Without hot flushes- still take HRT?

[AplineDaisies]

I have no hot flushes or sleepless nights.
I have dryness in my nether regions though.
I am wondering what would be the threshold if you decide to take HRT?
What symptoms does it alleviate?
I am tired and grumpy but that is probably cos of dc - a teen and a tween with a severe disability
I am 52

Anyone?

It will probably help with the tired and grumpy. HRT also helps with heart, bone and brain health.

For vaginal dryness I would suggest vaginal oestrogen. It’s a very low dose and comes as a cream or pessary that you apply directly to your vagina. I’ve been using the pessary for about 8 months and it really has made a difference.

I would just treat the dryness . If you can get away with not needing the HRT that is a plus . Although I no longer worry about using it long term . Never come off it .

Vaginal atrophy is perhaps worse than hot flushes! Def start the vaginal oestrogen and consider patches too. You really don’t want UTIs and soreness for life.

Menopause has numerous symptoms, everyone is different in their symptoms . i
me is not just hot sweats and lack of sleep (if only )
menopause matters is a brilliant website and also has forum
It’s a very educational site. Makes you realise what menopause can do to some women

I never had a hot flush but I had low mood, poor sleep, joint pain and a variety of other issues that were alleviated by HRT. I don’t really understand the concept of managing without it given the whole raft of benefits ( versus the possible downsides ). HRT is not one thing it’s a combination of a number of different drugs and you may find a very mild intervention can have a big impact on how you feel.

I didn’t have hot flushes until late in the game. I was on the fence about taking it for VA, rage, poor sleep, joint pain, existential dread and general lack of pleasure in anything, but my first evening of 10 minute cycles of hot flushes decided it. Completely fixed about 1/3 of symptoms including sleep, and better sleep made everything slightly better. Improved most other symptoms.
I would consider discussing it with someone now if only because symptoms wax and wane and if you have a last straw moment like I did with my first hot flushes at least you don’t have to start from scratch.

Being honest, you might struggle to get HRT if you have no symptoms other than vaginal dryness for which you can use topical estrogen as PPs have said.

'Being grumpy' if you think it's response to life at home might not convince your GP.

Many ask for info on periods (ie irregular or stopped) and other symptoms like night sweats, insomnia, flushes, etc.

I've used HRT for years and started when my hot flushes were hourly - embarrassing at work with what I was doing - and my sleep changed. I was taking hours to get to sleep. And I was diagnosed with a risk of osteoporosis.

I'm not trying to put you off HRT but being realistic there is often a settling in period - getting the right type, dose etc, which is fine to deal with if you're really suffering, but if not might just be something else to contend with.

If I were you I'd hold off and see how things go over the next year.

That is helpful. I will ask about the VA oestrogen cream at the drs and check out the Menopause Matters book

Agree that just the topical cream might be all you need for now, but also wanted to say I am on HRT but wasn’t having hot flushes or sleep problems which are probably the two most common symptoms. My symptoms were crushing anxiety, brain fog, stiff/sore hands and weak grip, digestive issues. All have been greatly improved on HRT.

I would recommend taking it unless you are advised by your Dr that there are compelling reasons not too .
I put off taking it as I didn't have any hot flushes , although did certainly feel warmer a lot of the time .
I think it would be helpful to go on the menopause matters site or Google for a full list of symptoms . With hindsight there were menopause symptoms that I had, that I put down to other issues and do regret not taking it sooner .

I’ve just started HRT (6 weeks in) with similar circumstances.

I previously used Vagufem for vaginal atrophy but it was useless for dryness so switched to the cream & have found it way better.

The slightest stress seems to affect my sleep so haven’t noticed much improvement there.

The jury is still out!