Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Julie1963 on October 12, 2013, 02:14:36 PM
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What is the average length of time is HRT prescribed? Somebody I know has been taking HRT for 12 years. Is this normal?
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I have been on HRT for about 12 years but I went through early meno and they only start counting from 50, as far as I know 5 years but if you read the post that I put on earlier this week, re Interesting Read... they are saying that some woman can stay on it indefinitely, my gynae said at 60 one must come off but time will tell. You have to weigh up the pros and the cons and make an informed decision along with your Dr.
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My GP is starting to make comments about coming off. I am just 53 and started at 49.
There does not seem to be any hard and fast rules although the cut off point seems to be 60.
It's all very confusing.
Honeyb
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I hope I can stay on it for as long as necessary, but doubt I'll be allowed past 60. :(
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I know a lady in her 80s who is still taking HRT - she sees a private gyne of course. She's incredible - great posture, fit, still working & enjoying life. She instructed me very firmly to "Go back on HRT" when I mentioned my ongoing meno symptoms ( I had come off 3 years earlier because of breast cancer scares).
I personally think that if they expect us to work till we're 67 then we probably need HRT till then provided there are no other health issues. Far more monitoring and data needs to happen to get a better picture.
I believe research is now showing that ongoing HRT treatment can be beneficial but the trend is to reduce the dosage to the minimum.
DG x
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I've been advised I need to stop taking my half-patch HRT in a few months after 5 years use. He also added there will be no negotiation, his stance is inflexible and he was very reluctant to prescribe the last course.
I'll be 49 and started using HRT at 44, 6 months following my last-ever period. I'll be changing GP at this point because I understood HRT could be prescribed for longer in cases of early menopause....
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From my understanding you would be doing yourself an injustice under the age of 51 to not take HRT and from then on, they say 5 years usually but I guess every Dr is different?
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Karenw
I'm appalled to hear your doctor is so inflexible - definitely change your doctor. You are way too young to be without oestrogen - unless you have other health issues.
Some of these GPs really need some education :cuss:
Good luck DG x
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They tend to get soo fixated with the 5 year plan but forget that that only kicks in after 50, its pure ignorance and sheep mentality, makes me quite sick!
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Eeks I'd never have coped, still wouldn't. Us ladies are much more informed than our GPs I think, thanks to the wonders of the internet. We research stuff. OK some of it should be given a wide berth, but as for the menopause we need all the support we can get. Karenw, try asking for a referral to a menopause clinic, they are better informed.
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How annoying - although if you have been prescribed HRT before the age of 50/51 most GP's want you to stop for a few months once you reach 50 so that you can judge where you are menopausal symptoms-wise. After this you can then restart. That's what's happened to three of my friends who went through surgical menopause in their early forties anyway.
Taz x
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What would you hope to achieveby stopping for a few months on reaching 50, sorry if I sound dim, but, sureley, all the horrid symptoms will come flooding in and the you will have to go back onto the HRT, just wondering what their logic of thinking is behind this?
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Some women are put onto HRT due to an early menopause i.e. periods stopping rather than because of symptoms. This is to protect heart and bones. They may not be women who will suffer unduly during menopause so it makes sense to stop once you get to the more risky age just to see whether any symptoms are there and how bad they are. It is obviously not wise to take HRT if you don't actually need to. I think that's why it's done.
Taz x
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Hi Cassie
I agree 50 is probably too early for reassessment - 54 would be more logical.
I'm 57 (very post meno)I'm taking a break very soon because i need to have my Mirena out and therefore stop my Oestrogel as well. The practise nurse I'm seeing said she wanted a 'base line' to work from to help me decide what to do next. Unless you come off everything, you and the professionals can't tell what you need from HRT or indeed whether you still need HRT. Taking a break is scary - the thought of all the horrid flushes etc. fill me with dread.
In your early 50s they like you to take a break so they can tell what stage you are at in your menopause. Only then can you and the professionals decide what is the suitable HRT for you e.g if still peri then continue sequi HRT but if past meno perhaps consider conti HRT.
At my stage, if I decide I still want HRT perhaps I would be ok on lower doses for long term use.
Hope this helps DG x
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Thx Ladies this makes sense, must be why my Dr said to come off @ 55 and see how I go but that I could go back on again if things went pear shaped :)
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Hi
I'm 51 and been on it 3 years, doc mentioned 5 but when I saw a private gynae consultant last year (for my hysterscopy) he said as long as you are monitored and screened he was happy for long term use. Said he had ladies on it in their 70s who were okay, surprising from a chap and an older one at that!
I came off it for a few weeks early last year but only lasted about 3 weeks before everything kicked back in. Even now most of the time things tick along but every now and again I get a blip when all the symptoms come back, usually when I'm stressed, worried etc so it's probably that link between oestrogen and adrenalin.
I think they usually mention 5 years because that's when the risk of breast cancer goes up but according to some article I read (if it's correct) you are actually worse off drinking alcohol every day than being on hrt.
It's all very well them pulling you off it at some time but if you have to carry on working almost up to 70 in a few years, how are you supposed to cope!
