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[jackelburger]

Hi ladies,

I've been on this forum for a while and have found it such a fantastic place of support and information!

I'm 53 and had my last period Sept 2020 and feel like I've been having peri symptoms for quite a few years on and off.  I chatted to my doc twice about possibly going on HRT but she told me to go away and think about it.  Mainly because my mum had breast cancer at 48 although it was caught very early and she's still alive and well in her 80s.   Since the spring my night flushes have become intense and have affected my sleep dramatically which then affects my work and general mood.   My anxiety has flared up but it's hard to tell if that's hormonal or just a symptom of the stress of the past 16 months.  Other symptoms are no libido, vaginal dryness (on Vagifem now which is helping), joint and muscle aches, tingly fingers, headaches and dizziness/vertigo.   I've been checked over for other issues (heart/BP, etc) and all appear normal so assuming it's hormones. 

Today I had a private consultation with a meno specialist who came recommended.   We chatted through everything.  Initially she mentioned anti depressants to help with hot flushes/anxiety as they wouldn't have the risk of breast cancer.   I feel I want the benefits of HRT (heart/bone/brain protection) so said I'd like to go down that route if possible.   We chatted through various options and I decided should I go ahead I'd like to go for an oestrogen gel and then progesterone pill.  She has suggested that for peace of mind I get the BRCA test (although I know it's no guarantee of not having breast cancer) which I think I will probably do.

Anyway I just wanted to share my story.  It will be great to get information on this site from everyone about the HRT I'm going to go on and also any side effects.   From what I understand it can take a while for things to settle in and work and it might be it's not for me.  I just felt I had to give it a try!

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Hi your symptoms sound just like mine and I also wanted to try HRT for all the same reasons. Hot flushes being just a part of it. If you don't mind me asking how do you go about getting the BRCA test, is that something you have to do privately or can your GP arrange? Good luck with the HRT, I've just started and am not getting on so well but hoping it's just my body getting used to it.

[jackelburger]

Hi your symptoms sound just like mine and I also wanted to try HRT for all the same reasons. Hot flushes being just a part of it. If you don't mind me asking how do you go about getting the BRCA test, is that something you have to do privately or can your GP arrange? Good luck with the HRT, I've just started and am not getting on so well but hoping it's just my body getting used to it.

Hi,
Sorry for late reply haven't been on here for a few weeks!   I believe if you have 1-2 close relatives who have had BC prior to menopause you can get on the NHS.   Since posting I have spoken to a client who was a BC nurse and she said to think hard about having it as you need to decide what to do with that information if it comes back positive.   I've decided to try the HRT and just check myself regularly plus pay for more regular mammograms.   Good luck with your HRT!  Haven't got mine yet but I think it does take a while to adjust.