HRT/Endo

[Jgp1]

Read some articles re taking HRT when having Endometriosis possibly encourages endo to return or can lead to cancerous cells etc.Any views?

[Lindle]

Oestrogen only has been associated with recurrence and malignancy in some cases but this is likely to depend to a degree on the severity of the endo and whether the ovaries are involved Combined HRT is recommended but then this carries other slight risks.

It is covered in the ESHRE guideline with evidence that is drawn in.

[Lindle]

eshre.eu/Guideline/Endometr...

[Jgp1 in reply to Lindle]

Thank you x

[Brambledoggy]

Hello, I’ve had a complex history of endometriosis and associated complications all my life so was willing my menopause to present itself. I found that being peri-menopausal aged around 47/48/49, kick-started dreadful “teenage” periods again, debilitating pain, together with quite severe menopause symptoms, at one point dozens and dozens of symptoms, a hormonal double whammy!!! I was put off any form of hormonal treatment to treat my menopause symptoms because I was worried about cancer etc. I was also just too scared of potentially reactivating my horrendous wall climbing pain, which was ironic having been on the combined contraceptive pill on and off for years. My endo pain had completely halted because I was no longer ovulating or having periods, so that was life changing to no longer be in pain but menopause symptoms were really dreadful. Last month I bit the bullet and decided to pay for a lengthy private consultation with a wonderful menopause specialist and was put on the lowest dose combined HRT, i.e twice weekly oestrogen patch plus daily progesterone pill (taken at night) She said unsurprisingly that ladies who have suffered with severe endo tend to have a much worse menopause. Which is anecdotal but does make sense! TBH I feel a bit of a Guinea pig, because there doesn’t seem to be enough data at this point in time to make a FULLY informed decision but my quality of life was so, so dire that I felt I had to do something. I don’t think I’ve had 8 hours sleep for over 6 years, my night sweats were so dreadful, I had to sleep with a fan a foot away from my face, and change my sweaty sheets almost every day. I had huge anxiety over the smallest decisions, all the usual stuff, weight gain, bladder weakness, joint pain, hair loss, palpitations. I’ve only been taking combined HRT for a month but I can feel a gradual change (I think) although I have also upped my super healthy diet, given up alcohol totally, walking tonnes and am seeing a therapist for personal reasons. So a lot of self care, self love has gone into my decision making process. I can only hope that I have made the right decision. Who knows? Thanks again Lindle for the link to the guidelines which I always find a fascinating read. I will update my progress for anyone interested. Last night I slept for almost six hours and yesterday I had the energy to clean the house from top to bottom AND do a five mile walk! Watch this space. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼

[Jgp1 in reply to Brambledoggy]

Glad you are seeing some improvements to your health long may it continue xxx

[BloomingMarvellous]

Stats are wonderful things aren’t they and not always that helpful when trying to make complex decisions that affect our daily welfare ? Correlations and associations are tough to disentangle and draw clear conclusions from . I do know that a lot of early research on cancer and HRT was both mis reported and the analysis of results was highly questionable. I think far more information is required before specific causes / effects can be drawn. Different forms of HRT ( especially progesterone/progestins ) have very differing outcomes in studies and cancer correlations. So seemingly the best take out on that is use the less concerning versions if going down the HRT route. Familial differences and history are factors too, Diet, Exercise, Stress …frankly a bit of a mares nest to disentangle factors and come to a clear understanding as to what causes what.