PBC and HRT - thoughts?

[FarahS]

hi everybody,

So I’m in my mid 40s and going through the perimenopause and really considering going on to HRT. It’s effecting my sleep, moods, and more recently gaining weight even though I’m in a calorie deficit and exercise regularly.

I’m just interested to understand other females and any experience you may wish to share about your PBC and HRT? Good? Bad?

Thanks!

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

Due to a history of having a DVT, I was unable to use HRT. I do know Dr Jones feels that if it improves your quality of life then you should use it. Just make sure that whomever prescribes it knows all of your current medications/supplements and your current/past medical history. Let us know how this goes for you. Thank you for asking about this.

[Cascade35]

I went on HRT in my mid 40s as I was diagnosed with osteopenia. Then diagnosed with PBC 8 years later. My PBC specialist said to absolutely stay on the HRT as it worked for me and it can be taken alongside Urso Acid. Good luck, peri menopause symptoms are horrible and they only get worse. Mine stopped entirely

[janetfolley]

Absolutely no problem taking HRT with PBC I've have been using patches for years with no side effects from taking Urso

[Triciawc in reply to janetfolley]

Same here. I just turned 70 and my gynecologist is cutting me off. I’ve reached the tipping point where benefits no longer outweigh risks. But the patch sure made life much more tolerable

[kingsnorth]

I'm 74 and still take it. I had a hysterectomy in my 50s and have taken it since then l have absolutely no problems with it and in my opinion the estrogen helps protects my bones from becoming porous. I also exercise regularly and a recent dexa scan showed my bones were in good condition

[Lj28]

I’m on the estradiol patch and take progesterone.

It makes a big difference in how I feel, for sure. And I’ll take all the help I can get with my osteoporosis.

My next dexa is next year, and I’ll see if it made a difference

[hhVan]

I was put on HRT about a year ago and it’s been great for stopping hot flashes etc. My doctors told me the estrogen needs to be gel or patch (not oral) so as to bypass the liver. Micronized progesterone was also prescribed, which is a pill, but I’m told it’s safe with PBC.

[HB70]

I was on HRT for nearly 3 years and it didn't affect my PBC. However... I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer, the type which is fed by oestrogen. I blame the HRT entirely for the cancer and have had surgery and radiotherapy and am still off work. With hindsight, I wish that I had looked at other ways to ease symptoms instead of being pushed down the HRT route by the consultant. Yes the risks of cancer are relatively low, but it does happen and surgery is painful with an extremely long recovery.Helen x

[FarahS in reply to HB70]

Thank you so much for sharing, HB70. This is what worries me…at what cost will taking HRT have on me…I’m just not sure. You have really given me food for thought….

Wishing you all the best on your journey. Xx