HRT

[FeelsLikeAFriday]

I have been given oestrogel and made the mistake of reading the insert. I am now terrified to take it especially as my mum died of cervical cancer and my grandmother dies of breast cancer. Really don't know what my options are and wether I should use the gel or not but I really need some relief from peri symptoms ASAP. So confusing. What are others experiences with the gel. I'm 39 if that makes any difference. Thanks

I was scared of taking it too, so I wrote a symptom diary, then committed to 6 months of using it. At the end of 6 months I didn’t come off it!

39 sounds very young to start HRT.

All drugs have side effects. The important thing is to weigh up the benefits of taking it and having x% increased chance of something without it.

I take a drug long term. The side effects are myriad and scary. However this drug is keeping me alive right now.

I’m assuming you were prescribed the gel by a GP who is aware of your family history? And you will have a follow up appointment in 3 months?

They should be aware but they didn't ask they just done a blood test then I got a phone call when they bloods came back saying my oestrogen was low and to pick up my prescription from the chemist. No information or risks were discussed. I really have no idea about any of it. As I am young for it they said it must be genetic as my sister went through peri in her 40s. It's all been very confusing and stressful.

Also it was a nurse not a gp.

@FeelsLikeAFriday You should make an appt and go back to discuss all of this with a doctor.

If you need HRT at 39 it sounds as if you've got premature menopause (or early menopause.)

It's terrible that no doctor has taken the time to discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with you.

Basically, using HRT at 39 means you have no risks. You're topping up your own low hormones.

Here's some reading for you from a medical site. www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-or-premature-menopause/

Have you had a hysterectomy? If not I would have thought you need a progesterone as well, as older women taking HRT do, to stop the womb tissue building up. If your oestrogen is naturally low then surely your progesterone is too. You shouldn't take oestrogen alone unless a doctor has approved this & knows your medical history.