Is there any point starting HRT at 56

[Greciantime]

Partly inspired by the thread asking when people started HRT, but I was going to post anyway. I’m 56, my last period was 3 years ago. I came off the mini pill a year ago and no period since.

I’ve ‘managed’ without HRT so far, although do use Ovestin cream. Basically, I’ve been feeling pretty rubbish for about the last 6 months - hot flushes, low mood, joint pain, and absolutely zero libido which I’m finding really upsetting. I have an appointment with my GP next week, but am I likely to be told I’ve left it too late?

Not at all! Under age 60 or within 10 years of last period is reasonable assuming you have no other contraindications. Definitely speak to your GP.

Thank you, that’s reassuring. To be honest, I’m nervous about taking any hormones again and hoped I could go without but I feel so crap at the moment I might need to give it a try.

I didn't get my patch until 59. From what I've read (ask your GP) there are apparently health benefits if you take HRT for around 5 years.

Absolutely. Get to your GP and try it

I'm 54 and started around 10 months ago after feeling the same

Thanks for the replies on this. I had a telephone consultant with my GP today and another face to face appointment tomorrow so she can do BP, explain a bit more etc.

She mentioned utrogestan but alongside with the gels or patches but just Googling it has put me off. Does it cause bleeding? I haven’t had a period for 3 years and can’t face going back to anything like that. The list of side effects basically reads like most of the things I want to take HRT to avoid!

anyway, I’ll have a chance to ask her more tomorrow but just reading all the info is making me feel a bit down. I can imagine being given a prescription and holding on to it for months because I can’t decide what to do!