HRT QUERY

[moconnolly]

Coping with PMR and sticking at 3mg at present to avoid flare up, delaying further tapering until other medical issues settled.

At 82 years of age, I am being advised to try coming off HRT Patches for 6 weeks. Even with HRT II still get night sweats but worried if daytime hot flushes will recur with other symptoms if I ome off them. Anyone else had this dilemma?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are experts who say WHY stop HRT, whatever your age. I suppose the only way to find out is to try - but the question remains, why stop since it is also probably contributing to bone stability.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Hi there. I am on HRT tablets (70 yr old) which carry a slightly higher risk than patches or gel but hang on to them with dear life. GPs now do not seem to be overly concerned about HRT as there are benefits and it is a balancing act, like so many medical interventions. Can you say why they are suggesting this to you as I am struggling to understand why you should risk a return of symptoms when you have other issues to manage.

[moconnolly in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Thanks to you and others for further insight. Consultant concerned about risk of stroke athough I don't have any other medical reason for this, Also I had overlooked that since going onto HRT just under a year ago, with my rheumatologist's agreement, I stopped Alendronic Acid (for dental reasons) as the HRT would compensate. As you say I have enough to cope with at present without hot flushes etc. during the day.

[Leafsong66]

I’m only 58 but was encouraged to give up HRT last year. I lasted 2 months before I could not live with the round the clock hot flushes and emotional fragility. I am very glad to have these issues back under control, since resuming HRT. I have seemed to have developed PMR on top of GCA, so at least I can get some parts of my life less problematic.

[Jackoh]

Hi Moconnolly. I am 74 and still on HRT. I don’t really intend to give up anytime soon. While I’m still on pred I want to monitor what I’m on and any reactions I might have and not bring a complete stopping of a medication into the mix. Xx💐