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[Elizabeta]

Hello,
Just spent an age writing a new message just to be logged out before it was posted! Just as well, I'll keep this short.
I'm 52, one year period free - hurrah! Lots of great things about menopause, but for me the foggy head, occasional nausea and predominately the pain in muscles around my neck and hip joints keeping me awake at night was enough to investigate HRT. Research told me, earlier start, less risk, avoid oral preparations to eliminate risk of blood clots and my family history (mother died of breast cancer) not too great a risk factor as she was in her 60s when she was diagnosed. After a minimal discussion with doctor I now have gel based Oestrogel and oral preparation of Utrogestan and more questions than before! I'm suddenly anxious as to whether I should be taking it due to my mother. The dose prescribed is confusing me - I have to take the progesterone (100mg) for 1 -25 days, 3 days off and just one pump of the gel, despite it suggesting two pumps in the leaflet. Does anyone know if the proportion of the oestrogen to progestrone matter? One pump is .75mg of estradiol - seems very low to the progesterone 100mg. Are there ways of taking the progesterone that don't involve an oral pill or coil fitting? Was hoping for a patch, but doctor recommended this gel and pill combo as better.

[Dotty]

Hi the combination of gel and Utrogestan is one of the best ( in my opinion.)

Usual starting dose is 2 pumps of gel and take the Utrogestan every day.... don't have a 3 day break.

Good luck xx

[Elizabeta]

Thank you.x

[Jari]

Hi Elizabeta. Welcome. I just wanted to say that I have the same BC family history as you and my GP point blank refused me hrt. I did go private and paid a specialist who gave me a prescription for the gel/utrogestan straight away.
It gave me hideous side effects, my breast tissue changed, it became firmer, which worries me as i could tell why my gp didn’t want me taking it, but it also gave me hideous anxiety, to the point I was gasping for breath. Big weight gain and generally thought it horrible.
I was told to come off it straight away and am very happy to now be doing it naturally.  My symptoms are only a few hot flushes, night sweats and joint stiffness so it’s not too bad and happy to not be causing myself more serious problems. The flushes/sweats have been getting less intense and less frequent.

Hrt is very powerful and can have disastrous effects on people. Take some time to read some of the threads and just bear in mind the damage you can do.

If you’ve started taking it already, make notes about slight changes and then you will be able to make your mind up if you think it’s worth the risk. X

[Elizabeta]

Thank you. I haven't started yet, so glad for advice.x

[sheila99]

You can take utro vaginally, just push it up as far as you can. Best done at night (gravity!)

[CLKD]

Also what type of breast disease did your Mum have?  Mine was diagnosed at age 65 via mammogram, underwent mastectomy and hey presto! still with us at 92.  My disease was totally different.  I was told 'no HRT' but I insist that ladies should opt for Quality of Life.  After all, that bus might be along B4 cancer takes hold, if indeed, it would!

As oestrogen levels drop so the muscles may become lax = aches and pains which over the counter pain relief should ease.  Also, read our threads on vaginal atrophy and bladder issues.  Make notes 

[Jari]

Hi again, CLKD is right to point out the type of breast cancer history. My Mum died of estrogen receptive BC, basically cancer feeds on estrogen (hrt).  That is why my GP totally refused me hrt. She said if I had to persue it, I would have to pay a specialist for a prescription. She said, as an NHS doctor she cannot prescribe it to me.
When I first started taking it, my symptoms went and I thought I’d done the right thing, until 2 months into it, all my symptoms started. It made me realise how I should have listened in the first place to my gp. If I’d gone ahead and developed BC, she didn’t want that on her conscience.

Do bear in mind that most ER BC is not hereditary and the majority of cases have no family history.

I would say, if you’re symptoms aren’t that bad, try lifestyle changes first. Good foods, good supplements, exercise, get bmi to the mid recommended point etc.... these are most beneficial..
and in most cases menopause symptoms pass, but hrt will mask this.. xx

[Elizabeta]

Also what type of breast disease did your Mum have?  Mine was diagnosed at age 65 via mammogram, underwent mastectomy and hey presto! still with us at 92.  My disease was totally different.  I was told 'no HRT' but I insist that ladies should opt for Quality of Life.  After all, that bus might be along B4 cancer takes hold, if indeed, it would!

She had cancer diagnosis at 60. It was a fast growing cancer that presented as a rash rather than lump and was mis-diagnosed for a long time. It was the late 80s so treatment very different to now. Unfortunately she died from it, so of course I'm anxious, but I agree with you quality of life... She also had heart problems, so I'm keen to protect that too and know.HRT can help.in this regard so all.balance act.

[Elizabeta]

Hi again, CLKD is right to point out the type of breast cancer history. My Mum died of estrogen receptive BC, basically cancer feeds on estrogen (hrt).  That is why my GP totally refused me hrt. She said if I had to persue it, I would have to pay a specialist for a prescription. She said, as an NHS doctor she cannot prescribe it to me.
When I first started taking it, my symptoms went and I thought I'd done the right thing, until 2 months into it, all my symptoms started. It made me realise how I should have listened in the first place to my gp. If I'd gone ahead and developed BC, she didn't want that on her conscience.

Do bear in mind that most ER BC is not hereditary and the majority of cases have no family history.

I would say, if you're symptoms aren't that bad, try lifestyle changes first. Good foods, good supplements, exercise, get bmi to the mid recommended point etc.... these are most beneficial..
and in most cases menopause symptoms pass, but hrt will mask this.. xx

Thank you. How would I know if my mother's cancer was oestrogen receptive?  It was such a long time ago. She died in '92. I have tried life style. I'm healthy, run, exercise - Pilates, eat really well etc.etc. but it is the lack of sleep making life difficult. So difficult to weigh up risks!

[Elizabeta]

You can take utro vaginally, just push it up as far as you can. Best done at night (gravity!)
[/quot



Do you mean the same pills I've been prescribed for oral administration?

[Dotty]

Yes the same pills can be used orally or vaginally x

[CLKD]

Is your GP the same as the one your Mum saw?   Most notes are kept for many years so you could ask if they have been stored.  Or contact the Hospital where your Mum was treated ..........

Breast disease presents in several ways, usually a lump on palpation, via mammogram [mine didn't], a rash or nipple changes. It can be triggered for various reasons.

[Jari]

If you don't know, then yes maybe your gp can tell you through history. Most BC is ER. History or no history. Cancer thrives on estrogen. (Hrt)

It's good to be aware of this as a lot of private “specialists” who dish out hrt do not focus on this. They have their livelihoods to think of..

You have to have all the info presented to you, so you can make an informed decision.

Once I knew this, it was a no brainer. Hrt is a curse..and a big risk. Some ladies are willing to take that risk and some are not. It's each to their own.. x

[CLKD]

HRT isn't a curse, for some ladies it's a life saver!!  All medications come with risk; as does getting out of bed  .

HRT can protect heart and bones.  It can replace hormones that are waning and is important in ladies with early menopause.  It is an option in the same way as many medications are.  Which is why this Forum is helpful, to ask; accept experiences and advice and use what might be appropriate.   

Also no one can tell me how long if I needed HRT would it be B4 the cancer was triggered and whether in fact, it would be the 'same' cancerous cells ..............