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[corhale]

Hi everyone. I am almost 65 years old, for the last 7 years I have been suffering with hot flushes, terrible depression and anxiety, just recently I have noticed my hair becoming very thin,my memory has become shocking,quite frightening really, but most of all my joints and muscles ache beyond  reason and I am so tired. I was put on citalopram 30 mgs 5 years ago , saw a psychiatrist,and had  weekly sessions with a psychologist and sort of came out the other end . I still take citalopram. I have always wondered if my symptoms were and are due to menopause and reading through so much material am now convinced they are. Doctors do not seem to want to admit it ??
I have read that the risks of taking hrt are higher if you start taking it over the age of 65 years.
Can anyone else relate to what I am going through and offer any help or advise. I need to go the GP armed with as much info as possible.
I had a hysterctomy with ovaries left when I was 47.
Many thanks xx

[Dancinggirl]

Oh dear! they should have given you some oestrogen in your early 50s when your meno symptoms emerged.
Sadly it's probably too late to have HRT now but you could ask to referred for advice from a gynae or meno clinic. You should probably get a bone density scan done and possible get advice on diet and exercise to improve the aching joints and low mood. 
You are not alone in not getting the appropriate treatment when meno hits. DG x

[Joaniepat]

Hello corhale and 
I am 68 and had a hysterectomy and ovaries removed when I was 47. Although I was given systemic oestrogen afterwards, my supply was stopped against my will in 2003, as a result of the now discredited WHI study. I've had my ups and downs since then, although nothing as severe as your problems.

You may be able to get transdermal oestrogen. According to the hospital gynaecologist I saw earlier this week, there have been no studies of the effects of this on women of our age, and anyone who tells you differently is probably referring to the WHI study. She prescribed Oestrogel and I will be starting it tomorrow.

It would be a good idea to get a Dexascan done if you can. Osteoporosis was one of my concerns as my mother had it, and I will be getting this done at the same hospital. I had mentioned my concerns about osteoporosis to my GP and asked about systemic oestrogen, but he said I was too old. However, he did prescribe Tibolone instead, which I have been taking for about 4 months. Interestingly it has improved the aches and pains in my hands! But of course that will now be replaced by the Oestrogel, which is more appropriate for those who have no uterus.

I hope your GP will take an enlightened view, but if he/she insists on sticking rigidly to the guidelines, I urge you to get a referral to a specialist.

 I wish you the very best of luck, and do keep us updated.
JP xx

[corhale]

Thankyou so much Joanipat, your reply is so helpful, I shall take your advice when I see my GP in a couple of weeks.

[Mary G]

corhale, there is no need to battle on with debilitating symptoms and in your situation, I would take a chance and not worry about the time limit for HRT.  You have had a hysterectomy so HRT is very easy and I would recommend you try Oestrogel.  It is very flexible because you can easily adjust the dose up or down and it is easy to use - you rub it on your skin.  Because of the length of time you have been menopausal and not on HRT, I would start with 1 pump of gel every day and go on from there.

Because you have had a hysterectomy, you won't need progesterone which is good because that is where all the HRT risk lies (albeit a very small risk) so you are a straightfoward case! 

You should not have been left to suffer those symptoms for so long. 

[corhale]

Many thanks Mary G, your comments are very valuable to me.I have my appointment at the doctors on the 16th. so will let you all know how I get on.
C x

[marras]

I went on HRT when I was 64 and am still on it now at 67. I went to a private gynae originally but my GP is happy to prescribe HRT through the NHS. Am on Estradot 50mg and intend to stay on for the rest of my life. I thought that I would go 'natural ' thinking that there would be an end to the monstrous symptoms. However, in my case there never was an end to the hot flushes, etc. They don't cure everything but the patches are make life a lot more bearable.
Had a hysterectomy last year due to cancer so only have to take oestrogen. Good luck with your GP.

[corhale]

Many thanks Marras for your reply x

[jaycee]

I have just been restarted on Tibolone [Livial[ i was on that for a while just post menopause
I have read reports of women my age and older who are still on HRT and feeling great, so thought i would ask my Dr,
Also had a scan for womb thickness etc, and all was good,
I have only been on it for about a week now,so too early to tell
I was also still getting a few hot flushes, as is my sister,
My mother was still getting them in her 80s
I am early 70s , but still slim and healthy,
I also believe your problems could be due to menopause,
Its worth asking your Dr anyway, why suffer?
Hope this helps

[corhale]

Thankyou Jaycee

[jaycee]

I am having no side effects from the Livial[ Tibolone]  but have not notied any difference really, except not as anxious, but hoping they will help with sleep
I hope your appointment with your GP goes well and he/she can help you, good luck,
Please let us know how you get on

[Deedee47]

Hi I'm new here age 47 tah bso due to early stage ovarian cancer I'm 6 weeks post op really worried about hrt all the bad reviews I'm awake more than I sleep been like this over a year I get really down and also very moody seem to trouble a lot with my back but it is only 6 weeks going to doctors soon I had large 30/8 complex cyst removed I have loads of concerns maybe it's just me feeling low

[Dancinggirl]

Deedee47
Welcome to MM
Do start your own thread so more people can respond and help.
A bit more info would help e.g. did you have a fulll hysterectomy? If you have been advised to have HRT then I would definitely take it - it will bring far more benefits than risks, especially as you are still young and need the oestrogen.
Don't take any notice of the horror stories re HRT - it's all been over blown.
Are the back problems to do with your operation or the cysts?  If it is spinal, tendons or nerve pain, then some physio would be advisable. DG x