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Aug 2018
12:31pm, 21 Aug 2018
1,679 posts
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fraggle
Hi Nessie  Theres loads of info on the NHS website (plus NICE guidelines which I had to quote at my Dr to get what i needed ), i think there is an increased chance of some cancers with HRT, but certainly you'd have increased chances of other cancers if you were not the fit and active person you are I'm sure V-rap or HB can give proper advice
mainly for me it was the waking up 5+ times a night that almost brought me to my knees. Daytime flushes were an annoyance, but once I'd had disturbed sleep for months on end, I got *very* grumpy and felt exhausted all the time. with HRT I feel much more like I"m on the straight and narrow
only downside Ive seen (and not sure if its HRT related or just the drop in natural hormones) is the change in body shape - i.e. any fat goes straight to my middle, and I feel sometimes I have that typical 'woman of a certain age' shape
hope you get the help you need xx
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Aug 2018
12:50pm, 21 Aug 2018
38,932 posts
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Velociraptor
I've always been positive about HRT from a professional viewpoint. There is a small increase in the statistical risk of breast cancer when HRT, particularly combined HRT, is taken for more than five years, and an increased thrombosis risk if you have other risk factors, but the hormone dose is lower than in the contraceptive pill. The risk of weight gain when taking HRT is no greater than the risk of weight gain at the same age when not taking HRT.
Nothing else is as effective at dealing with the hot flushes and the dryness in delicate places that can occur with the menopause. I never make promises about the effects of HRT on any of the other symptoms associated with the menopause and we no longer believe it's some sort of metabolic panacea. Its effects on bone health seem to be lost quite quickly when you stop taking it.
I haven't noticed any change in my shape after two years on HRT (continuous combined) in comparison with a decade ago.
It's worth getting informed and having a decision in mind before approaching your GP. There's one in my practice who claims a special interest in women's health but is terrified of oestrogen, which may create problems after I leave.
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Aug 2018
1:27pm, 21 Aug 2018
24,218 posts
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LindsD
Glad this thread has come alive again. I started HRT in May after a similar journey to fraggle. I couldn't stand the broken sleep. I also had fairly constant feelings of doom and negativity that I associated with my Dad's illness and death but that have pretty much vanished with the HRT. It has definitely worked for me. I feel like a different person.
The only caveat to that that I would say is that I think I've gained a little weight (but totally take on board the fact that it's probably a coincidence) and that that weight goes on my middle where it never went before. That might have happened anyhow in middle age, I guess (I'm 49) but it's been quite dramatic over the past couple of months. The other thing is a marked decrease in running fitness and pace, but that could be down to any number of factors and I'm sure is probably nothing to do with the HRT
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Aug 2018
1:38pm, 21 Aug 2018
24,233 posts
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HellsBells
Just to second what V'rap said - for most women the benefits outweigh the risks.
I have personal circumstances that mean I'm one of the few who can't take HRT - it's never stopped me providing it for anyone else.
After yet another lousy night, I really rather wish I could
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Aug 2018
2:16pm, 21 Aug 2018
580 posts
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Nessie
Thanks everyone. At the moment the night sweats, broken sleep and emotional fuckeduppedness are confined to a few days before I'm due (although the timing of that is becoming a bit erratic) so I may bear with it a bit longer before doing anything about it, in case this is as bad as it gets for me (crosses fingers, toes, legs, eyes....). If 5 years is the (albeit minimal) risk point, then there's no point in jumping the gun.
The weight issue I can probably live with - I'm within the healthy range for my age and height, despite minimal running at the moment. A few small dietary changes and a bit more activity should keep the belly padding at bay.
I do need to address my calcium intake with regards to bone health - but that's a separate issue!
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Aug 2018
2:31pm, 21 Aug 2018
14,620 posts
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EvilPixie
Just out of interest.. I know at 45 I’m not a million miles away from “the change” and I was wondering what impact bring on the pill has?
I’ve been on femadene (sp) for the last 20 years
I was thinking things were slowing down but sincerely leaving teaching and stress things have returned to normal!
I’m also putting recent hot ness down to weather!!
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Aug 2018
2:41pm, 21 Aug 2018
30,735 posts
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Lip Gloss
I forgot about this tread. Still not getting on HRT here. Skin especially hands are still very itchy. Increased weight despite dieting and more exercise. Sweats are a nightmare day and night and just last week told to try red clover which I haven't yet.
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Aug 2018
2:42pm, 21 Aug 2018
30,736 posts
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Lip Gloss
*Thread*
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Aug 2018
2:45pm, 21 Aug 2018
38,933 posts
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Velociraptor
Being on a combined pill like Femodene is likely to mask the symptoms of the menopause, Pix. I'm impressed that your GP hasn't taken you off it; it's licensed up to 50 if there are no other health problems, but we're strongly pushed to get women to switch to oestrogen-free contraception, particularly if they're over 35 or have a BMI over 30.
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Aug 2018
3:20pm, 21 Aug 2018
14,622 posts
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EvilPixie
He did mention it once vrap but I’m on a repeat and they just repeat!!
Not sure what to swap to he just said have a read and I’ve never said anything as it seems all ok
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