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Menopause

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Experience of Bio identical HRT .Ovarian cysts .

11 replies

kerstina · 25/01/2024 10:27

i have been reading a book on reversing cognitive decline and preventing Alzheimer’s and Bio identical HRT was mentioned.Is it easy to get on the NHS and how have you found it ? I am considering HRT due to anxiety and have had ovarian cysts removed 21 years ago. At the time the consultant said breast feed as long as possible as it prevents ovarian cancer . He said more prone to this if you have had cysts. I had a breast lump checked recently and it was ok but would anyone know which HRT would protect against ovarian cancer please ? Sorry a lot of different issues here !

OP posts:
VesperLind · 25/01/2024 10:30

I’m on bio-identicals but not via NHS. Can’t advise beyond that sorry. @JinglingSpringBells is pretty knowledgeable about protective effects so may come along with advice.

Leftoversgalore · 25/01/2024 10:54

I don't think there is a connection between cysts and HRT.

I had cysts before I started HRT and I get them frequently. I was told it's just my follicle not releasing the egg and expanding, eventually they pop or dissolve and go.

The only way of finding out what type of cyst is an ultrasound (which I had last year).

I don't like them because they give me pain and bloat but I'm not worried about them being harmful.

I didn't breastfeed more than a few weeks.

JinglingSpringbells · 25/01/2024 11:27

@kerstina It really depends on what you mean by 'bio-identical' HRT.

Trying to keep this brief- most of the HRT that is available in the UK is classed as body-identical.

Bio identical is a term most often used in the US and they are usually talking about BODY identical.

Body identical means it has the same molecular structure as our own hormones- the estrogen and the progesterone.

There are a few types of HRT that are synthetic chemicals and these are not classed as body identical.

There has been a campaign by specialists to try to stop this, as it's confusing.

There IS a sort of HRT called bio identical. It's not licensed and is only provided privately. All UK menopause consultants say it's not safe and women shouldn't use it.

It's prescribed on the basis of saliva tests which are supposed to show the exact amount of hormone a woman needs. They also use hormone preparations that are dissolved under the tongue, or applied as a cream- neither of which are proven to work.

Back to your question. There is no HRT that will protect against ovarian cancer.
There is no connection as far as I know between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer. Cysts are very common, most women have them at some time but most never know unless they grow and need treatment. Many just go away on their own.

kerstina · 25/01/2024 11:42

I mean the type of BHRT which is not made from horses urine and synthetic sources. I can’t find it in the book now but I think it said the BHRT was made of natural oestrogen that are found in soya. Apologies if I have got this wrong. Finding it a bit of a minefield to find out what is best for me. I feel sometimes it’s a one size fits all with NHS HRT

OP posts:
kerstina · 25/01/2024 11:45

I do try to eat foods that are helpful . I think chickpeas must help as I crave and love them !

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 25/01/2024 11:49

@kerstina 99% of women in the UK are probably on estrogen made from yams, not horse pee!

The older types of estrogen were in HRT called Prempak, Premarin (and a few others, all tablets.)

They're rarely used now.

It's easy to get confused because a lot of stuff in the press or books is inaccurate and they think bio and body identical are the same.

Leftoversgalore · 25/01/2024 11:50

OP most HRT is bio identical and most oestrogen is made from yams now.

The safest form of this is transfermal and available via patches or gel.

If you still have a uterus you also need progesterone. There is a bio identical type called utrogestan, or synthetic types of progesterone such as the mirena coil.

I personally have oestrogen patches and the mirena coil as the bio identical utrogestan didn't suit me at all.

JinglingSpringbells · 25/01/2024 11:55

Leftoversgalore · 25/01/2024 11:50

OP most HRT is bio identical and most oestrogen is made from yams now.

The safest form of this is transfermal and available via patches or gel.

If you still have a uterus you also need progesterone. There is a bio identical type called utrogestan, or synthetic types of progesterone such as the mirena coil.

I personally have oestrogen patches and the mirena coil as the bio identical utrogestan didn't suit me at all.

It's now called BODY identical.

A few years ago it was called bio, but that's something different and the terminology changed to make it clear what the difference was.

This explains it.https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/bioidentical-hrt/

the 'c' before BHRT means 'compounded' and the link explains what this means .

Bioidentical HRT

https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/bioidentical-hrt

JinglingSpringbells · 25/01/2024 11:57

Just to clarify- rBHRT means regulated but the term bio is now not used and it's body-identical.

Leftoversgalore · 25/01/2024 12:01

Sorry @JinglingSpringbells i should have read your prior post more carefully!

OP listen to Jingling. She is the absolute expert here.

JinglingSpringbells · 25/01/2024 13:07

@Leftoversgalore FWIW I used to call my HRT bio-identical until my dr corrected me 😁

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