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[KER19]

Hi all, I have just been prescribed hrt gel and progesterone tablets, I went to drs a couple of weeks ago due to increased anxiety and she prescribed sertraline, anyway I thought about it and as I know my anxiety is linked to perimenopause I went back and asked about hrt but now I'm unsure about taking it, I am 48, been having perimenopause symptoms for a couple of years but still have periods, I suppose I am worried about the risks of taking it too soon in case I need to come off it after 5 years because of increased risks, my maternal nanna also had breast cancer so that is on my mind, I am worried I take it too soon then have to come off it when I really need it, like when my periods stop altogether, I hope this makes sense, I am just feeling very confused at the moment and a bit nervous about the whole thing. Thank you for any advice

[bombsh3ll]

Hormone therapy is not dangerous, and current guidelines recommend treatment be continued as long as the benefits outweigh the very small theoretical risks for the individual concerned.

For many women this will mean continuing it for the rest of our lives.

A family history of breast cancer is also not a contraindication - approximately one in 7 women will get breast cancer during their life anyway, and hormone therapy makes an absolutely minuscule difference to this statistically.

Most of the data concerning this risk was obtained from the very flawed WHI study, using products that are no longer in common use.

If you don't feel ready for HRT yet, the combined pill can be a better option in perimenopause, as this can completely get rid of all the bleeding and hormonal turbulence if taken continuously.

But whatever you choose, please don't let fear be a reason for missing out on treatment and having the best quality of life you can achieve, because life really is too short and there are no medals for suffering.

[Dramy3]

Hey

I’ll echo bomb here.

There is a book called Estrogen Matters (Avrum Bluming) that gives the full picture of BC risk and HRT. It’s worth a read. Dr Jen Gunter also has a Substack called The Vagenda that has lots of good, evidence-based information.

If it’s any consolation, I had BC 5 years ago at 42 and having read everything I can on the topic, decided HRT is right for me. But, anxiety was my most stubborn symptom and sertraline is also a part of my peri protocol.

This is a bit of a journey so try to stay patient and not lose hope if things don’t work immediately or you have to change regimens multiple times.

Good luck!