Do you really age dreadfully without HRT?

[Lia73]

I'm just about postmenopausal at 52, no period in a year. I've had a few hot flushes and a bit of trouble sleeping but other than that (and some dryness) feel OK. I take vitamins and am fairly active. We have menopause meetings at work and along with my Instagram feed, everyone seems to be on HRT. I keep hearing and reading that women on HRT look younger and age better than those not on it. I'm an older mum so want to look and feel as young as I can for as long as I can...now I obviously wouldn't go on HRT just for appearance sake. I do appreciate it's absolutely essential for some women too but I'd like to hear from those NOT taking it...are you doing just fine without it?

I took HRT for 5 years and it didn't stop my appearance aging quite dramatically at menopause.

My mum is on HRT but it was a last resort and her GP was reluctant to put her on it. It’s been really beneficial for her. She takes other medication and stuff for her joints but she feels better since taking HRT. She’s fit and active still works full time in a physically demanding job aswell as walking to and from train station etc. I’m 33 and been confirmed I’m peri menopausal and so far I’m okayish but can tell I’m in midst of peri. I was surprised my manager is peri and her GP practically threw HRT at her. X

I compare myself with my sister. I’m on HRT she has never taken it. I’m 2 years younger. She looks 5 years older than her age of 62, has had to have a cardiac stent( no risk factors apart from age) had had an unusual fracture and reports excessive vaginal dryness and loss of labido.
You will have to pride HRT from my cold dead hands.

Before the menopause I broke a couple of bones and had a Dexa scan which said I had mild osteopenia. I really upped my exercise, especially weight bearing exercise and five years later had a follow up Dexa scan. The osteopenia had almost disappeared to the extent that I don't need any more scans.

In my case, and perhaps others, there is an alternative to HRT for this.

I’ve had absolutely no symptoms and feel great. I’m 54. Everytime I mentioned HRT to gps I was told not to take any. However I don’t really understand that as I’m still at risk of dementia, osteoporosis etc.
Anyway I’ve seen a menopause specialist who said to take HRT for a while. She said if I felt worse, to stop it, but if I felt the same or better, to stay on it. I have been on it for 4 months, don’t feel any different to be honest, but glad I’m on it. I don’t want to kick myself in 20 years time for not being on it.

@SoManyTshirts Does HRT guarantee no osteoarthritis?

Anyone on HRT but still has osteoarthritis?

I'm 56+ and only took HRT for a few months to see if it helped my sleep (it didn't). I don't have any other symptoms and think I look OK for my age.
Most people don't think I look my age, I'm not kidding myself I look 40 but probably 50. I'm reasonably fit, no aches and pains and working nearly full time with 1 17yo

I'm not on it. My mother sailed through menopause so I'm hoping I'll do the same.

Never had HRT, had the mini pill for perimenopause symptoms. 53 now and stopped taking it a few months ago. Think my periods have stopped.

Think I look okay.

I had breast cancer at 54 when peri-menopausal. Following chemo (hot flushes), a mammogram and radiotherapy I have taken medication to reduce my oestrogen levels for nearly 10 years. So the opposite of HRT.

Despite all this I have always looked after myself - daily face routine, good products and regular facials and my skin is fantastic and I don’t look my age - frequently surprise people when I tell them I’m 63. My sister has not aged quite as well but was a smoker, even so, she looks her age but not older. I believe that much of it is down to genetic and skin care.

When it comes to whether to use HRT or not you need to see how difficult the menopause is for you - it is such a personal decision. HRT can bring a level of relief that far outweighs any risks, particularly when the menopause can impact so badly on everyday life, but I wouldn’t assume that it will keep you looking young - check out your older female relatives to see how that might go (fingers crossed for you whatever you decide).

I'm over 70 and am told I look 10 years younger. I've never taken HRT, alhtough if I'd had bad menopausal symptoms I would have. I guess I'm just lucky, as I don't really exercise as much as I should and I do drink alcohol (in moderation).

@Slimtoddy
I swim a lot, (fast, front crawl for 45 minutes to a hour), wear patches and have never had a problem with them not sticking or falling off.

How are you all getting HRT from your drs??
My surgery hardly ever prescribes it, I’ve been begging for years!!

Of all the women I know family, friends, and colleagues, I’d hand on heart say the ones on hrt do not look younger, if anything it often causes weight gain which comes with its own health issues, especially if round the middle, which it usually is, and that is what can be ageing appearance wise, the middle aged spread. Not saying you only get it on hrt, but it does increase your chances.

Tbh, HRT only does so much, and only if it is prescribed correctly.. Genetics and lifestyle play a huge amount too. I am 50, five years post menopause. I have also had chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the former of which ages one immeasurably. However, most think I am in my early 40s.

Due to my cancer being hormone-fed, I am not allowed HRT. However, I do use topical v. low dose oestrogen in the form of Vagifem - a pessary - to stop vaginal atrophy. That has been marvellous. Also, I am on a v. light anti-depressant, something I found helpful with chemo hot flushes. However, if I could take HRT, I would, absolutely. But I can't.

Well that's bullshit. They are absolutely supposed to.

Complain to your practice manager and write to your MP. Otherwise, find a GP practice or women's health specialist who will help.

This is me. I have just come off HRT after four years and in that time I piled on 2.5 stone. (Have already lost 8lbs and have changed absolutely nothing about my diet and lifestyle except stopping HRT.) I looked and felt so unhealthy and old and of course carrying extra weight brings it’s own health issues, including increased risk of breast and other cancers. Going to get a bone scan to check density levels but I won’t be going back on HRT.

I've lost weight since taking HRT! Two stone, mostly off my middle. Who knows why though - it feels complex, for me. I'm coping better with all the trials and tribulations of the "sandwich" years now that I feel better generally, so I'm probably taking better care of myself.

I’m on HRT and very grateful for it. I had:
anxiety that kept me awake at night
aches and pains in my legs/ knees
zero interest in anything

The other thing to consider is that it prevents osteoporosis which is a terrible condition to have.

I’m confused about the claims it prevents dementia as what I’ve read says the opposite .

This study found that women on HRT have a significantly increased risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, and other types of dementia. Risks of Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia were significantly higher in the HRT group, regardless of the age when menopause began. Higher doses of HRT were associated with higher dementia risk. However, the duration of hormone use, either 13.5 years or less vs 13.5 years or more, did not seem to affect the risk.

www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000201390

Don't know but I had an early menopause, didn't take HRT, and feel I look fine. I feel fine too. Not advocating against HRT by the way, just saying that I've been fine without it. I'm 61.

I am on HRT (estrogen only as I have had a hysterectomy). If you asked me to list the benefits "staying young" doesn't come into it.

I never had HRT and people seem to think I'm younger than I am. My energy levels are just the same as they always were( I'm 66), my hair hasn't thinned, I have no major health issues. Like a pp menopause was a total non-event for me.

No. I've never touched HRT. I'm 60 now, and I think I'm pretty standard for my age. Haven't even seen any doctor for 14 years! Don't believe all the hype you read.

My Mum is 79, she had her last period at 55, never took HRT and has only noticably started slowing down slightly in the last couple of years. She looks 10 years younger than she actually is (no cosmetic surgery or tweakments either).

I'm 54 and still having periods ...