Had to stop HRT and struggling

[mumzof4x]

Hi
Sorry for TMI but due to a heart condition I was advised to stop my HRT
I had a mirena (due for changing) and was on the gel two pumps a day alongside
Never really thought I'd felt any benefit tbh. The mirena helped with VERY heavy periods about 7 years ago
Finally stopped but took 5 years
In retrospect I wasn't ready for HRT at the time . It was started following an incidental finding of a raised blood result suggesting I'd gone through the menopause . At the time I was regular to the day with my periods and definitely ovulating most months so didn't need HRT. I was 44 ish but no physical signs of menopause whatsoever
Anyway
Now I've had to stop it 7 years later and I didn't notice any difference immediately.
It's now been around 2 months and firstly my sex drive has completely gone.
I mean disappeared into a black hole
We've only been married a year and sex drive was healthy and nice and I enjoyed this side of our relationship. I miss it -and so does DH
He's been amazing and patient but still not nice
Any tips or advice on alternative anything to get this back or is this a natural progression to old age !
I've tried buying nice underwear and I feel attractive but I just feel nothing in that department.
Secondly I'm so irritable. It's like being a teen again and having PMS and I'm being horrible to dh
I will ask the cardiologist if I can go back on HRT in April when I see him but he might say no
Help !
Any advice welcome and thank you .

You might want to see a menopause specialist privately while you wait for you cardio appt.

I'm not sure if you mean you were told to stop HRT because of high blood pressure?

If that's all it was, that is no longer (and never was) a reason not to use HRT as long as the high BP is managed with medication or lifestyle. Most HRT now does not raise blood pressure and some sorts even lower it.

Meno specialists tend to be knowledgeable about HRT and hearts, but not all cardiologists are up to date on 'modern' HRT as it is now.

My consultant would only caution against HRT if you'd had a recent heart attack or a blood clot or some kind of severe heart disease.

Other conditions tend not to count because most HRT now doesn't raise clotting risks.

Thank you @JinglingSpringbells
Yes unfortunately I had a heart attack and it was discovered I had severe heart disease. I had well manager high blood pressure but otherwise almost super healthy !
It was thought I'd need a bypass but they have now said not so I think I'll ask him otherwise maybe a good idea to see someone private
I'd not thought of that thank you.

Most HRT specialists now agree that HRT is beneficial or at least neutral where hearts are concerned. If you're in the SE I can suggest very expert consultants worth talking to.

Here is the British Menopause Society's leaflet on this.
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/21-BMS-TfC-HRT-after-myocardial-infarction-MARCH2024-A.pdf

It's by no means ruled out but does need specialist input.

Thank you this is really helpful 🙏