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[I am melting]

I am 59 years old next month and had my last period in 2019.  I haven't taken any HRT so far but am really suffering with sweats and aches and pains.  I've got a doctors appointment this afternoon, we'll I've been downgraded to an advanced nurse practioner, am I too old to start HRT or should I insist ?

Thanks

[Ayesha]

Definitely not too old and please don't think you are being downgraded by seeing the nurse practitioner, in most cases they know much more than a lot of GP's.
Let us know how you get on 

[CLKD]

Insist.  But not 'bull in a china shop' attitude but explain how symptoms are affecting your daily activities. 

We can be prescribed HRT when necessary.  Point out that quality of life is important.  Have U decided which symptom you would like to ease first?

Some find that keeping a mood/food/syptom diary useful too.  It mayB that the Nurse Practitioner is au fait with HRT requirements, R U aware that if necessary we can be referred to a dedicated menopause clinic though there are waiting lists.

Let us know how you get on.

[Dragonladee]

Hi I am melting, I do sympathise with you (I have a thread which you may like to read "66 and still going through it - there are many helpful comments from members on the forum.)
I didn't start HRT until I was 65, last year, I had been to see a GP a good few years ago when my symptoms got hard to handle, but she didn't want to give it to me "because of my age".  So I accepted this and thought I would do it on my own, thinking it would end at some point.  Last year after a couple of really bad years (particularly through the summer months) I went to see a speciallist who did prescribe me HRT and from there I went to see a different GP who said she would continue the prescription on the NHS.  I haven't really noticed too much difference and have been advised on here to try for a higher dose.
But the point is you are not too old for HRT, so good luck this afternoon.

[bombsh3ll]

Even the most rigid and outdated practitioner will usually be willing to start HRT in someone under 60 OR less than 10 years from menopause.

You may have to be assertive but don't give up if you are fobbed off on the first attempt.

It may be helpful to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible in advance, read the relevant NICE guidelines and ideally have decided what treatment you want to try and ask outright for that, for example estradiol patches and micronised progesterone, if that's what you want.

It is much harder to dismiss a patient who is well informed and states clearly what they want, rather than beating around the bush.

Also remember that even if you don't get your preferred treatment straight away, you do not have to accept any treatment that is inappropriate, for example antidepressants, you can just politely decline this.

Leave any unwanted prescription that has been printed off in the room so that they will have to cancel it.

[Mary G]

Like others have said, 59 is not too old to start HRT and you are well within the 10 year post menopause window. Symptoms could go on for years so I would push hard for it.

[Pippa52]

I am 72 and have been taking HRT since I was 42 x

[Peggles]

I’ve only just started HRT at 58. Eight years after my last period.

About 3 years ago I was having a flare up with VA symptoms and I said I felt I was too old to begin HRT. The GP sort of agreed, saying I was probably over the worst and changed my estriodol to Vagifem.

I’ve recently seen a different GP who suggested HRT, gave me loads of info and put my mind at rest. I’m two weeks in and feeling much better.

Good luck.