HRT ASTHMA AND COPD - Can anyone advise?

[anng18]

Hi everyone,

I begun taking a very low dose of estrogen which I took daily for 2 weeks and then continued on a dose of two times a week - well I haven't quite got that far!

It has made me extremely breathless and wheezy. I have no obvious signs of a chest infection, but am not going to take it again and have made an appointment with the respiratory nurse as I think I need to take steroids to get rid of the inflammation.

Has anyone else experienced this?

There does seem to be quite a big connection between estrogen and lung function, especially in women. An area that has only recently begun to be investigated.

Has anyone else any information on this topic?

Thanks, in anticipation of your responses👍

[Bkin]

HRT / estrogen therapy for menopause and as bone protection in osteoporosis.

steroids do cause bone thinning if taken too often (prescribed for lung infections).

There are old news indications HRT risk of asthma, shortness of breath etc.

Good you are talking to your GP.

[anng18 in reply to Bkin]

Thanks Bkin.

Interesting that it is old news.

Can be confusing when looking at articles - I do normally check the dates but can get too absorbed.

[Christine-sa]

interesting, thanks

[peege]

If you're talking about the cream its such a miniscule amount I'd be very surprised if it made a difference to breathing. I had asthma for the 10+ years whilst o full HRT and it made no difference whatsoever. Dont disregard the possibility of a chest infection or a virus. P

[anng18 in reply to peege]

I have no obvious signs of an infection, but definite signs of inflammation.

Thanks for your help.

[Ergendl]

There are many versions of HRT and not all are suitable for everyone. So it's good that you will be talking to your GP about this, as the first one prescribed may not be the best. I started taking HRT at the age of 43 after an early menopause, because if I hadn't I would have lost a third of my bone density by 70. That was stopped again about 10 years later as I had 'caught up' with people who start the menopause at a more usual age, after a check of my bone density which was good.

[peege in reply to Ergendl]

Exactly the same here Ergendl I was about 42 and prescribed to prevent osteoporosis. I agree anng18 needs to speak to her prescribers.......I forgot to add I my reply that we're not medics 🤪! Happy Sunday to you. P

[anng18 in reply to Ergendl]

Thanks for your advice Ergendl. Very much appreciated.

[Kristicats]

Talk to your consultant as there are many ‘types ‘of HRT if you need it.

[Collie4]

Late reply as i’ve just read your post.

I have been on lowest dose of oestrogen for 20 years, also have copd.

I tried to stop hrt a few times but real bad hot flushes came back. My gp says i’m ok to still be on the lowest dose. I would like to stop and see if it helps with lung function but i don’t think it makes any difference.?

[anng18 in reply to Collie4]

Hi Collie,

Yes, I had a word with the respiratory nurse, who told me to continue taking the HRT. I think it was just a co-incidence that I developed inflamed lungs at the same time as starting HRT. I have taken the normal course of steroids and anti-biotics and the inflammation seems to of subsided. However, I won't know for another few days. I am really hoping it is not HRT, as I'm hoping this will relieve other minor, but uncomfortable problems.

Thanks for help. 😊