HRT, any thoughts please

[RubyKB]

I spoke to a doctor about trying HRT for my menopause symptoms. He said because my blood pressure was high, it's now normal using medicine and walking and because l am over weight. I am at a group and have lost 3 stone. He said he wouldn't recommend it for me because of increases in breast cancer, also it could raise my Bp and put on weight and a risk of cardio problems. He said keep losing weight and come back in 3 months, which seems like a long time when l am waking up wet from sweating etc. Any thoughts would be great, thank you

[MOLKO1972]

Hi RubyKB,

Maybe you need to seek advice from a different GP. Ask the Receptionist if there is a GP at the practice that specialises in the Menopause.

I find it a little unfair to send you away for 3 months when you are clearly suffering with symptoms.

I'd get a second opinion for sure.

Good luck

[13cats-lives in reply to MOLKO1972]

I was prescribed a Combi patch from my GP in 2020 with little information of the risk of breast cancer. On my recent mammogram I was diagnosed with a tumour in my left breast and have stopped taking the HRT patches. I think that the risk is minimal if you take HRT for one year or less. The benefits are worth trying if you suffer badly. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns.

[Belle76]

have a look at menopausal not mad and dr Louise Newson on line.

They believe that menopause can put your blood pressure up, there’s a small risk with breast cancer but no more than drinking or smoking. HRT does not cause weight gain 🙄it will probably help you loose weight as it helps with achy joints etc.

[Dollymae06 in reply to Belle76]

If you are over 45 and having menopause symptoms quote Nice guidelines you can choose to take Hrt it is your decision. I don't know your medical history but Hrt does not cause cancer and it has benefits , to prevent Heart disease, Oesterporosis, and Dementia . The benefits of Hrt outweigh the risks. Look at the Balance app Doctor Louise Newson Menopause Specialist you need to be harmed with knowledge to get what you want.x

[Lavender-Blue]

Do the Confidence in Menopause Course by Louise Newson and go armed with facts to present to your GP.

The course is aimed at GP's and health professionals or anyone else who is interested in doing it.

It's free and can be found on the FourteenFish website.

I hope this helps

X

[Ninn]

Your treatment should be something you participate in not decreed because of outdated information. I went to my doctor and asked for hrt as a last resort as my symptoms were so bad I felt life wasn't worth living. He took my blood pressure and it was 190/120. He still gave me hrt, plus blood pressure prescription. I would strongly recommend, as the other lady here, you follow Menopause Matters on Instagram and look at website. No end of help and advice from Dr newson and other specialists. Also advice on how to approach a doctor appt. If u live a healthy lifestyle the increased risks from hrt are minimal. Plus, the enhancement to your life overall, bone density, energy, hair loss and relationships are worth it. I couldn't even hold a conversation my brain was so fogged. The current advice is that unless you develop further health problems it is safe to take your entire life. Keep a sensible weight, eat healthily and keep alcohol to a minimum. I'm so grateful for a 2nd chance at life.

[Hidden in reply to Ninn]

I'm not getting any relief from my hot flashes and I've been on the Estradiol patch 0.075mg for 24 days now. How long does it take to kick in to take away the hot flashes?

[DylanTheRabbit]

Plus one for see a more sympathetic GP. Surely it will be easier for you to keep yourself healthy if you're not kept awake with night sweats.

Good luck x