Sex, Myths and the Menopause

[Margo51]

Is anyone watching Sex, Myths and the Menopause tonight? Its on C4 at 9pm. Davina McCall discussing menopause, HRT, taboos and myths surrounding it and how she coped with it.

She has been doing lots of work recently to raise awareness of the menopause and how hard it is.

www.channel4.com/programmes/davina-mccall-sex-myths-and-the-menopause

Was there any suggestion that gel worked better/differently than patches or tablets or other forms, in terms of possible prevention of Alzheimers? I would really like to know about prevention as well, so I hope there is ongoing research!

@VanillaFlat

Was there any suggestion that gel worked better/differently than patches or tablets or other forms, in terms of possible prevention of Alzheimers? I would really like to know about prevention as well, so I hope there is ongoing research!

In the tv show? No it didn’t go into that detail. So much more research is needed!

For people worried about cancer, I believe osteoporosis is also a killer of older women. I requested HRT despite having no symptoms at all except some sexual dysfunction. But the thing that bothered me and made my doctor more keen to prescribe was that my mother has osteoporosis. I will do everything thing it takes not to get that, even though I've never even had a hot flush.

Yes osteo is a killer. Heart issues is the main killer of women and oestrogen falling is linked with that too. A broad understanding of women’s health in later years is so important beyond the scary and sometimes misleading headlines 👍

It makes me sad and angry that debilitating women’s (and specifically older women's) health needs don’t seem to be a priority in this patriarchal society. Or even within the NHS.

Yep. Clinics and education would help reduce/prevent issues for women later on. Save money too.

@Theeyeballsinthesky

The CEP of Alzheimer’s Society has posted this so it seems they agree with the programme

Shame her statement is at odds with the information on their website which says the evidence is contradictory www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/hormones-and-dementia and this is a problem that medics face, different "experts" with different interpretations of the evidence

HRT can be miraculous when the symptoms are due to low hormones but it is very difficult to establish if some symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, insomnia, etc are hormone related or due to other life issues

I had a highly oestrogen positive breast cancer, and two days ago had a hysterectomy for pre cancerous cells. I’m still recovering ouch!! Ovaries and Fallopian tubes also removed (although they were healthy). I’m 52 and have been in menopause since my breast cancer 5 years ago.
I’m really worried about osteoporosis as my mum suffered terribly with that. My GP says to increase my calcium intake and do weight bearing exercise. Would topical oestrogen protect me against osteoporosis does anyone know?

I would have liked her to have made the point more clearly that even without symptoms the underlying damage is being done. I'm worried about this aspect. Great programme and that this is now being covered more and more. I freely admit my own knowledge and awareness was shocking.

@MissyB1

I had a highly oestrogen positive breast cancer, and two days ago had a hysterectomy for pre cancerous cells. I’m still recovering ouch!! Ovaries and Fallopian tubes also removed (although they were healthy). I’m 52 and have been in menopause since my breast cancer 5 years ago. I’m really worried about osteoporosis as my mum suffered terribly with that. My GP says to increase my calcium intake and do weight bearing exercise. Would topical oestrogen protect me against osteoporosis does anyone know?

You should get refereed to a clinic for proper advice - given your history hopefully you’d be given a rare appt

In reply to the post above about whether anxiety, insomnia etc is other life issues rather than hormones. The woman knows herself surely? If life is otherwise calm and these symptoms are new then she makes the call. You can also try hrt for 3-6 months and see if it helps. You don’t have to stay on it for years. GPs will only prescribe couple months to start anyway.

I have been to Louise Newson’s clinic recently, and I’m now on testosterone so feel free to ask me anything