HRT for women in late 50s

[Corrine1]

I'm interested in hearing experiences of women around 59/60 years considering HRT and how easy it has been getting a GP to prescribe it and what their experience of taking it has been. This is because I am in this situation myself where I am thinking it might help with my health problems but would be nice to hear from others in a similar age group who have decided to try it.

[sweetsusie]

Hi, Corrine1: I am 70 and my doctor just prescribed HRT for me! I have been on it for 5-6 months now and the difference in how I feel is remarkable. I think doctors (some) are lightening-up on the skewed huge study that was done years ago and are realizing that women are suffering needlessly. I say go for it. It took me a while to find a doctor who would prescribe, though. I have been asking different doctors for YEARS and none of them would prescribe, so I finally found one who would. I take Estradiol/Norethindrone combo.

[Corrine1 in reply to sweetsusie]

It's amazing that you've found it makes such a difference and I hope it continues to. Thanks for replying.

[sweetsusie in reply to Corrine1]

One of my directors used to call me his "pit bull" because once I latched onto something I would never let go, until the issue was solved. HAHA!!

[Corrine1 in reply to sweetsusie]

I've also been told I'm like a 'dog with a bone' as I won't give up on an issue until it's resolved!!

[Corrine1 in reply to sweetsusie]

Just wondering, what made you so sure it was hrt you needed and did you think about it earlier? Also what do you think of the health risks for older women taking it? Hope you don't mind me asking?😊

[sweetsusie in reply to Corrine1]

That's a good question! I guess because I felt so awful and depressed for so long? And finally thought to try it. Started to research stuff on the web and talked to my friends...the ones who were already on it. One friend, in particular, said she'd kill her doctor if he ever tried to take her off of it. That made me think it must be doing her some good. She's 69 and her doctor wants her to stop taking it now, but she won't do it, and he's not pushing her too hard. Anyway, that's what did it, I suppose.

[northumberlandwoman]

After doing a lot of research, plus watching a VERY helpful programme about menopause on BBC TV, I discovered the safest and best HRT are patches (for women with a womb). I went on patches having suffered extreme and worsening perimenopause and then menopause symptoms for several years. The patches stopped all of it and I've had zero side effects.

Armed with all the info I needed about the patches and my need to go on them, I saw my GP and told him I wanted to go on them so it was clear he wasn't going to disuade me. Women need to understand that they shouldn't be shy about telling their GP they've decided to go on HRT and it helps a lot to know the facts about it, because in my experience only one of the six GP's at my surgery has a slight clue about HRT and menopause.

If you're suffering, and know it's time for HRT, you should ask for it. If the GP is hesitant tell them there'll be no harm in trying it for a few months and if there's side effects, or it doesn't work you can stop.

Good luck.

[Corrine1 in reply to northumberlandwoman]

I've been to my GP and she says I can try hrt but subject to my blood pressure being ok. I have to monitor my BP for 2 weeks at home. I thought I would be turned down for my age, now 60 although been suffering for years. She says they always start women off on tablets and when I stated that patches are safer she replied 'only a bit'. I dont have any faith in her prescribing anything suitable for me as she didn't seem to have much of a clue and just showed me data re risks in bnf so am planning on going to get more specific advice from Menopause Matters on this so I am fully armed. It is hard work though dealing with the GPs at my practice.

Do the patches you have oestrogen and progesterone in them or do you have to take each separately?