Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[wombat62]

Hi

I'm 51 and been on it 3 years, doc mentioned 5 but when I saw a private gynae consultant last year (for my hysterscopy) he said as long as you are monitored and screened he was happy for long term use. Said he had ladies on it in their 70s who were okay, surprising from a chap and an older one at that!

I came off it for a few weeks early last year but only lasted about 3 weeks before everything kicked back in. Even now most of the time things tick along but every now and again I get a blip when all the symptoms come back, usually when I'm stressed, worried etc so it's probably that link between oestrogen and adrenalin.

I think they usually mention 5 years because that's when the risk of breast cancer goes up but according to some article I read (if it's correct) you are actually worse off drinking alcohol every day than being on hrt.

It's all very well them pulling you off it at some time but if you have to carry on working almost up to 70 in a few years, how are you supposed to cope!

[Taz2]

It's all very well them pulling you off it at some time but if you have to carry on working almost up to 70 in a few years, how are you supposed to cope!

That's exactly how I feel Wombat. When I first went on HRT at 53 and the doc asked me whether I thought I would be better able to cope with symptoms at 53 or at 60 I explained that I would retire at 60 and so it would be easier to deal with. Now I have to work till 65 but still need to come off at 60. That gives me five years, maybe, of symptoms and work.

Taz x

[Rowan]

When my birthdays come up, I am usually the same person I was the day after my birthday as I was the day before, my body and health has not suddenly fallen to bits! so why on earth do you have to cease HRT at 60, why not 62 or 63 and a half 

Can't a GP see that if the woman sitting in front of him is healthy and well and happy to stay on HRT and clearly is worried about coming off HRT should he insist she does, and then to add to the insult will probably say, we can give you ADS or other drugs if you are struggling.

Makes no sense to me.

I don't use much estrogen but I am grateful to my dear Doctor who continues to prescribe them.

[Taz2]

To be fair all the GP's I have spoken to and also the menopause clinic specialist would still prescribe HRT over the age of 60 but only after spelling out all the increased risks. When I was 55 I was adamant that I would still stay on after the age of 60 but now I am 59 it seems more worrying. As long as we are clear in our minds that we may be one of the women who do develop cancer or stroke due to long term use of HRT and we feel that us and our families will be able to cope with that and the decisions we have made then I don't see why we shouldn't still use it.

Taz

[Taz2]

I think that I'm more bothered now as I have lost so many friends in the last few years due to cancer and one through stroke - all under the age of 60. Such a shame when they were just beginning to properly live their own lives.

Taz x

[wombat62]

I know Taz, me as well. It is scary although with two friends probably lifestyle choices played a part. However, I have one friend with bc at the moment, my age which brings it home but then she was only just starting to get flushes. Who knows why some people get it and others who don't.

I'm just amazed in this day and age when we can to some extent cure cancer and fly to the moon, that they can't sort out the hot flushes apart from using hormones! You would think there would actually be a lot of money in finding something you can take long term considering every woman is going to go through it at some stage!

If they want the younger generation to work to 70, which it could well be by the time 20 year olds get to meno, they are going to have to let you go over 60 if you are suffering. That could be 20 years of working with all the symptoms if you are one of the unlucky ones.
It's an interesting subject as the population ages and expected or have to keep on working for financial reasons.

[Dancinggirl]

Stellajane - I agree with you. So much is made of 'risk factors' with not only HRT but many other drugs and lifestyle choices. Unavoidable life stresses, genetics etc play an enormous role in our general health. I believe we need to live in the here and now - yes, try to eat healthily, keep weight under control and take exercise - but HRT can really improve quality of life, enabling us to work and play when we might not otherwise do so if we are suffering with bad meno symptoms. 
I feel really sorry for those with health issues that prevent them from using HRT - this must be tough.
I am surrounded by friends and relations with a wide variety of health issues and at 57 I will try anything that will enable me to live a full life while I can and also enable me to help those around me with their health issues. Quality of life is very, very important.
Reading many of the posts on this site I realise too may women are frightened of trying things and possibly suffer as a result.
I urge you ladies to be bold and brave - don't take things lying down
DG x

[Rowan]

HRT or ERT can play a part in keeping women out of care homes, preventing osteoporosis, as well as helping to keep women healthy and fit and in their own homes.

There for keeping the costs down for the NHS and Government.

[ducky ducky]

Hi, been reading this thread and im looking for abit of advice really, had last period in nov 2010 started hot flushes about 2 years befor that, gradually getting worse every half an hour through the night and I'm lucky if I go 20 mins in between in the day, joint pains, emotional, feeling yuk and funnily enough I'm getting a bit cloustrophobic, is this normal? I ve really tried to go through it with no help but don't know if I'd be better with hrt. I'm 57. Can I take it because I was diagnosed with fibroids in 2010 but she did say that given 5 years they will be gone. Don't know if there are. Also will I get periods again, I don't want them again.dont know what to do, flushes are getting me down, any advice would be welcome thanks

[Dancinggirl]

Hi ducky ducky
Welcome back to MM.
Sounds as though you are having a rough time. Well worth talking to your doctor  - if he/she is sympathetic and clued up about menopause. There do seem to be women with fibroids who take HRT - I suspect it's the usual thing of benefits versus risks. If you have a menopause clinic near you that is ideal. As you are post meno you will be able to use continuous HRT which means you won't get periods but be aware that it is usual to get breakthrough bleeding initially for around 6 months. Check out the info under HRT preparations in the list on the left.
You could ask Dr Currie (founder of this site) for advice - i believe you pay £15 for an email consultation.
Good luck  DG x

[Taz2]

Hi ducky ducky - I see that you were struggling with this in January of this year and it seems such a shame that you are still feeling horrible. I would definitely think it would be worth asking about  HRT - you have put up with it for long enough and it could really give you back so much of your life.

I have a small fibroid and was on HRT for six years with no problems.

Taz x

[ducky ducky]

Hi, thanks for your response  think I need to see dr see what she says, thanks again

[ducky ducky]

Hi
Gosh January feel like I'm just waiting and waiting for things to stop, in the mean time life's passing by, need to do something gonna go see if I can get dr appointment tomorrow thanks for help I'll let u know how I get on
Linda x

[andius]

 I have a small fibroid too and am on HRT.  Remember, the estrogen level you had when you got the fibroids is probably not the one you have now.  HRT might not even affect it even if it is still there. Maybe your doctor will let you give it a try?

[skkb]

Dancingirl, I couldn't agree more with your post on 15 Oct, totally agree.