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[Annidav]

I have an appointment with the GP tomorrow to discuss HRT - when I saw her a month ago (after having a panic attack because of the fact she is not my usual GP who was unavailable that day and I was desperate) she told me to research HRT and have a think about it and to come back and see her in a month; well I have to say I am still very confused; I was advised by my GP last year that I should not have HRT as my mother had had breast cancer twice.  I was referred to a consultant who, without any kind of examination or mammogram told me I was in a "higher" risk of breast cancer because of my mother's history but not high risk - I have no idea if anyone else in my family or my mother's family had breast cancer other than I know for a fact my maternal grandmother didn't, and my mum was an only child; my mum passed away last year so I can't ask her;  the thing is I am back on mirtazapine as this helps me sleep, which means my anxiety and panic attacks have subsided together with the hot flushes; however, I have put on masses of weight, I am suffering terrible headaches, I am constantly tired/no energy, my memory is unbelievably bad and seems to be getting worse by the day, I can't concentrate on anything,  my joints and back ache, I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in the physical side of my relationship with my incredibly lovely husband, I am irritable, short of breath .....SO - I am still considering HRT for these symptoms but I am finding all of the information totally confusing ....I know it is a personal decision and no-one here can tell me whether I should or should not have HRT - I think I just needed to get all of this "out there" as my husband works away and I can't really discuss this with the kids!!
       

[CLKD]

There's no need to make a decision tomorrow  .

Make a list - jot down how you feel on the Mirtazpine.  Tell your GP that you have put on weight.  List your symptoms.

Because your Mum had breast disease does not rule out HRT!  Firstly quality of Life is important.  Was your Mum's breast disease oestrogen dominant and was it why she died? 

That proverbial bus might be along far sooner than any ill effects that HRT might cause!  GPs have been sent Guidelines in recent months so that is worth discussing with your GP too.

Let us know how you get on.

[Annidav]

Thank you CLKD - I'm afraid I don't know if my mum's breast cancer was oestrogen dominant but it wasn't what she died of -she had it over 20 years ago on two separate occasions electing to have a mastectomy each time and was 82 when she died; I am making a list to take with me as you suggest - I am not looking forward to it as I really felt she was unsympathetic when I saw her for the first time in floods of tears after having a panic attack that morning - my usual GP isn't available this week     

[Tinkerbell]

My meno specialist who I see told me that even ladies who have had breast cancer can have HRT as long as it is not active disease.

[Clovie]

I was told even if my mother had developed breast cancer it was the age at which she developed it which was important. The younger a woman develops it the higher the risk.

However, this info was given to me prior to the old studies being blown out of the water, (a whole generation of suffering ladies were discouraged from taking HRT because of these studies!  ) The recent new info/guidelines are much more positive for ladies with a family history of breast cancer.

Best wishes for your visit to the doctors today! 

[Ju Ju]

My sister died from breast cancer, oestrogen dominant and young, but I have no other close family history of breast cancer and have been told all along that this would not prevent me from taking HRT. My sister was described as a 'blip' in the nicest possible way.

[Annidav]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I have seen the GP and it was much better than last time and I really felt she was listening to me - I was armed with my questions and research and gave made the decision to give it a go so I have a prescription for  FemSeven Conti patches for three months. Feel a weight lifted from my mind (unfortunately not from my body!!) But trying to get hold of them may be a challenge as the main Boots chemist in the city centre don't have them in stock!!

[CLKD]

Thanks for the up-date!  Maybe your GP has done a little research in between appts. or perhaps isn't used to patients in tears in the Surgery  .  We don't know what news they have needed to impart through their previous appt.s either .

If you feel listened to that's half the battle.  Keeping a diary of mood/food/symptoms will be useful for the next 6-8 months.

You could ring round other Chemists in your area? 

[Tinkerbell]

Sparkle.....I have only been on Estadot for one week, but I have not had a headache since sticking them on!! Obviously not sure if it a confidence but have been having awful headaches since this meno business started.
And I have noticed I do feel more lively, but might be down to not having a headache.

[Mary G]

Breast cancer in the family does not necessarily rule HRT out for you but you will need some specialist advice on this and also you will need to make sure you take the right type of HRT.  Obviously this is not a straightforward case.

If the default answer is "no" from your GP and you feel your request for HRT has been dismissed out of hand, I would suggest you seek the advice of a hormone specialist and ask to be referred to someone who is an expert on the menopause and HRT.  If that fails, I would recommend Professor John Studd.

[CLKD]

Mary G - Does Prof Studd do any NHS work?