Is *everyone* on HRT now?

[Kangaroobrain]

I'm 56, last period 3 years ago. TBH I think my menopause symptoms haven't been too awful compared to some people (although with my terrible brain fog I might have forgotten them already 😂) but I'm still getting some. I still have night sweats and occasional flushes, I've noticed my skin is starting to feel very thin and itchy, and I have completely lost the ability to multi task - I'm getting really forgetful.

When my sister asked her GP about HRT she was advised not to as we have a strong family history of breast cancer, so I didn't really even consider it myself. But speaking to friends and coming on here makes me wonder if it's now the norm to be on it?

I am not on it and also fell over running recently. I'll assume that because I didn't break anything (and have never broken anything) that my bones are (currently) ok.

My mum has been on it for half her adult life (and still is and is still pretty sharp at 85 - if I thought it protected against dementia I would definitely take it - as it is I am waiting to see how my symptoms go).

The was on it. For 2 years. It helped in some ways. Then it didn't & made me feel worse.
I wouldn't rule out trying it again. Am still peri at 48.

Most of my friends are on it.

Nope

not a chance in hell I’m taking that risk. The few times in my life I have tried hormones (birth control and treatment of a condition), I have horrible side effects. I’m not doing that to my body again, especially for a normal process that can be unpleasant, but my body at least is designed to deal with.

Anyone watching Panorama. Seems Louise Newson is not the super menopause dr people think she is!!!

I think she's had a reputation screwed! Trouble is, most GP knowledge is disturbingly rubbish! What choice do suffering women actually have?

Exactly - the only reason private clinics exist is because the NHS service is often so appalling.

They didn't really discuss reasons WHY women feel the need to turn to Newson in the first place. Also, the fact that many women don't absorb through the skin, effectively, hence the need for higher doses of oestrogen.

Not sure what to think, except an attack on Newson?

Also, menopause may be on the map. But how to treat more complex cases, is still not clear!

I'm 70 and been on HRT for nearly 20 years - in my group of six friends I'm the only one.

Newson has been a media darling where menopause is concerned and her word has been treated as the gold standard. and I think this has come around the right time. It’s good to question her ethics. She’s made a load of money on the back of this.

I think a wave of research is coming our way about dementia and how hrt will help. But the research is painfully slow.

hrt for preventative healthcare, rather than this focus on symptoms is long overdue

What happens to us cancer sufferers who can't take HRT? Are we to face even more health issues as a result of not taking HRT? Bloody hope not.

I feel sorry for Dr Newson - her work has been life changing for so many women.

Just reading threads on mumsnet over the years there have been numerous GPs who have misdiagnosed and mistreated women - how many were given anti depressants wrongly? Or patronised or ignored women. And yet they aren’t hounded for it.

Enigma - we are all on the same side here. We should be demanding even better hrt so that all women who want or need it feel safe to do so.

preventing dementia is a good thing right? Should save the nhs money for a start

I am not on it, but surprised that the % using it is only 15%. Sometimes you do get impression that it is more like 90%.

Does anyone know the % of women aged say 48-58?

is the 15% all women or just in the peri/meno ages? The women I know around 50 - loads take it. Maybe half?

Good point!

Presuming your mum is in her 70's/80's? Is a low libido really her main worry?

i notice that the various impacts of menopause are being talked up, while the cancer risks of HRT are being talked down. Leading me to suspect that big pharma is on an advertising drive

What about the men with dementia? I think the hrt thing is overplayed. There is something all women and men can do to help stave off dementia, reduce cancer risk, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce strokes and heart disease….. we all know what it is but the pharma companies don’t make money out of eating healthily, maintaining a normal bmi and exercising.

You could argue though @43ontherocksporfavor that if you are suffering badly with menopause symptoms, you want to just sit on the sofa, eat crappy food, see nobody, go nowhere. For some women, using HRT makes them feel themselves again, gives them the energy and inclination to get out for a walk or eat healthily.

Far more women than men get dementia. It appears to be directly related to loss of estrogen as that's the only difference between them.

@Happyinarcon If you think pharma makes money from HRT, you're mistaken.
HRT is dirt cheap (I pay for my own on a private prescription.)
In total it's about £1 a day.

Compare that to drugs for cancer (some are £15K a month) or even fat-loss injections and it's peanuts.

This is why there is no new research into HRT because there is no money in it for pharma or companies who want to invest in it.

Pharma is investing in drugs for weight loss, dementia, and cancer.

The big pharma argument is an odd one. HRT reduces heart issues, osteoporosis etc so is better for health? So less medicine needed? One of the issues in recent years is women being mis prescribed for depression and given drugs for that. That is a huge worry

But drugs for heart health like statins and drugs for osteoporosis are cheap.
Pharma wants to find a cure for cancer and obesity. They are the big profit diseases.

Why? Are older women not allowed to enjoy, embrace or desire an active sex life?

I’ve been on HRT for 3-4 years and its
made a big difference to my functioning. Still peri and my periods are more regular since on the HRT. I’d like more information about when to stop taking it or if it’s even worth stopping.

I should point out that I had borderline osteoporosis and osteopenia due to high dose long term steroid use which showed on my last dexa scan as having improved significantly after starting HRT and I am now only borderline osteopenic. I’m terrible at keeping up with the ginormous calcium
supplements so I can’t say it’s that. My rheumatologist says it’s likely the HRT and for that alone I am grateful.