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It's all very well them pulling you off it at some time but if you have to carry on working almost up to 70 in a few years, how are you supposed to cope!
That's exactly how I feel Wombat. When I first went on HRT at 53 and the doc asked me whether I thought I would be better able to cope with symptoms at 53 or at 60 I explained that I would retire at 60 and so it would be easier to deal with. Now I have to work till 65 but still need to come off at 60. That gives me five years, maybe, of symptoms and work.
Taz x
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When my birthdays come up, I am usually the same person I was the day after my birthday as I was the day before, my body and health has not suddenly fallen to bits! so why on earth do you have to cease HRT at 60, why not 62 or 63 and a half ???
Can't a GP see that if the woman sitting in front of him is healthy and well and happy to stay on HRT and clearly is worried about coming off HRT should he insist she does, and then to add to the insult will probably say, we can give you ADS or other drugs if you are struggling.
Makes no sense to me.
I don't use much estrogen but I am grateful to my dear Doctor who continues to prescribe them.
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To be fair all the GP's I have spoken to and also the menopause clinic specialist would still prescribe HRT over the age of 60 but only after spelling out all the increased risks. When I was 55 I was adamant that I would still stay on after the age of 60 but now I am 59 it seems more worrying. As long as we are clear in our minds that we may be one of the women who do develop cancer or stroke due to long term use of HRT and we feel that us and our families will be able to cope with that and the decisions we have made then I don't see why we shouldn't still use it.
Taz
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I think that I'm more bothered now as I have lost so many friends in the last few years due to cancer and one through stroke - all under the age of 60. Such a shame when they were just beginning to properly live their own lives.
Taz x
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I know Taz, me as well. It is scary although with two friends probably lifestyle choices played a part. However, I have one friend with bc at the moment, my age which brings it home but then she was only just starting to get flushes. Who knows why some people get it and others who don't.
I'm just amazed in this day and age when we can to some extent cure cancer and fly to the moon, that they can't sort out the hot flushes apart from using hormones! You would think there would actually be a lot of money in finding something you can take long term considering every woman is going to go through it at some stage!
If they want the younger generation to work to 70, which it could well be by the time 20 year olds get to meno, they are going to have to let you go over 60 if you are suffering. That could be 20 years of working with all the symptoms if you are one of the unlucky ones.
It's an interesting subject as the population ages and expected or have to keep on working for financial reasons.
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Stellajane - I agree with you. So much is made of 'risk factors' with not only HRT but many other drugs and lifestyle choices. Unavoidable life stresses, genetics etc play an enormous role in our general health. I believe we need to live in the here and now - yes, try to eat healthily, keep weight under control and take exercise - but HRT can really improve quality of life, enabling us to work and play when we might not otherwise do so if we are suffering with bad meno symptoms.
I feel really sorry for those with health issues that prevent them from using HRT - this must be tough.
I am surrounded by friends and relations with a wide variety of health issues and at 57 I will try anything that will enable me to live a full life while I can and also enable me to help those around me with their health issues. Quality of life is very, very important.
Reading many of the posts on this site I realise too may women are frightened of trying things and possibly suffer as a result.
I urge you ladies to be bold and brave - don't take things lying down ;)
DG x
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HRT or ERT can play a part in keeping women out of care homes, preventing osteoporosis, as well as helping to keep women healthy and fit and in their own homes.
There for keeping the costs down for the NHS and Government.
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Hi, been reading this thread and im looking for abit of advice really, had last period in nov 2010 started hot flushes about 2 years befor that, gradually getting worse every half an hour through the night and I'm lucky if I go 20 mins in between in the day, joint pains, emotional, feeling yuk and funnily enough I'm getting a bit cloustrophobic, is this normal? I ve really tried to go through it with no help but don't know if I'd be better with hrt. I'm 57. Can I take it because I was diagnosed with fibroids in 2010 but she did say that given 5 years they will be gone. Don't know if there are. Also will I get periods again, I don't want them again.dont know what to do, flushes are getting me down, any advice would be welcome thanks
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Hi ducky ducky
Welcome back to MM.
Sounds as though you are having a rough time. Well worth talking to your doctor - if he/she is sympathetic and clued up about menopause. There do seem to be women with fibroids who take HRT - I suspect it's the usual thing of benefits versus risks. If you have a menopause clinic near you that is ideal. As you are post meno you will be able to use continuous HRT which means you won't get periods but be aware that it is usual to get breakthrough bleeding initially for around 6 months. Check out the info under HRT preparations in the list on the left.
You could ask Dr Currie (founder of this site) for advice - i believe you pay £15 for an email consultation.
Good luck DG x
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Hi ducky ducky - I see that you were struggling with this in January of this year and it seems such a shame that you are still feeling horrible. I would definitely think it would be worth asking about HRT - you have put up with it for long enough and it could really give you back so much of your life.
I have a small fibroid and was on HRT for six years with no problems.
