Print

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

[Magpie]

I am 76 was on HRT for over twenty years felt brilliant ,but put on bit of weight only  problem ,my doctor told me I needed to come of it about two years ago now having lots of problems flushing ,mood swings , bad sleep , but the worse urine infections and bladder problems .No one tells you if you come of HRT all your symptoms come back .what should I do know any ideas .

[Joyce]

Oh heck, poor you. Welcome to the forum. Lots of info on here & support from ladies of all ages. Most of us complaining as our GPs won't let us have HRT beyond 60. As many on here state, HRT merely delays the onset of all the nasty meno stuff. I'm still on it, but sure others will give you some advice.

[Magpie]

Thanks for that nice to talk to people who,know what you are talking about

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome Magpie
I'd ask your GP fro some local oestrogen to help with the bladder issues. Vagifem is very popular.  Very little is absorbed systemically so there shouldn't be reason why can't use it. It's far worse to keep taking antibiobics for UTIs etc.
As for flushes and bad sleep I'm afraid I haven't yet found anything that really helps except HRT.  Cotton clothes in thin layers - very light bedlinen. Do read up all the info under the headings to the left of this page as there is plenty to discover.  DG x

[Magpie]

Ism thinking of going back on HRT went to see GP yesterday she is sending me to see someone  to see what they can do .Would you go back on it ??

[Hurdity]

Hi magpie

This is a tricky one and it is good that your doctor is sending you to see an expert on this.

If you were wanting to start HRT for the first time at your age, generally the recommendations at present would be against it, because the limited (albeit flawed) research shows the risks to be greater for older women.

However if you took it for that long and only stopped it two years ago - I wonder if this makes your situation different - in effect it is only 2 years since your oestrogen levels became post-menopausal, so could be far less of a risk.

What type of HRT were you on and what dose?  If you were on oral HRT then a transdermal method is thought to be associated with less risk long term and is recommended for over 60's, but if you have a uterus then there is the thorny issue of which progestogen. If you've had a hysterectomy then there is no contest and I would fight for it if the doc is agreeable. Hopefully the specialist will be able to assess you and decide.

In terms of weight - if you are overweight (BMI above the desirable range) then that is associated with increased risk of breast cancer and other health problems, just as much as HRT and you would be doing yourself a favour if you tackled this, and the docs may well be happier for you to continue with HRT.

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

[Ju Ju]

I am 60 and only started low dose.HRT this year. I went to a private gynaecologist recommended by my GP. I have been told I can stay on HRT 'forever'! It should be your informed choice. For me quality of life far outweighs quantity of life. If you get no joy within the constraints of the NHS, consider going privately, but do your homework first. Yes, it does cost to have an appointment with a private gynaecologist, but I have only had 2 appointments, plus a phone consultation. If I have any concerns I can email.

[CLKD]

I agree with Ju Ju.  Welcome by the way - you had good results with HRT and having not used it can see the benefits of restarting.  It would take a brave doctor to deny me 

Let us know how you get on!  Explain to the Doctor that quality is important to you and how symptoms are stopping you enjoying Life !

[Magpie]

Thanks for all the replys lovely to hear and talk to people who are going though the same ,some one asked how I felt the twenty years I was on HRT I felt brilliant no problems plenty of energy just a little extra weight but who cares .I was on everol 25 patch .

[Hazel]

sorry to hear you have had all your symptoms back !!
That is horrible, you would hope by now that you would be rid of this so you can have some peace !
I don't really have any advice, just empathising with you.
Hazel