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[SevenOfNine]

I've just been reading Hot2Trots interesting post regarding her gynea's view of HRT.  I'd have to agree to a certain extent that the WHI study was never broad enough to give accurate results.  All it did was scare women to death and they dropped HRT in their droves, most unwisely going 'cold turkey', with a large number going back on it anyway.

The most recent study "Million Women Study" completed earlier this year reversed some of the negative AND some of the positive findings of the WHI study - leaving women more confused than ever in my view.

As with all things, each expert will have a different opinion of HRT, sometimes completely the opposite of each other.  Stay on it for life, shortest time and lowest dose etc etc...........contradictions with more or less all of the findings!

I think that's because there is NO definitive answer - yet (maybe never).  The medical profession don't have all the answers and research keeps throwing up more information, therefore they will continue to disagree depending which side of the fence they sit.  Leaving us going round in circles wondering what to do, take it or not.

It is a bit of a generalisation to assume most male GP's would happily give it to their wives and most female GP's would happily take it - unless there has been a study?

Something I have noticed that puzzles me - women on HRT can be very defensive about being on it, women not on it can be equally defensive about that too.  Each side seems to want others to 'do what they do', maybe 'safety in numbers' factors in that - for both sides I mean.  If the majority are on it then that must be the right decision (and vice versa).  Is it just me who thinks this is happening?

Personally, I don't particularly want to use it, but I haven't ruled it out.  I change my mind practically on a daily basis depending on how many flushes I've had.  However, it matters not a jot to me what everyone else chooses to do, each of us have to decide what is best for ourselves and neither side has to justify their choice.  The point of a forum (for me anyway) is to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible from others.  To compare 'findings', to get links to sites with even more info, to digest who's on what, tried what, results, positive/negative feedback.  It ISN'T to criticise women on HRT or to justify my current decision to stay off it.  Each to their own 

[newstart]

Hi Sevenofnine

I think you are right, that people are seeling reassurance that they are doing the right thing for themselves, their loved ones, their careers ....  Life is a lot more complicated and demanding for everyone now, men and women alike.  My mother used to say how sorry she felt for my generation - that somehow we lacked the boundaries and definites of her generation and those before her. 

On the other hand, haven't we had some great opportunities, a better education and more freedom to chose to live the lives we have wanted?  And, it seems to me that what we are striving for is the best possible life for as long as possible. 

Personally, I have been seeking a full range of information on which to make a decision, and when I have made that decision I want to get on with my life.  I am sure that all this constant reviewing of options, all the worrying is negative and drains the life force.

The wonderful thing about this forum is that we can discuss these things openly, and I would like to thank Dr Currie for providing us all with this opportunity. (Dr Currie, I would present you with one of those bunches of flowers, but lack the technical expertise!   )

As you said, it's very important not to make generalisations about GPs' behaviour without backing it up with studies.  So, I'm including some links to doctors' and doctors' wives' HRT use below.  Some of these I have posted before, and there are some additional ones as well.  Personally, I think they provide a balance to the the hype resulting from the Million Women Study and WHI study.

1.  Why do women doctors take HRT in Britain -1997, pre Million Women Study and WHI:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=9328541&ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

2.  Different report on data from same study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=8520274&ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

3.  Ten year follow up by same researchers:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=16096171&ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

4.  Use of HRT by doctors and doctors' wives in Italy:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=15255286&ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

5.  Clinical and personal relationships between oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy use among US women physicians:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=12627038&ordinalpos=11&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

6.  Personal use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy by women physicians in the United States:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=9412312&ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlus

We will all chose our own paths, and I wish everyone the very best on their own journey.

Patricia

[KAT]

!'m 59 and have been on HRT for more than 12 years now - initially to relieve the early symptons of menopause but then continued taking it in the hope that it will help reduce the liklihood of osteoporosis which runs in my family.

I started on a low does of Prempak and stayed on this for around 11 years.  There was a tremendous improvement in the way I felt and apart from the first couple of weeks while my body adjusted to the influx of hormones, I 've had no ill effects - in fact I've felt and feel great.  I do think its important to stick with it during the first few weeks until your body adjusts - don't be tempted to keep switching in the early days unless the side effects are severe.

I'm now on Tibolone and have no bleed. Again, I feel really good on this.  After making the initial decision to give HRT a try and, experiencing the benefits, I've never looked back.  I go for the usual checks and discuss any new research and findings but don't spend my life worrying whether its the right thing to do because so far it has worked for me. I'm aware of the possible risks but feel the benefits outweigh the negatives and I get on with my life and for the vast majority of the time I barely give HRT a second thought - its just part of my life now.

Reading all the posts it seems I'm fortunate in having no problems (that I'm aware of and fingers crossed) on HRT.  I don't know whether the placebo effect is partly responsible but when I started taking it there was no doubt in my mind that it would be a good thing for me, I had only heard of positive reports at that time. So, how much of it is mind over matter I don't know but I'm beginning to think it must play a part because it can't be just luck that it has worked so well for me.  I do, of course have slight concerns over the long term because it seems I may be on it indefinitely but even so, I have to balance the risks with the benefits and so far my choice is HRT.

My advice to anyone on HRT and feeling good on it is, get checked regularly, discuss any fears with your GP and as long as you are fit and healthy - ENJOY!  Dont spend your life worrying - nothing comes with 100% guarantee but its not good to be constantly anxious. 

As for the Tibolone - it has been an incredible boost for the sex drive!

