HRT and fibroids

[madamehooch]

I am 55 and have been going through the perimenopause for some years.

I also have fibroids and have been waiting for a referral for six months.

Whilst waiting for my referral, I seem to have at last reached the main event. My periods seem to have stopped (touch wood) which is positive considering that these were extremely heavy because of the fibroids.

Unfortunately, the trade off are the most horrendous night sweats and hot flushes, lack of sleep and depression.

I could be completely wrong but it is my understanding that fibroids thrive with estrogen. My concern is that, if I went on HRT for the menopausal symptoms, this could cause aggravate the fibroids.

Of course, my question could be no doubt answered by the gynaecologist who I probably won't get an appointment to see until I'm 60 ..

In my case, HRT made the fibroids noticeably worse, so I stopped. I’ll start again after my hysterectomy.

That's my concern. It's so difficult to know what to do when you can't see a professional.

I have a fibroid and a small ovarian cyst and have been told not to go back on her until I have seen the gynea about them. Like you, I could be waiting a long time. My night sweats can be had too.

Same. I've been dithering about this too. I thought my periods had stopped (58 and not had a period for 3 months) but having a light one now. I saw a gynecologist recently who was non committal about hrt & fibroids so I'm none the wiser!

You could try the Mirena coil as part of hrt which may prevent fibroid growth.

It's trial and error.

Have you been told there is a 5 year wait to see a consultant?

You can pay to see someone privately and get an appt within 2- 4 weeks.

Your HRT can often be prescribed via your GP after a consultant has recommended it.

Concerned now as I was told menopause would ‘probably disintegrate my fibroids’ so no need for any action
Been on HRT for 2 years

I saw the consultant in August and he found fibroids and in waiting for a hysterectomy. I have a follow up appointment next week actually. He said I was fine to continue with hrt as they will be removing everything anyway.

The reference to a 5 year wait is just sarcastic speculation...
Regretfully, I can't afford to go private.
I would probably have no trouble getting prescribed HRT by my GP but I don't want to take it if it reawakens the fibroids.

Ah, ok!

You don't need to see a gynaecologist for an answer to this.

All they will say is that for some women it makes fibroids grow, but not for all.

How your uterus responds to HRT is very unique. I know friends on the same dose of estrogen as me and we have very different experiences of the withdrawal bleed.

Just like some women's boobs grow on HRT but others don't.

If you use combined continuous HRT which s daily estrogen and progesterone, that keeps the womb lining thin and in theory should prevent the fibroids from growing too.

You just have to try it. No one can predict this whether you pay £300 to see a consultant or just your GP.

That's very helpful thank you. I will be making a GP appointment in any event.