I am in a bit of a quandary. I am 52 and in full perimenopause which has slowly been wrecking my life over the last 6 years.
I most probably need to go on HRT but I am struggling to find a health professional who will prescribe it to me.
Following decades of awful gynae issues, 18 months ago I pleaded with my gynaecologist to order a MRI scan following a failed uterine ablation. The MRI detected deep endometriosis and diffuse adenomyosis (which I was not surprised about because my sister has endo). I am now in the hands of the endo team at my hospital and awaiting a laparoscopy. My endo gynae is not a pleasant man and refuses to discuss HRT as he says it's not something he has an interest in but I really need to find someone who can answer if HRT is a risk for me or not.
Last year, my then 81 year old mum was diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma). It is currently under control with medication. Mum also has Alzheimer's so I sadly can not ask her much about family history. She is an only child. My father is also an only child so I have a very small family. My maternal grandmother died from a heart attack at the age of 76 and as far as I know had no cancer. None of my maternal grandparents siblings or parents had cancer, as far as I am aware. It is mainly heart disease and stokes on that side of the family. However, mum has two female cousins on my GM side. One died from BC in her 60's and the other is living with BC in her 70's.
I am not sure if this is a risk factor for me? Is the fact that I have endo and probably higher than normal oestrogen levels a risk?
I wanted to try HRT but since mum's diagnosis I am now terrified to try but not sure I can keep living with all these awful peri symptoms (terrible daily anxiety, crying every day, depression, an awful exacerbation of my digestive issues, visual issues, bone aching tiredness, no libido at all, aching joint pain.........).
It's not helped by the fact my GP wouldn't prescribe it due to my mum having BC (I am and have always been slim, I exercise, never drink alcohol etc). She referred me to a menopause gynae at my hospital and I had an appointment with her last week. She was also apprehensive to prescribe HRT and suggested Venlafaxine but I have no hot sweats and as an IBS sufferer I find SSRI's and SNRI's really upset my stomach so haven't taken those. She told me to ask my mum's breast specialist if I should have genetic testing but mum's next appointment isn't for 6 months.
I am not sure what to do, would you need to have several close family members with breast or ovarian cancer to qualify for genetic testing? I can't afford to go private for anything as I gave up work 6 months ago to help look after my mum.