My question relates to taking HRT.

I had really awful symptoms when I started the menopause about 10 years ago. It sapped my energy and kept me awake at night with at least 20 hot flushes at night alone. My blood pressure was very high too. A Gp prescribed HRT and told me to remain on it until I was 70. I was also told by a consultant at The Royal Free hospital that it was good that I am taking it . I have Systemic Scleroderma and absorption of nutrients is an issue. HRT helps to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. I have recently been asked to see my Gp about reviewing it. this is playing on my mind because I would have thought the advantages were or should be obvious in the light of s. s.

So I am hoping to have some replies from members with opinions on this please? IWould be grateful.

[overnighthearingloss]

I am not on HRT but my understanding is that the medical community is split on this one.

This is something that came up for me recently and my cardiologist was very much against it. but others argue vehemently for it.

It was raised in a recent BBC programme. Trust me, I'm a Doctor. Still available on Iplayer

bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03fglhb

[Hidden in reply to overnighthearingloss]

Thank you for replying. Also for the link. I will watch again and take some of the opinions with me to the surgery. I somehow feel I should remain on it a while longer at least.

[Jensue]

I have SSc and went through an early menopause at the age of 30/40 but was never offered HRT even though I had horrendous hot flushes at night.

I did watch the Tv programme mentioned above & found it to be very interesting especially since I still suffer with hot flushes and have broken bones badly in the last last 8 years, at least I do take Vit D3 now.

[Hidden]

Thank you both fot taking the trouble to reply. The programme mentioned is one I don't normally watch but coincidentally, I did see this one. I am erring in the direction of wanting to continue with it. I understand it is a question of personal choice once the risk factors have been explained by one's Gp. Your bone fractures are to me enough evidence that HRT is beneficial. I am quite sad that it was never offered to you. But I guess if you really felt the need you would have asked to be put on it ( ? ) Thank you again for the info.

[BarbJ in reply to Hidden]

Hi romulus, I've been on HRT for at least 9 years now and I'm now 57. I too have Scleroderma (limited) and am lucky that my female GP is quite happy for me to be on it as I have very little dairy produce in my diet. I'm hoping that, if the question ever arises, they'll let me continue on it - I shall certainly be arguing very strongly for that especially while I'm still working, that can be enough of a struggle with the tiredness etc., without having to go through the symptoms of menopause again. And of course there is also the risk of bone fractures. Good luck with the review (perhaps you could get some evidence from those medics in favour off the internet to back you up?) - have got my fingers crossed for you - please let us know how you go on. Best wishes, BarbJ

[Hidden in reply to BarbJ]

Thank you BarbJ for your comments and good wishes. I think you have said it for me . I just hate the thought of feeling any worse than I do already! I will report back the outcome . This will not be for several weeks yet, but will do.

[BarbJ in reply to Hidden]

Good. Look forward to hearing from you

[kristinaf]

Hello!

Thank you for posting that link above, I'm looking forward to seeing it. I'm 45 and have been on HRT for a little over four years now. After I was taking it for a couple of months, I started to feel like myself again. Now that I have been diagnosed with everything (Raynauds, SS, Lupus, Celiac), my doctors haven't mentioned a change. Sure hope they do not - I just cannot imagine trying to function with all that back. Good luck and thank you again!

Kristina

[Hidden]

Thank you all for your response and good wishes. I thought I would let you all know that when I was having my Iloprost infusion this week at Royal Free, I asked my consultant if he would be willing to let my Gp know that He is happy to let me continue with HRT as this would make my task a lot simpler. Since my balance is now greatly affected ( I tested positive for Romberg's whilst there ) he said he felt the risk of falling and resultant fractures is a more realistic risk than the remoter risks associated with HRT. I am so relieved. I just hope my Gp will agree with him.

Thanks to everyone here for mucH valued info' and advice.