Decreasing or stopping HRT after 55?

[Wafffly]

I've recently changed GP and had a review of my HRT today. I've been happily using a 75mcg oestradiol patch for nearly 10 years after hysterectomy and removal of my ovaries.

To my horror the new GP wanted to discuss either reducing or stopping my HRT as "the risks of taking HRT increase after 55 particularly breast cancer and dvt / stroke".

I've never been told this before and I said I don't want to reduce or stop at present, so she sent me some resources to read...but they don't appear to highlight any increased risks for transdermal oestrogen-only HRT!

This won't raise its head again until my next review but I dont want to keep having to justify my decision to stay at the same dose.

Could I be missing something in terms of where she was coming from? Is the "over 55" thing current guidelines?

I’m in a local menopause patient group ….local issues are mainly around withdrawal of previously prescribed off label doses for oestrogen ( this is usually women who don’t absorb well ) and also withdrawal of testosterone for women who have been previously been prescribed it via NHS consultant menopause clinic. I’m not saying it is specifically is due to costs but the remit of local formularies is that they consider cost - effectiveness as well as clinical effectiveness and impact on patient care. ( I am aware of this because of publicity around medicine decisions for another medicine relevant to my family).

@Yayayaboo I'm not aware of that (I know a few women on HRT in other regions) other than GPs have been made aware of the risks of off-label high doses (by the BMS) and do want to reduce risks. That appears to be a clinical decision?

It'd be interesting to know the rationale behind withdrawing testosterone when it's been prescribed by the NHS and what they say to women where they're stopping medication.