[flutterby]

Hi Kat
Glad to read your post as I had been on Prempak 0.625 for nearly 7 years, the doctor I saw at the menopause clinic said she would recommend a 'non bleed' one now (I am 55), and prescribed me Livial.
I am a bit concerned as she said wait seven days before starting it. I know I had more night sweats when I missed even one tablet. I realise I have to have the bleed before starting the Livial hence the 7 days, but the product info says start taking it at the end of the bleed which could be even 14 days later as it does vary when I start.
Can you remember when you changed over? I would be grateful for any experiences or advice eg did it take a while to kick in. Is your concentration, memory better or worse on Livial?
Love Flutterby
PS Haven't mentioned increased sex drive to OH yet, not too bad anyway, but sounds good, bit worried about possible acne

[KAT]

Hi Flutterby

I started taking Livial immediately I finished the last tablet of Prempak, no break in cycle and no side effects - no change in memory or concentration but noticably increased sex drive.  I've been on it for just over a year now and have absolutely no sign of acne, weight gain or facial hair.  I'm wary now about reading the possible side effects on any medication because anything one takes seems to have a string of possible nasties and is very off putting - I'm sure in my case ingnorance is bliss - I never expect anything bad to happen and I've been extremely fortunate with my experience of HRT.  Until I discovered this forum I had no idea that it didn't work for everyone, particularly as most of my friends are on it and flourishing.  I would say give it a try and if you have problems there are many other options.

I saw a consultant gyneacologist last week as I had had spotting and slight discomfort and fortunately it was just a small fibroid which he said had probably been growing slowly for a long time and nothing to worry about.  He also said Livial was a good thing to be on as it tends to inhibit the growth and development of fibroids and cysts and he was very pro Tibolone for a number of reasons.  I was given the full works, internal and external scan and an internal examination so it was very comforting to know my uterus and overies were in very good nick after being on HRT for so long.

Hope this is helpful to you my -  GP said at the time of changover that I should just follow on from the last Prempak tablet.  Maybe there are different schools of thought but I don't think it can make that much difference.

Would love to know how you get on.

Love KAT

[ladyjane]

I am feeling well on my very low dose patch and am 60 now but 60 is the new 40 now! and thankgoodness us baby boomers can look it now. I have had a partial hysterectomy so have had to worry about the progestin side of things.

Here's an interesting link

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/adis/derm/2001/00000002/00000003/art00003

I must confess to mixing a very tiny dab of estriol to my moisturiser and applying once a week and have done for years.

Sandy

[flutterby]

Hi Kat
Thanks for your reply. I definitely feel a lot happier now hearing your experiences.
Love Flutterby

[jan19230]

Would not know personally as I am not allowed to have it because I suffered a brain haemorrhage six years ago.

A few of my friends have had problems with HRT - one came off it completely and felt much better, the other just had her dosage adjusted and she is now fine.

[KAT]

Hi Flutterby

I've just got back from a weeks holiday and got your message.  I did reply but am new to this so am not sure if you received it.

Love KAT

[flutterby]

Hi Kat
Yes I did get your message - thanks

I have been concerned as the livial did not seem to be kicking in even after 10 days. However last night I only had one sweat and not getting as warm today so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Will keep you posted.

Love Flutterby

[Cazikins]

Hi All,
I went to the docs today as I had to have my 3 month check up & get some more Evorel 50 patches. I was a bit concerned because I had a slight worry that my BP could be up (what with a few stressful things going on at the mo, although not serious). Anyway it was 70/120 oops I mean 120/70, which she was very happy about. Then I stepped on the scales & had it confirmed - 11 1/2 stone, bugger the bathroom scales are right after all  . That is a stone in a year. She said don't worry too much about it as it is expected with the menopause (what a wonderful woman she is).
I have now been given 6 months supply & am extremley happy to be on HRT.
XX

[juju]

Yep 8)I love my hrt! and Cazikins remember STRESSED is DESSERTS spelt backwards!

[moocow]

I was put on a trial two months of HRT,  I had breast cancer almost 4 years ago and had premature menopause.  The symptoms were so severe that my Dr suggested we just try HRT.  It really started to help, however one of the Dr I have been under the care of, says I should not be taking it.  I would rather have quality of life NOW, I am driving myself and my family mad because of the dreadful symptoms, I have become a different person, i don't like very much.  It seems like a hard decision to make.  Is there anyone out there who does take HRT despite having been treated for breast cancer and how did you make the decision?

[Taz2]

Hi Moocow (love the name!) Sorry can't help with the HRT question but just wanted to welcome you to the forum 

No doubt someone will be along soon to offer advice and support 

Love Taz 

[LesleyH]

Hello.
I'm new to the forum but was diagnosed with POF at the age of 32 (42 now) & was prescribed HRT 2 years later...............what a difference it made to my life. Prior to taking it I'd been off work for 5 months with depression (definitely menopause related) my GP always said if I'd had been treated with HRT earlier perhas I wouldn't have got so bad. Anyway not wanting to harp on but all the horrid menopausal symptoms I'd been suffering with disappeared and I felt like I had my life back. I've been on tablets and patches & tablets together and now just combined patches (Evorel sequi - 2 months ago) Yes I've had to put up with most of the side effects that go with it but to be honest its been a small price to pay (apart from the weight gain............that I can't forgive!) I'd kill before give it up.
Talking of side effects & I'm sorry if I'm in the wrong place to be asking this but one that I've never had before and has just become really noticable is hair loss, when I have a shower I block up the plug hole - a real clump so that I end up standing in a bath full of water. Has anyone else noticed this,especially with this brand of HRT or do I just need to change my shampoo?!?
Nice to meet you all.
Take care,
LesleyH