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[imgeha]

I have just stopped six straight hours of palpitations, permanent hot flushes and feeling anxious by using more Estrogel, which I had cut down to one pump a day after the latest HRT study.  I felt really shaky, couldn't sleep and was extremely anxious, as well as not being stand because of the palpitations. So yesterday demonstrated to me that I really cannot do without this stuff - it's not a question of trying to avoid a few unpleasant symptoms - it's a question of whether I function or not - job, two kids, cats and all.   I will be returning to my usual two pumps of Estrogel.

I also take 10mg Duphaston every day as the progesterone element, although I am still cycling, and I know this is unusual. For me, peri has brought the most horrendous food and histamine intolerances and I am now down to a few foods that I can tolerate without palpitations and / or a hangover.  I found this got easier when I take progesterone every day.  I have lost 7kg with the food intolerances, and am now the lightest I have been since a young teen.  Again, I hate to think where I would be without HRT, although obviously I am mindful of the cancer risk, and hate studies like the one that just came out.

There is no question that I could ignore all this, or that it is in my head.  And yet everyone says to me - I sailed through menopause and didn't realise.  Or my mum thinks I'm making a fuss.  No-one really gets it.  Other 50-year old women are out, eating and drinking and having a great time. I can't imagine the palpitations if I had a glass of wine. Luckily I have a lovely hormone doctor (I live in Belgium) who has no qualms about me continuing to use HRT 'for the duration', however long that may be. We'll see about that, but I am stuck on the HRT or stuck in bed, it looks like.

Anyone else this bad?

[Dana]

The latest media report is nothing more than just another media beat-up. Just use what you need to use to minimise your symptoms. There is nothing to be scared of.

[Maryjane]

My GP was furious with the latest DM article , and said yes it's " possibly" double per 1,000 but why about the 900 plus who don't get breast cancer.

She said we are deficient , no different than thyroid , insulin etc would we stop there treatment NO , are the potential side effects of these drugs headline news NO.

She said enjoy life NOW , as what ifs may never happen.

I can't be without HRT end of . I have / had truely awful urogenital atrophy, which can't be cured only managed.

So yes live life now , and if it requires HRT then so be it. 😊

[Ju Ju]

Stellajane is right.

You are you and how your body copes depends on many factors that is not understood, but it is not down to attitude of mind! Those who sail through menopause, pregnancy, periods should be rejoicing and grateful! It is not a failing or attitude of those who suffer. It just is.

My sister died of breast cancer and because of the cancer risks that were highlighted I soldered on without HRT, until age 60. I had had to retire early and I had got to the stage that just getting up in the morning and showering was a mountain to climb physically and CFS was being suggested. I went privately to try HRT because of my age and suddenly I had more energy. I wish I had taken this step earlier. For me quality of life far out balances quantity. And I have been told I can carry on with HRT 'forever', as long as there are no contraindications.

PS I started food intolerances in peri with the bonus of much needed weight loss. I sought help from a nutritionist. The good news is that it is easing off in severity now I am post menopausal. This means I can now tolerate small amounts of offending foods occasionally and any reaction is mild, so eating out is no longer so stressful.

[Tinkerbell]

Palpitations waking me several times a night plus VA needing more than topical oestrogen are the two reasons why I take systemic HRT.

Poor sleep from palpitations and not being able to exercise because of VA have potential of giving me health problems....hope I don't have a battle with our doctor in the future,as I am hoping to stay on it.

[Dana]

I'm actually trying to not use the term HRT if I talk to anyone about it because it tends to be such a trigger word for the judgemental types. I now try to use terms like hormone supplement, or better yet estradiol supplement because most people haven't got a clue what estradiol is so it is less of a trigger for them.

I need to take thyroxine yet I've never come across one person who's made a negative comment about that, yet it's a hormone, so what's the difference? I need estrogen to function normally, and to not kill myself, so I don't give a rat's arse what the media or the judgementals say about it

[Ju Ju]

Well I haven't had negative comments re HRT, but then it is very clear to friends and family how much better I am, compared to before. It's none of anyone else's business. Oh I was critised for taking asthma medication by my BIL. Apparently that was an attitude problem of mine to rely on inhalers. Funny how he doesn't criticise since having a life threatening illness himself!

[CLKD]

Why do you need to discuss what you take  ……. I don't tell people when I change my knickers.  Nor that I take ADs etc..  It's personal, between my GP, Himself and me !

[CLKD]

Once I had recovered I would say 'prove it!' ……. and they would be off my C.mas card list