Has anyone started taking HRT for the first time in their 60s?

[Fujoyt]

I came through the menopause with minimal issues so never consulted my doctor about HRT. Now some friends, also in their 60s, say they've started taking it to offer protection for heart, bones and to protect against alzeimers.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts on starting it later on in life ?

I’m assuming this is not prescribed by a dr. i know someone who did this, ended up with bleeding and on the 2 week path way for unexplained bleeding.

Sunseansandandautism unsure where prescription was obtained. Presumed from GP; unaware there are dangers

I started it at 60. I was having so much pain in my hips and hands. Anxiety was bad and not sleeping well at all. Discussed with GP and asked to try HRT. She let me have it with no issues and I honestly couldn't believe the improvement after about 4 weeks. Tried the patches at first..they were just not working out so changed to the gel. Had Progesterone pills and took 1 at night. Did have a bit of breakthrough bleeding after a few weeks. This lasted on and off for around 6 weeks. Had to go to the gynaecology for a scan. Everything was fine and was told to up the Progesterone to 2 pills.

Everything settled down more or less as soon as I upped the Progesterone. I can't believe the difference using HRT. Only wish I had realised that the way I was feeling could be sorted out so easily.

I'm not over 60 but Kelly casperson and Louise Newson advocate for HRT in 60s.

I'm 48 and been on HRT since 44. It's magical.

HRT is fine in 60s but not if it's ok to start it in 60s if not taken before

Yes I started at 60 after a diagnosis of osteoporosis ten years earlier when the medication prescribed was discovered to have had no effect. After two years on HRT a DEXA scan showed bone improvement

That's patently untrue. You can start HRT in your 60s.

Sorry, I think my previous comment was incorrect, please ignore

Following. I’m 60 soon, never tried HRT yet . I’m worried about weight gain

Have I got this right? ? It's safe to take HRT if you've been taking it prior to that. Or if you have symptoms, bone issues etc.

But if never taken it before not safe to take after 60 to seek to avoid heart, bone cognitive problems?

@Fujoyt have a look at the doctors I mention above.

It is absolutely safe to taper in HRT after the age of 60 with all of the same contraindications of a younger woman - eg. Hormonal cancer.

Lots of women start after 60.

Have you asked your GP?

Probably didn’t take progesterone with the oestrogen.

Why do you presume the people IP knows didn’t get it prescribed by a GP? It would be within guidelines to have it prescribed at any age, barring high risk conditions. Heart and bone protection perfectly valid reasons. I continue taking it as I have previously had osteopenia which the HRT reversed. I will insist on continuing it for the rest of my life as the GP refuses to let me have any more DEXA scans so it’s all I can do to guard against developing osteoporosis. That’s perfectly permissible within NICE guidelines.

No that’s not correct. The previous poster had retracted their comment. Perfectly safe to start HRT at any age, barring specific contraindications.