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[Whatsupwiththis]

 :(I have problems with topical estrogen..aggrevates vag.  I phoned to BEG going on patches for my severe VA but not a chance in hell!  I am 68 with high blood pressure and she said risks outweigh benefits.  Also mentioned a competent Dr. would never approve someone my age for patches.  She said best thing for VVA is topical and patches are designed for women suffering hot flashes, mood swings, etc. which I don't have.  Sigh....

[Katejo]

:(I have problems with topical estrogen..aggrevates vag.  I phoned to BEG going on patches for my severe VA but not a chance in hell!  I am 68 with high blood pressure and she said risks outweigh benefits.  Also mentioned a competent Dr. would never approve someone my age for patches.  She said best thing for VVA is topical and patches are designed for women suffering hot flashes, mood swings, etc. which I don't have.  Sigh....

The consultant who saw me said that Evorel conti  patches would help VA. I don't have flashes or mood swings. Only started recently but have had some benefit.

[Taz2]

Have you had full HRT before? If not then this may be the reason for your Doc's decision as it is not advised to begin HRT after the age of 65 (maybe 60) I believe. Have a search for NICE guidelines on this. It's the risk of stroke I think.

Taz x

[Joaniepat]

:(I have problems with topical estrogen..aggrevates vag.  I phoned to BEG going on patches for my severe VA but not a chance in hell!  I am 68 with high blood pressure and she said risks outweigh benefits.  Also mentioned a competent Dr. would never approve someone my age for patches.  She said best thing for VVA is topical and patches are designed for women suffering hot flashes, mood swings, etc. which I don't have.  Sigh....

I restarted systemic oestrogen at age 67 having been taken off it at age 53/54 due to the now discredited millenial studies.  I will be 70 next month and have no intention of giving up my 100 mcg Estradot patches. I feel much better all round on them. I too have hypertension which is controlled with medication. Can you try a proper menopause clinic?

JP x

[Joaniepat]

Have you had full HRT before? If not then this may be the reason for your Doc's decision as it is not advised to begin HRT after the age of 65 (maybe 60) I believe. Have a search for NICE guidelines on this. It's the risk of stroke I think.

Taz x

As far as I know, transdermal does not carry stroke risk.

JP x

[Whatsupwiththis]

Taz..no have never needed HRT.  I am going to make all of you envious but went thru menopause was a breeze.  No hot flashes...no mood swings ( unless you ask ex boyfriend)😂.  It was UTI that started this whole mess.  Then Dr. did pap smear and whoaaaa.....burning started....stinging...raw...Yikes...
I mentioned to meno Dr. that I thought patches didn't cause problems and she informed me they certainly do and I would be a candidate for stroke.  I wanr my cagina GONE!

[Taz2]

Have you had full HRT before? If not then this may be the reason for your Doc's decision as it is not advised to begin HRT after the age of 65 (maybe 60) I believe. Have a search for NICE guidelines on this. It's the risk of stroke I think.

Taz x

As far as I know, transdermal does not carry stroke risk.

JP x

I think it's to do with never having used it before. I might be totally wrong. I'm still on Evorel at 65. Like you I'm determined not to give it up!

Taz x

[dangermouse]

There was also a warning about patches for older women last week on news, something about fat deposits in arteries, which only happens with patches (or guess they mean transdermal). It said tablets didn't carry the risk though.

The GP may have just seen it.

[jaycee]

Where did it say this?it seems like you can't win then, whatever you do

[dangermouse]

I just googled it here:
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/medicalxpress.com/news/2019-08-hormone-therapy-linked-heart-fat.amp

It may not be significant though if benefits are better than symptoms.

[Taz2]

That's interesting and worrying. I wonder why it's taken all this time to discuss it as the trial was a while ago now.

Taz x

[Whatsupwiththis]

Interesting article Dangermouse but hasn't that always been a part of the side effects of both oral and transdermal?  I know high BP is problematic with HRT so it only stands to reason that HRT transdermal AND oral cause hardened arteries.  It's a crime that more hasn't been done over the many years to provide better solutions for women.

[Taz2]

The role of HRT in improving or supporting cardiovascular health has always been a bit uncertain. This seems to be based on the fact that after menopause the rate of CVD in women creeps up to become the same as that in men leading to the understanding that oestrogen must have a protective effect for women as that is the only thing that is different between the sexes. I've found this article from 2016 which is interesting. This may be where I read about it not being good for women over sixty to begin HRT for the first time due to the heart/stroke risk. https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/research/review-article/establishing-the-risk-related-to-hormone-replacement-therapy-and-cardiovascular-disease-in-women/20202066.article?firstPass=false.

I think that if we are aware of the risks and our symptoms are making life very unpleasant then it should be up to us as to whether we use HRT or not. Are you on medication for your blood pressure? Maybe your doc would think again if you could get it down a bit more if it's still high?

Taz x

[Tracey E]

So basically reduce your Estrogen intake to the bare minimum in order to manage your symptons. More isn't always best! 

[Whatsupwiththis]

Tracey I agree.  Taz I am on 3 BP meds but still very high (family DNA).  I trust my Dr. as she specializes in mature women's issues so if she feels it's not suitable then I guess she is right and stick with the topical estrogen.  I quit Vagifem and things are improving...staying with Estragyn just a little outside and in and seems to be working.  Thx. for everyone's feedback.  When I come back I'M COMING BACK A MALE!  Hope ex comes back a Female🙏😂