HRT anxiety, were you worried about starting it?

[Sunshineandrainbow]

After a year of symptoms I went to the GP last week with a list of ? Peri menopausal symptoms. He prescribed me Evorel HRT but I haven't picked up the prescription yet as I am just worrying about the implications after hearing about it possibly contributing to breast cancer while growing up. And I probably could carry on and get through the symptoms of anxiety, no motivation, disturbed sleep, itchy ear, finger locking plus a few others. Anxiety and motivation probably the worst symptoms but I am still managing to go to work but at weekends I don't want to do anything. Feel tearful now writing this down 😞

Has anyone else felt like this and does the worry of taking HRT ease?

I am starting HRT after a discussion with a consultant despite my DM having breast cancer in her late 30s and subsequently dying of another cancer in her early 50s. I’m in my mid 50s and the balance of risks for me came out as likely to be the same as everyone else. I had a bigger BC risk by being very overweight which I’ve worked on. If you have something in your family history that might be a red flag then get specialist advice otherwise HRT is only one of many risks including age, weight, smoking, drinking, being sedentary etc. The single biggest risk for BC is age.

I haven't started HRT yet as had a blood test which shows low iron, vitamin D and B12 so I wonder if thats why I am feeling the way I am!
Booked in for B12 injections.

Was planning to start hrt this weekend as period started today.

This was just the thread I was looking for, I am one step further ahead as I have picked up my prescription and have read the leaflet and then popped in a drawer to mull over. I was rather irritated by the pharmacy assistant trying to hard sell me a flat fee for a year’s prescription or something but with consideration for my privacy. It was in a busy supermarket, oh well. I doubt anyone cared. How well do the patches stick? I run a lot so was a bit concerned that close fitting shorts would be an issue.

Yes I’m not going to take it.

Was this the £20.00 year fee for some HRT medication? It is deffo worth it if you continue but sounds like the assistant could have been more discreet.

There was a thread on here about the patches I will try and find it.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/menopause/5554304-anyone-else-struggling-to-keep-evorel-conti-patches-properly-in-place?page=3&reply=154192959

Same. I was riddled with anxiety about taking it but I can now see that was part of a general perimenopause pattern of anxiety and self doubt and catastrophising.

My mother has severe osteoporosis and says all of her friends who didn’t take HRT have it.
Breast cancer is awful, but so is severe osteoporosis. I’m sticking with HRT as long as I can.

i researched extensively before starting HRT. And it was the best decision I ever made.

Breast cancer risk was debunked years ago.

HRT protects against osteoarthritis, vascular dementia and some cardiac conditions. It’s worth it just to avoid breaking a hip when you fall over in your 60s.

I didn’t have terrible symptoms.. a bit of general anxiety and some insomnia. Stopped all that in its tracks.

Oestrogen gel has balanced my mood. Topical oestrogen has kept my foof from atrophying. Testosterone has kept my energy levels up.

Bloody amazing stuff.