Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: rachie on January 17, 2026, 10:33:15 AM
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I was on HRT for over 4 years and the last year of it was not a great time. Constant bleeding, polyps and other side affects, pulpatations, weight gain etc.
The two trips to the GP were virtually useless and the young doctor could give no advice apart from making an appointment with the menopause clinic or coming off of HRT.
I was given a telephone appt for Feb for the clinic (6 months away at the time) so I just stopped taking HRT.
I actually feel more relieved as I have no bleeding (I'm 56) and the only side affect is really achy bones/joint. The stress of the ups and downs of HRT balancing has obviously disappeared too.
My question is, do I keep my appointment as I know that they are busy. I don't really want to go back on HRT for my aches but is there anything else that they can do to help with this?
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They could recommend your GP prescribe tibolone if you are interested.
They could also arrange a DEXA for you if you have osteoporosis risk factors.
I would take the appointment.
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Morning. Clinics are busy because GPs/Gynaes aren't au fait with peri menopause, I would keep the appt. Take a list of your symptoms with you to discuss.
Let us know how you get on. R U aware of vaginal atrophy ?
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Thank you both.
HRT was great for three years and then the list of side effects started getting longer.
I came off of it expecting my previous pre HRT symptoms to return but apart from the aches, I actually feel so much better..both mentally and physically.
I will keep the appointment and see if they have advice re the joint pain. I have arthritis in my ankle and touch wood, that hasn't flared up yet.
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If you're adamant you don't want hrt then there's no point taking the appointment but if it's a possibility you could use it to discuss your options and see if there's anything more suitable for you. Hrt is often easier to manage post meno when your own hormones aren't upsetting things. Not all joint problems are oestrogen related though mine were, if there's a possibility it's something else such as arthritis you should go through your GP.
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As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax = aches and pains. Whilst this may aggravate an already arthritic condition, it is unlikely to be the causation as OA is natural wear and tear.