How long can I stay on HRT for?

[WhereAreWeNow]

I've been on HRT for about 2 years (Mirena and estrogen patches). All is going well. I went for an annual HRT review with the GP last week and she was talking about taking me off HRT in about 3 years time (I'll be 52) because I'll have been on it for 5 years and they don't know enough about the risks of using it beyond 5 years.

I was hoping to stay on it for longer than that. It's helped me so much, physically and mentally.

I thought women could stay on it well into their 60s. Does anyone know?

Ps. There's no obvious reason to be cautious. No history of breast cancer. I'm a healthy weight and have good/low blood pressure.

You can stay on it for life! Unless you have any increased risk factors, the benefits will outweigh the risks. Have a look at Louise Newsibs website or British menopause site for more up to date information

Thanks @Whitegrenache . I was hoping that was the case. But if the GP insists I should come off it, will I be able to argue that I should be able to continue?

I've been on it since 2019 - I'm 36, I'll be on it a good while yet!

I went to a talk about the menopause. The lady presenting said she knows of many women in their 80s still taking HRT.

I’m 70 and have been taking it in one form or another for the last 20 years or so. I have no intention of stopping.

Till I die. Not a day earlier

That's how I feel @Grotbagg !

@borntobequiet has your GP ever suggested taking you off it or have they been happy to keep on prescribing?

Oh not this old chestnut again!

Sorry OP but your GP is years out of date.

The 5 year rule went out the window years ago.

What your GP may be saying is that the research into micronised progesterone, commonly used now, shows no increase in BC when used for up to 5 years.
This is not the same as saying there is a 5 year limit.

The other thing is that the risk doesn't start until the average menopause age which is 51. So you'd start 'counting' the 'risk' from age 51, not the age you started which was 49.

The dr is supposed to tell you the risks, but unless they are greatly increased for you, personally, then the choice is yours. It's best to try to read as much as possible so you can decide what you want to do.

https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11-WHC-FACTSHEET-HRT-BenefitsRisks-NOV2022-B.pdf

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WHC-Infographics-JANUARY-2023-BreastCancerRisks.pdf

@WhereAreWeNow my GP suggested me coming off it about 8 years ago, but I asked to be referred to a specialist clinic (NHS), where they adjusted my prescription and I’ve had it on repeat since then.

Your GP needs menopause training. If they suggest you stopping again then ask to be referred to a menopause clinic or to the GP at your practice who specialises in menopause (if there isn’t one then they need to get SOMEONE up to speed asap!)

You could refer to the BMS consensus statement which states clearly that 'no arbitrary limits are set on use.'

It's several years old and your GP is not educated on HRT.

Anyway you're talking years off now and that GP may have changed.

Thanks everyone. This is reassuring.