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[eamac]

Hi

I'm new to this, but not to menopause problems. I've been on HRT for over 10 years, with some attempts at stopping, but the symptoms were still there. I recently suggested coming off again as I do worry about all the bad press, and agreed to give it a go for 3 months. I've lasted 2 and I'm getting to screaming point - flushes, not sleeping, anxious, mood swings and so on. Went back to GP who agreed I could restart, but a different kind of HRT was suggested (patches and pills). On getting the prescription, I made the mistake of (as advised) reading the accompanying leaflets and was unnerved by all the 'increased risks' statistics.

I'm 64 now and wondering if I should just stick with the symptoms, as all I seem to have done is postpone them for 10 years. However, I have a stressful couple of months coming up (not foreseen at the time of my proposal to come off HRT) and a huge part of me thinks this is not the time for heroics. That I should just give in and go back to the HRT, which I felt well on.

Don't suppose there's anyone out there who's been in the same position?

[Taz2]

Hi eamac 

We have been talking quite a lot lately about the advice to stop HRT at 60 and we all seem to agree that it is down to the individual. If lack of HRT makes not worth living then it seems better to accept the, what seems to be small, rise in risk and carry on.

Which type were you on before and which type have you now been given? I am 59 and came off it around three months ago following six years taking it. I am suffering again with frequent hot flushes/sweats, sleepless nights, vaginal dryness and a sudden ability to pick up every infection going! Guidelines are that it is safer to use patches (no pills) after the age of 60 as it is thought that pills can up your stroke risk.

The leaflets which accompany all HRT do give every known problem - best to only refer to them if you want to check whether a particular symptom is down to HRT I reckon.

You will find loads of help and advice on here.

Taz x

[Dancinggirl]

I agree with Taz2.
I tried being without HRT for 3years and kept hoping things would settle down. I gave in and went back on after I mentioned to a friend in her 80s how I was suffering and she firmly told me to "go back on at once".  She was still on HRT!!!!
Through you 50s and 60s life is often at it's most stressful these days. They want us to keep working till at least 67 and problems with elderly relatives etc mean with we have more to cope with than ever before.
If you don't have any health issues that prevent you continuing HRT, then the many benefits far outweigh the very small risks. We've all got to die of something and quality of life is terribly important.
I believe stress is one of the biggest risk factors against future health and wellbeing and feeling dreadful because of lack of sleep, hot flushes etc just add to the stress. 
Maybe try a lower dose oestrogen ( gel or patch) with low dose utrogestan?
By the way, did you go cold turkey? Slowly reducing your dosage of several weeks or even months is advised.
Good luck DG

[eamac]

Thanks Taz and DG for helpful replies. I think I will give it a go again and maybe consider stopping gradually - I did do 'cold turkey' - next year. Or maybe not. You're right, that being so stressed just now is not good for me any way.

The support means a lot.

[Taz2]

Let us know how you get on.

Taz x