HRT - how long did you use it?

[Blingstar]

In my early 50s. Been on HRT for 2 years. I had extremely heavy periods then headaches and generally feeling achey and rubbish. It has been a godsend.

Just had a review and the GP is gearing me up to stop using it at the end of year 3. "Wean me off it" she said.

When I initially read about HRT via Louise Newson I expected to be on it long term. Any other women experienced this where the GP wants you off it? The benefits of not get osteoporosis appeal to me.

I've been on HRT patches for over 6 years and thoroughly recommend them.
It's a matter of finding a GP sympathetic to this and not all of them are. Don't be afraid of getting a second opinion, it can be a fight sometimes but it shouldn't be.

I've been on HRT for 15 years now. And my 87 year old mother has been on it for 42 years and is still taking it although only a very small dose. (Low dose premique).

Occasionally a GP will suggest I come off it. I just say no thank you.

Thanks, both of your replies were my expectations. They didn't go on like this when I was taking the pill for decades!

I felt under interrogation because she asked what my symptoms had been and I wasn't prepped. Watching my mum's osteoporosis symptoms is enough to keep me on it.

There is no limit. This is in the guidance.
As long as benefits outweigh the risks, you can carry on.
For women 50-60 the benefits outweigh the risk, 60-70 equal risks, over 70 a higher risk of blood clots with tablet form.

If your mum had osteoporosis, presumably you will have DEXA scans to monitor your bones? If this is not the plan, you need to push your GP for it. Once every 3 years, starting at menopause.

14y and no intention of coming off it. GP's reaction when I say so has always been "That's fine, as long as it is still doing you good."

OP at your next GP review you should mention your mother's osteoporosis as this should be a very good reason to stay on HRT.

Thanks all. Weirdly, as far as I'm aware, my mum has never had a DEXA scan. However, she has shrunk considerably in height, has chronic back pain and a dowager's hump. I've no idea why her doctor wouldn't have referred her. Shes in her 80s and has a low quality of life. But doesn't like seeing doctors.

10 years

Absolutely this. My consultant says I can stay on it until death (with appropriate adjustments). My GP hasn’t expressed an opinion but interestingly when I saw gynae consultant a couple of weeks back he wrinkled his nose when I said I’ve been on it for 5 years (I’m 60). He said that he supposed it’s up to me to decide if I want to accept the increased risk, but I should consider coming off.
Nah mate, I’m good thanks.

Thanks all. Weirdly, as far as I'm aware, my mum has never had a DEXA scan.

Did she ever ask?

It would be too late once the had established osteoporosis other than to monitor progression and decide on treatment.

Presumably once it was diagnosed she is on treatment now?

I've been on for 8 years since my total hysterectomy and have no plans to come off. Yes my review by the pharmacist every year includes the "shall we start to cut this back?" I think it's bit rich coming from someone who doesn't even know how long I have been on it.

Yes my review by the pharmacist every year includes the "shall we start to cut this back?" I think it's bit rich coming from someone who doesn't even know how long I have been on it.
Is this in the UK? Isn't your medical drug history on the computer where they see the prescribing history?

16 years and counting. My GP is of the opinion that the benefits outweigh the risks and I completely agree. I did move to patches a few years ago as I regularly do long haul, from NZ to UK and they have less risk of DVT.

2 years for me so far and I started mid 40s which is apparently lower risk and safe to take it longer than those who start over 50.

I think they may have to prize it out of my cold dead hands as I have some mental health history that hormone changes and ups and downs of levels in peri kicked off again but on steroids.

Been on for best part of 13 years now and they will have to prize it out of my cold dead hands.

My view is that if I'm expected to work to 67, I won't be stopping it any time soon.

This is in the UK in a practice which is just about to undergo investigation - however there being things on records don't mean they are read ! During lockdown I had a call from a doctor who was hired by the practice to deal with things - she said to me " I know nothing about your history". After saying that I do know that you have to be your own cheerleader with your health which I am.

My GP hasn’t expressed an opinion but interestingly when I saw gynae consultant a couple of weeks back he wrinkled his nose when I said I’ve been on it for 5 years (I’m 60). He said that he supposed it’s up to me to decide if I want to accept the increased risk, but I should consider coming off.

The one time I had this response, my reply was that I'd rather have 10 more good years than 20 more bad years. "Fair enough," he said.

All great points, thanks. 10 good years is a great line.

When I researched all of this a couple of years ago, it just seemed like a no-brainer. Everything pointed to peri-menopause. I got patches - relatively low dose - 50mg and the effect was noticeable very soon after.

I just didn't expect to be told to consider coming off so soon. This doctor seems quite anti-HRT. She's younger, probably hasn't experienced any symptoms yet. They would have happily put me on anti-depressants two years ago though. There should be dedicated menopause specialists available through your surgery. I had extremely heavy bleeding/flooding in my mid to late 40s. It was mumsnet that got me on the mirena iud, not a doctor's advice even though I'd gone a few times about it.

Seven years and I'll stop only when the evidence suggests that the risks outweigh the benefits for me. It has suited me very well so far, with no side effects.

when I saw gynae consultant a couple of weeks back he wrinkled his nose when I said I’ve been on it for 5 years (I’m 60). He said that he supposed it’s up to me to decide if I want to accept the increased risk, but I should consider coming off.

It's infuriating that there are as many opinions as doctors!

The NICE guidance is that doctors have to explain the risks and women make the choice.

There are some (very good) consultants who adamantly refuse to make the choice for women, saying it's not their role to do that (unless there are medical reasons) and the choice is the woman's (having been told of risks and benefits.)

Absolutely agree 💯
I told my own GP this 5 years ago.

The only symptom I couldn’t manage with supplements was the anger towards my husband.
To be fair, his drinking, laziness and lying don’t help, but I decided that I had to try HRT to see if any part of it was me.
And I can say that after 6 weeks of it, I’m definitely less rage prone.