Considering HRT at 48 with hot flushes, anxiety and cystic breasts

[JoanDarc]

Looking for any sage advice as the more I read, the more confused I’m getting!
48 yrs, fit, healthy, periods erratic but not troublesome. Under significant stress currently, prone to anxiety normally but really struggling with coping, constant state of overwhelmed, wired, exhausted.
In last few weeks my overheating has taken on new proportions, was night sweating for years but now full on hot flushes, sweat dripping during day time too.
tempted to bite the bullet for HRT
Pros

• managing night sweats/ hot flushes,
• usual long term benefits,
• potential mental health / anxiety benefits

Cons -

• suffer with significant cystic breast tissue, 6 mammograms in 4 yrs, countless aspirations, pain, abscesses as a result. Been told HRT will make this worse.
• worried about weight gain.
• no bleeding issues currently, very light periods, minimal impact. Am very active so this would be a worry.

any thoughts gratefully received, ironically indecision seems to also be a symptom!

HRT has been amazing for me and many of my friends. The dose can take a little bit of adjustment early on. Joint pain, really was limiting and affecting quality of life was my main issue. Within 3 days I could feel a difference. Been on it 6 years and feel so well, loads of energy, no brain fog.

I would definitely try it, your symptoms are so debilitating and an initial low dose maybe enough and not cause to much issue with the cystic breasts (don’t know much about this sorry) You can always stop . It can be life changing , don’t deny yourself the chance. Good luck 🤞🏻

There is no absolute that HRT will make breast cysts worse.
Some women find HRT makes their breasts bigger but others don't.

You just have to try it and see how it goes.

@JinglingSpringbells thanks, unfortunately the advice my breast consultant gave last year is that it tends to exacerbate issues with cystic breast tissue so it’s been one of reasons I’ve not yet started HRT. The constant hot flushes and sweating is probably a dealbreaker now for me though.
@embolass great to hear such positive experience of HRT, I hope I have similar!

I took a chance on HRT despite knowing that oestrogen can feed my endo deposits and make it worse. I was also told by my GP that I would absolutely experience breakthrough bleeding and be all over the place hormonally and emotionally as I am taking continuous progesterone because of the endo.

I have been on it for 5 months, feel better than I have in years and decided it was worth the risk. I have not had any breakthrough bleeds and my emotions are far more stable on it than off it. I would rather try something than not try due to risk factors. I totally understand your worries about the cystic breasts but you might not get any worse.

I started on the lowest doses on a 3 month trial knowing I could stop at any point.

@EndoEndoNoNo that’s really positive to read and you’re right, I can always stop if it isn’t working.
The breakthrough bleeding has been a concern as I have relatively light periods which are now getting less regular so don’t want to cause issues where there are none currently. Great to hear it isn’t always an issue.

It did feel like a dice roll but I had lived with several symptoms for a few years and then dry hot flushes (no sweat) sent me over the edge. I weighed up the possible side effects for me and decided it was worth the risk.

I am 52 and I still have normal periods so I should be on cyclical progesterone but because I have endometriosis that changes to continuous progesterone as it isn't recommended to have unopposed oestrogen feeding the endo for 14 days.

I kept a diary of symptoms before I started hrt and then kept one for about 4 months afterwards so I could see what had improved. Easy to forget with peri brain, which was one of my symptoms, forgetfulness. The first thing to improve was the dry flushes.

I've had a history of cystic breasts throughout my 40s (I honestly lose track of the number of 2 wk pathways I've been on ending up with aspiration of cysts). I went on HRT at 45 and I think I've had fewer cysts since being on HRT than I had before.
I've got Mirena coil which has more or less stopped my periods. And I haven't gained weight.

@WhereAreWeNow this is great to read, thank you for sharing! Increasing cysts and all the crap that goes along with it has been a big negative for HRT so pleased to hear that’s not been your experience.

It really hasn't been my experience @JoanDarc . Obviously that's just my experience and it's not for me to contradict what your breast consultant told you. Have you looked to see what research there is on cystic breasts and HRT?