zj9078 - It is recommended that any women under the age of 50 with oestrogen deficiency (like you) should use oestrogen as a preventative until at least the natural age of menopause. The 5 year rule does not apply to you and this rule is now no longer applicable to many women. You need to read the latest findings from the ongoing research and studies on HRT. The risks for breast cancer are for those women over the age of 60 who are using combined HRT containing oestrogen together with progesterone. You are not using progesterone because you have had a hysterectomy and don't need to use progesterone. The latest findings actually show a benefit for most women using any form of HRT for 5 years beyond the natural age of menopause which is 51-53. In other words, 5 years of HRT in our 50s will reduce the risk of osteoporosis, reduce the risk of bowel cancer and heart disease and help prevent vaginal atrophy and bladder/urinary problems.
I had an early menopause that started in my mid 30s and began combined HRT at the age of 37. I still have my uterus so have to use an HRT with progesterone. I have been on and off HRT for over 20 years. I am now 59 and have recently gone back on HRT to help with flushes, sleep problems, palpitations, aching joints, vaginal atrophy and bladder problems. I need to be able to work so I hope I will be staying on HRT until I am 67(which in my retirement age) and maybe beyond. If I do get breast cancer I won't blame the HRT. I would be a bitter lady if I had to give up work, sell my home because I can't afford to stay in a place I love or if I can't help and support friends and family I love because menopause symptoms have taken away my quality of life.
I recently saw a gynaecologist privately to get his advice and he said I had been given very good advice and treatment for my premature menopause and ongoing meno symptoms and agreed I could continue with HRT provided I understood that once I get beyond 60 I realise I have a SMALL additional risk of getting breast cancer. For me the many benefits outweigh the small risks. When you get to 53 you can make the decision then but I would get a bone scan done to see how you bones are first.
DG x
PS I know 3 women in their 50s who have had breast cancer and 2 women who have had bowel cancer and none of them have used HRT!!!!