Anyone come off HRT in their sixties? How did it feel?

[vagnotwhatitwas]

I've had repeated incidents of post menopausal bleeding, which have been investigated (ultrasound+ hysteroscopy). Nothing concerning except that my uterine lining is apparently too thick - over 7mm when it should be around 4 at my age (63).

Talking to the clinician who did the hysteroscopy, she suggested coming off HRT, because there's no point after 60 yo (not quite what she said but that was the gist!). I'm reluctant to do this, and other options were discussed, but has anyone come off HRT after a long period of taking it and felt ok? I'm on 3 pumps of estrogel and one tablet of progesterone per day, so could simply reduce the gel and/or increase progesterone or switch to mirena coil, which I've had before.

Anyone had similar bleeding issues and sorted them?

The BMS guidance is that on a highish dose of estrogen, you should use 200mgs of Utrogestan a day if you're having bleeding and a thick endometrium.

OR reduce the gel to 2 pumps. You may find you don't feel any worse on that dose. You shouldn't probably need 3 pumps in your 60s.
Try going down to 2 pumps and then 1 if you want to experiment.

You will only find how you feel off HRT by doing a trial of stopping for a few weeks (my consultant always suggests 3 months.)

I have stopped twice in my 60s, but symptoms came back very quickly so I went on it.

Whoever said you won't need it is not correct because some women use it until their 80s. You should, ideally, also make the decision in the context of your bone density to see if you need to stay on it for that reason.

Just want to say that I saw a leading gynae who told me I need HRT for my heart and bones, and also that progesterone has a protective effect on the brain. Personally I would rather have a hysterectomy (I did) and continue to take HRT.

Thank you both 🙂. I'll discuss with my GP but leaning towards reducing oestrogel to 2 pumps. You're right there are so many health benefits to HRT - it's not just about suppressing menopausal symptoms.

Just for info, I only ever once went to 3 pumps and that was in my mid 50s when 2 pumps weren't controlling all my symptoms. I only used 3 pumps for a very short time (weeks.)
I can now get by with 1 pump or sometimes 1.5 pumps. (Insomnia and night sweats are the issues that return.)
It is quite unusual for older women to need 3 pumps and it would be a good idea to try less.