Taz x
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Hi, thanks for your response think I need to see dr see what she says, thanks again
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Hi
Gosh January feel like I'm just waiting and waiting for things to stop, in the mean time life's passing by, need to do something gonna go see if I can get dr appointment tomorrow thanks for help I'll let u know how I get on
Linda x
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I have a small fibroid too and am on HRT. Remember, the estrogen level you had when you got the fibroids is probably not the one you have now. HRT might not even affect it even if it is still there. Maybe your doctor will let you give it a try?
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Dancingirl, I couldn't agree more with your post on 15 Oct, totally agree.
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Thank you everyone. I have been suffering with flushes for the past five months and they appear to be getting worse. What would be the best HRT, tablets, patches? Thanks again.
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I've mostly used Oestrogel as you can adjust the dosage of oestrogen more easily, starting with the lowest amount of one pump and increasing if you find you need more. Other women like patches. Some women seem happy on pills but I think the general trend seems to be toward gel or patches. The progesterone bit is the tough one! I've had a Mirena for the last 4 years (coming out soon as it is at end of it's life) but many like Utrogestan either orally or vaginally. Look at info under HRT preparations in list to the left of this site. Most will advice you stick to bio-identical oestrogen & progesterone which is the gel/patch+utrogestan combo.
Other ladies may be along soon with their experiences & suggestions for HRT.
Good Luck DG x
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Hi, everyone, sorry not got back but been away for a few days, well finally got appointment for dr on 9 th November, went today for my bad back and mentioned that I wanted to talk to her about the menopause, that I was struggling and she said to make another appointment because there's a lot to talk about, so we'll see what she says, I'll let you know , Linda
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I have an appointment on Monday, my flushes have been horrendous this week. I was going to fight going on HRT but after this week the doctor can give me anything she wants I just want a good nights sleep. :'(
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I met a friend today who has had a great result with clonodine. She says she no longer has any flushes and has managed without HRT as that was her worse symptom. She is 58 and looking really good.
Honeyb
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Hi
I'm abit in the dark here. What's clonodine is it hrt? I'm 58 and reading the comments on the forum it seems it's not a good idea to be on hrt when you get to 60. Does it have to be hrt to deal with flushes, mood swings etc, or are their other things, I'm wondering what the dr will advise when I go, she told me to make a long appointment as there is a lot to discuss, I ll probably be completely confused when I come out
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Clonidine is a blood pressure medication which is prescribed to help with hot flushes. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Menopause/Pages/Treatment.aspx It is also marketed under the name of Dixarit.
Taz
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ducky ducky - I am 60 and still on HRT. It's better to read the literature re whether you can stay on it after 60. I posted about this yesterday on another thread and quoted all the studies. Look at the oinf on this site too (menu on left). The benefits equal the risks between 60 and 70 ccording to the info presented here.
I would stay away from anti-depressants or other meds if you are able to take HRT - it is oestrogen deficiency which causes the symptoms - initially sweats and flushes, but later potential vaginal and bladder problems, as well as osteoporosis, and cardio-vascular issues.
Re fibroids - if you look at health conditions in menu on left ( blue) this is what it says re fibroids:
Fibroids
Fibroids are benign smooth muscle tumours of the uterine (womb) wall and are dependant on estrogen. They tend to shrink after the menopause but shrinkage may not occur, or they may even increase in size with HRT use. Increase is thought to occur in 25% of HRT users and mainly occurs in the first six months of therapy. There is some evidence that transdermal (patch or gel) but not tablet HRT nor tibolone may promote fibroid growth. [ref 24] Fibroid size can be monitored by regular examinations and sometimes by ultrasound scans. There is some evidence that the use of the progestogen releasing intra-uterine system, Mirena may cause fibroids to reduce in size. Mirena is often used in the perimenopause by women who have heavy periods and/or require contraception and can provide the progestogen part of their HRT
Its best to start HRT before you are 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
The trick would be to find a progestogen that agrees with you so you would need to choose carefully if you are taking it all the time because some of the synthetic ones disagree with some women. How were you during menstrual cycle - did you suffer bad pms? If so I would go for bio-identical progesterone along with the oestrogen or possibly Femoston.
Hurdity x
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ducky ducky
Here is the thread - discussing the same issue - my info re the literature is further down.
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,22963.0/topicseen.html
Hurdity x
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D:
If she told you there was alot to talk about, maybe that means she is going to give you all the pros and cons and let you choose! Why would she waste the time to say NO!
Could be a positive thing.
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My mum was on HRT until she was 70....she then had to stop on advice from Gyno. The GP had let her stay on it until then.
She had some spotting at age 70 and a biopsy revealed a cancer cell. She had a hysterectomy and the Gyno said they did not find any more cancer during the op, not even one more cancer cell was found in her uterus.
He decided to take her uterus and ovaries so she went straight into meno symptoms. She has severe osteoarthritis and this has become much worse since the hysterectomy, the oestrogen was giving her bones some protection.
She has also had recurring urine infections and soreness, she has now started on Vagifem and it is helping somewhat. The gyno said he thought she should stop the HRT at 70....he thought it was quite old to be on HRT. She would go back on HRT if they would prescribe it for her....she loved it.
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Hi
Thanks for all the info, crickey it's a lot to get your head around, let's hope I get on ok with Dr, I'll let you know . Thanks again Linda