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 had a dexa scan on the NHS at about 56. I had to ask for it and there was absolutely no problem with that. In fact, I was told at the time that the waiting list was short.

However, I'd had an X-ray for a completely unrelated event - not a fracture - which happened to show osteopenia. I had never heard of that at that point and I was only offered vit d and calcium tablets.

It was only through this site that I learned to ask for the scan. So, admittedly, I did have more of a reason to "push" (I didn't need to push at all, really). And then, unprompted, my GP booked a follow up 3 years later.

I do think osteopenia is going to be one of those conditions that is way more prevalent than we realise and preventative dexa scans would really help here and could/should be a part of a women's health programme.

Were you given any treatment afterwards?

That's when I asked for hrt. My 2nd dexa scan showed no change so I'm happy with that. Whether that would have happened, I'll never know.

OP No you do not age dreadfully without HRT. I didn’t.

@SwedishEdith Bone loss post menopause is on average between 1%-3% a year, but can be up to 5% a year in the first few years post meno.
So the fact you've not lost bone is almost certainly down to the HRT. You may find your bones improve more rather than just being stable.

I wasn't allowed HRT due to having an unexplained DVT in my 30s. I was told I looked, and felt, really young in my 50s but I do think I've aged more since turning 60. I take collagen now which does seem to help my joints, and skin, and do gym classes regularly which certainly helps my energy levels, flexibility and makes me feel more positive. I notice when I don't go, my mood plummets! I think if I had the choice I probably would take it but I'm doing fine without it!

No HRT here .
Menopause at 50
Found sleep a bit more challenging and a little more anxious but that was down to life factors at this age elderly parents career stuff and children leaving home .
Now touching 60 same weight as when I got married - lots of fast walking wee bit of yoga .
Always had oily skin but loads of mosturiser and wear spf and foundation every day . A few fine lines around eyes and number 11s due to squinting at computer most of my life . Relatively wrinkle free . Drink lots of water.
However don’t deny myself a wine . Practically vegetarian taste (not due to any animal well-being concerns ).
Still love fashion and music gigs .
Work 30 hours in a really challenging profession .
I did consider HRT at 50 but I thought I’d see how it goes and I have been fine .
I found puberty a much more challenging time !
So personal answer no feel fine with no HRT and I often ask my friends who are on HRT how they are finding things and it’s a mixed bag to be honest .
Don’t believe the current media experts ‘McCall et al’ it’s not for everyone .
Oh and recent dexa scan was fine .

Personally, I never took it and I feel fine. Had a few hot flushes.Sex drive intact, albeit far less frequent. . I don’t believe that you put on weight more easily. I’m told I look a fair bit younget, although I don’t care too much about that . I walk more, a bit, and try to go to the gym, although I haven’t been this year.