overplayed
HRT research has been sorely lacking so lots of GP's are accessing inaccurate information
For up to date factual information I'd recommend the Menopausal Not Mad website
I started HRT aged 60 and it's going to my grave with me

If I had to read the written-down side effects of my two three additional stones of lard I probably wouldn't get out of bed.

You need to see some of the positive posts about HRT from Louise Newson on her Instagram and you tube page debunking these myths. There are lots of other similar specialists also saying the same thing as Louise Newson.

I have been on HRT since I was 37, I’m now 42. I went into early menopause due to autoimmune issues. I have had zero side effects from HRT at all, just endless benefits. I feel like myself again. That’s the easiest way to put it.

And all drugs have long lists of side effects. Even paracetamol.

I have worked in drug trials and pretty much anything that people report while taking the drug goes on thay piece of paper. So all the run of the mill things like headaches, runny nose, minor joint pain, nausea, bloating, etc. Most of them are not important and will not happen anyway.
The big stuff should have been discussed before you started!

Thank you all for the advice and recommendations. I’ll definitely have a look at some of the websites. I did have a brief chat with my doctor who said the side effects were very minimal nowadays, particularly in relation to cancer. I’ve been going to the doctors with the same symptoms for the last 4-5 years, and this is the first time perimenopause/ HRT has been mentioned (new doctor…). So I haven’t had a lot of time to do any research. Hopefully HRT will work for me.

The last thing you want people saying is oh don't worry. Because we do worry and yes the side effects can be bad for some, but the reality if you go searching you only find the bad ones online. You don't get too many saying I had no problem. My own experience was/is my hair. I went searching the stress made it worse! I did find one really good site that had a section on women and hair loss that was real matter of fact. But seriously can I say dont worry.

I think you just need to be aware, so if something pops up that could be a side effect you know to consider that as a possibility plus tell any medic you consult.

The only drug I refused to take due to possible side effects was one given me years ago for mild vertigo when one of the possible side effects actually listed was death.