Hi all, this is a very long shot..
my PMR symptoms started following removal of my ovaries. There is some research suggesting that auto immune disorders may be due to the sudden drop in hormone levels following those types of surgery. My daughter’s colleagues have suggested considering HRT in order to help reduce steroids??? I’m not at all keen..
PMR is not the disease - it is the name given to a set of symptoms that have an underlying cause. There are cases which have resolved after HRT replaced the oestrogen but it was only after blood tests to show deficiency.
My PMR started a few months after I stopped HRT - I'd been on it for about 13 years because of peri-menopausal symptoms at a very young age, mainly sweats and fatigue, and I was perfectly happy on it until yet another piece of doom and gloom research claimed it caused yet another cancer. Doesn't help that it turned out to be flawed, it was too late by then!! But I wasn't menopausal - I had periods for another 5 years. And I still have PMR ...
There must have been a good reason for a total ovariectomy - which may contraindicate HRT so you would have to investigate that.
Hi thank you. Good point. I don’t know what my hormone levels are but I don’t want more medication, I want NO medication. I want to get up when I feel rested, go to the gym, do nothing some days, knit, please myself…..don’t think if I don’t feel like it. I went through the menopause aged 46 years, no problems. I am now 62 still no problems apart from those caused by the PMR. If I can achieve the above wishes, I will be fine reducing the dose.
I had mine removed aged 41 to reduce my oestrogen levels, I am now 62. I remember it felt like being hit like a freight train within the week. It generally stopped after about 5 years as did the post cancer recovery issues. Interestingly with hindsight (of course) I think my body was revving up intermittently for GCA over the next 13 years before it caught light. I do think that was due to treatments not the ovaries.
You could try the HRT; some people have found an improvement. However, if you have autoimmune inflammation you may find it is only part of the problem and that you need the dose of Pred that you need. Many have passed through here anguished about meds and trying everything, even toughing it out to avoid them. I sure understand that.
HRT has done nothing for my PMR aside help diagnosis as process of elimination. Some claim it reduces the number of flares but wonder how they can tell unless it happens with regularity. My immune system is still poorer but like to think it is helping with mental resilience and bone protecting impact of steroids but there are other means of achieving this if necessary.
Hi. Ok. I’m just not feeling any more drugs. I already take calcium with Zinc and Vitamin D… 3000iu of VitD. I drink a total of of raw Aloe Vera every morning as well.. no meat for nearly 20 years.. I’m done😂
it may help to think of HRT as a hormone not a drug and vitamins as supplements not medicine. It’s a tiny point I know, but I’m happy choosing to take hormones first my wellbeing and medicines for my health when I have to .
Hmmm interesting take.. still not sure tho. Due to reduce steroid tomorrow from 5 mgs to 4.5. Declined Rheumatology advice to reduce by 1mg. Will see how it goes.
I had an early menopause due to cancer and did not take HRT for at least 5 years. After research it seemed HRT actually has a positive effect for bowel cancer which was my issue so have been on HRT since and I am now 73. When put on Pred a few years ago I tried all the drugs for bone protection but didn't get on with them but after discussions with my doctor we decided to go back to a full dose of HRT (I take Tibolone) as I was on a half dose, to help protect my bones. I have been tested since and my bone density is good and has not changed since taking Pred and I started on 35mg. I realise this does not answer your question about the menopause being a factor in the development if polymyalgia however I suspect stress does influence the onset of polymyalgia, I cant prove this but for me it started at a time of high stress and change in my life. HRT can help improve health and mood and helps protect bones against aging and possibly against steroid induced bone loss. The cancer link was a scare but there are pluses too. In the end it is a personal decision.
Thank you.
I am sorry I was vague. I had terrible and sudden menopause after radiotherapy with everything from migraine to being the hottest person on the planet (EVER) plus adding the anxiety of cancer. It is hard to get an unbiased answer. Most people who take HRT swear by it but many who don't think it is the devil's work. It has got very good nowadays and poss worth a go. You might be surprised. Xx
hmmmmm will see.. I may end up begging for it😂then again, summer is coming. I’ll be in my garden. May go abroad a few times for heat and rest.
One of my biggest regrets is coming off HRT. I had a total hysterectomy at 42 and advised to stay on HRT for the rest of my life. At 65 a young Dr said I was post menopausal age and should come off it. That was when I developed PMR. The osteoporosis Society said I could recommence but I had trouble with vaginal bleeding and couldn’t get the dose right. The ROS have info on it and the nurses are wonderful to talk to. Oestrogen plays a lot more roles than helping with menopause symptoms. Best wishes. These decisions are so hard.
That’s interesting.. HRT and the lack thereof and the start of PMR…
Me too ...
GCA symptoms
GCA symptoms?
HELP!
Pred and Hrt?
PMR & HRT?
