Can you start taking HRT after a gap of 4.5 years?

[Runnerducksdelight]

I suspect not, but don’t want to waste a doctor’s appointment being told that, so thought I would ask here first!

I had a full hysterectomy + ovaries removed early in 2018 at the age of 53.

This sounds stupid but I didn’t have any menopausal symptoms then so didn’t really bother taking the gel prescribed bc it didn’t seem to make any difference whether I was on it or not, so I only took it for a few months and then stopped.

Nothing was explained very well so I didn’t fully comprehend the decision I was taking ifyswim but I was stupid not to research further.

Anyway, four years on and I am having hot flashes, hair loss, extreme fatigue, palpitations, weight gain, joint pain the works.

Is there anything that can be done?

Anyone?

Yes I think you can - it won't have as much benefit as starting closer to the date of your surgical menopause but is still worthwhile. As you have had a hysterectomy you will have estrogen only HRT which actually reduces the risk of breast cancer. I would also press for a dexa scan to check your bone density.

@Runnerducksdelight Yes, of course you can!

You can start at any age, and my consultant has had women starting it in their 80s (for symptoms that haven't gone away.)

There is no time limit, and as long as you start within 10 years of your last period, you'll get the full benefit of less heart disease risks.

And as PPP says you only need estrogen, so it's very very safe.

Go for it.

Goodness! I had no idea! Thank you so much!

I can't really remember the last time I had my last period as I was on the pill but thank you very much for this info! I now have something to work with!

your last period doesn't matter because they would use the date from when you had your ovaries removed.

It's no time at all!

There is specific guidance for women over 60 who start HRT then - use transdermal estrogen to reduce the risk of blood clots- but as a mere 57 year old you are 'young ' in terms of using hrt!

Thank you so much Jingling that’s so good to know, I had absolutely no clue!