Too late for HRT?

[Bobbisocks]

I’m 59, last period was about 6 years ago. I’ve never been on HRT as I always thought I couldn’t due to a family history of breast cancer (my sister’s GP told her she could not have it). Thankfully my menopause symptoms were never too awful and never all together, so I just tried to stay as healthy as possible and power through it.
However I’ve recently (in the last couple of years) had a genetic assessment which suggests no higher risk of BC. I’m also still sleeping really badly and still getting increasing brain fog, and becoming worried about osteoporosis etc. Should I finally look into HRT, or is it too late? Better late than never? (I almost don’t want to because it’ll make me realise what I missed!)

I believe you're advised to start it before 60, so not too late if you get a move on!

No, go and speak to your GP asap, if you get no joy, ask for a referral.

I suppose my question is whether it is worth going on now, if I’ve managed all this time? It feels like something I should have done ages ago if I was going to. I must be over the worst by now.

You're not too old at all.

I've a friend who started several years older than you.

There is no age limit.
The only difference is that after 60 you can't have tablet form due to the tiny risk of blood clots.
You are still well within the 10 year 'window of opportunity ' as it's called for a reduction in heart disease ( HRT has to be started within 10 years of the last period for this benefit.)

If you have symptoms, you should ask for HRT. Poor sleep is a risk factor for many diseases (my consultant stresses this) - heart disease and diabetes.

It's not a one-way street. Try it for 6 months and see how you feel.

Many women now carry on with HRT till their 80s so there is no point thinking 59 is too old.

Cardiovascular disease, bone loss and Alzheimer's risk are all reduced by HRT started within 10 years of menopause.

Bone density improvement isn't linked to when you start HRT.It helps if you start it at any age.

The reason there is a window for heart health is that after 10 years post menopause , the damage to the arteries through lack of estrogen is irreversible so HRT doesn't help.

There is no absolute data on dementia but only last week there was an announcement about this; new research shows that starting HRT between 46 and 56 may prevent/ reduce dementia.
It was on Radio 4 Woman's Hour.

I can’t remember what age I started or what age I had my last period, but I was at least 4/5 years afterwards I started HRT. It definitely makes a difference to things like pelvic floor and sleep. I’ve also had no deterioration to sure osteopenia I had when I had my first dexa scan in my mid 50’s (I’m 61 now).