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[vickypk]

I've been using Evorel Conti for about 3 years. I'm 61 and my GP wants me to stop and to take an AD instead. I've been cutting down and I'm back to having night sweats and feeling down for no reason and just can't get out of it, even though I exercise every day. What is the best anti depressant to try. Thanks

[Dotty]

Hi if the Evorel Conti is helping you then keep taking it x

[vickypk]

Hi Dotty. Thanks for your reply. That's right best to stay on the HRT, but my GP wants me to stop. With not feeling right at the moment, I feel as if I've got no future and with a low mood feeling, haven't felt like this for ages. Thanks x

[Taz2]

Don't be bullied into stopping unless there is a medical reason for you to stop. Transdermal HRT is considered ok to keep using once in your sixties. Guidelines have changed and not all GPs are aware. I'm 65 and still on Evorel.

Taz x

[Dotty]

As Taz says, there's no upper age limit for hrt. Your GP needs to read the Nice guidelines. You can take hrt for as long as you need it. X

[Beaker]

Dotty is right about the NICE guidelines. You could ask the GP if you can be referred to a specialist if all else fails. I think that Gp's don't mind continuing to prescribe HRT as long as it's authorised by an expert.

[Dotty]

https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/hormone-replacement-therapy/

This is from the BMS x

[vickypk]

Thank you Taz2, Dotty and Beaker for all your replies.
I know you can take HRT forever really as long as medically okay to do so. My GP was talking about venlafaxine. I'll show him the guidelines. He's male in his 40s, how does he know how it feels to have the menopause and all the symptoms. It's nice to know you are all there when things get bad.
Vicky x

[Dotty]

Hi ask him how venafalaxine is going to help you ? If your problems are due to low oestrogen then you need hrt x

[CLKD]

Some ladies need the appropriate anti-depressant medication as well as HRT.  Some ADs have been found to ease anxiety and depression.  Ask the question and what's to lose?  If it helps ease symptoms for 6-8 months?

Let us know?

[Hurdity]

Hi vickypk - sorry to hear this - and as the others have said - you don't need to stop HRT if it's still helping you! I am 65 nearly 66 and still taking it! No wonder you are having night sweats and feeling down for no reason - well there is a reason in your case - lack of oestrogen!

CLKD - yes but vickypk has been prescribed anti-depressants INSTEAD of HRT as doc is trying to take her off it, which is contrary to guidelines, so no-one should be prescribed these or even think of trying them for menopausal symptoms if HRT is not given a chance.

Hurdity x

[Charliegirl@]

Hi Hurdity, what are you taking please?. I have had a hysterectomy so would patches be best for me?
Thanks Charliegirl.x

[CLKD]

Vicky asks which AD is the best to try.   

It may be contrary to guidelines but we don't know the full medical history. 

[racjen]

I agree with the others, if HRT is working then stick with it - ADs are a whole different ballgame with a whole other set of side-effects and risks, I wouldn't go down that route unless you absolutely have to. Your GP is suggesting venlafaxine because it has been shown that that particular AD just happens to control hot flushes in some women. However, if you read through the numerous posts on here from those of us who've tried quite a few ADs, the answer to your question about which is the best one to try is 'who knows?' Your individual reaction to any AD is impossible to predict - you just have to pick one and try it, and it might take quite a few goes to hit on one that works for you without intolerable side-effects. I'd go back and insist on staying with the HRT if I were you - change GPs if you have to.

[vickypk]

Thank you Hurdity, CLKD, racjen and Birdy for your replies.
There isn't a medical reason to come off HRT. Think because I was feeling so down and  with the night sweats back, couldn't think straight. Just goes to show when that oestrogen depletes again the symptoms come back.
I have been a bit up and down with this GP about it, think I said in other posts I've moved to Dorset from London. I know I can easily change GPs. Xx