(member)

27/08/2008 12:07

HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I've been offered HRT today by the doctor, for hot flushes, dryness, anxiety and low mood. I've said I'll think about it. What's your view?

(member)

27/08/2008 12:38

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I was ok on it to begin with - not that I felt any particular benefit from it. But then I started to get stonking migraines..IN the end had to come off it..

Sorry not to be more enouraging.

lots of love, and good luck

ejanexx

(member)

27/08/2008 15:12

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Thanks, ejane, it's other people's experiences I'm interested in. I haven't taken up the offer straight away because I wanted to hear how some of my fellow forumers had gotten on, whether it was good or bad.

(member)

27/08/2008 15:44

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi SellaVee, I was prescribed it by my GP but was very wary of taking it. Tried the patches but got awful palpitations the first week I had them on and couldn't cope so came off it straight away - it put me off trying something else. I get palpitations at the best of times so didn't want them to worsen and add to the anxiety. I got some tablets from Victoria Health called Meno-Herbs2 as they are always recommended by the lady who does the Health column in the You magazine supplement of the Sunday Mail. I am trying those for a while. I fancy HRT to be honest just to see if I can get my va va vroom back! I hate the lethargy and brain fog and have no libido whatsoever (not that I ever had a great one in the first place for some reason!!), as if somebody has just knocked a switch off. I am just scared by all the scaremonger stories you read. Sorry, doesn't help much either. Hope you find something that suits you in the end.

(member)

27/08/2008 15:48

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

for me when the time comes it will be a no. Your symptoms don't sound very pleasant but can also be linked to other things. If you don't feel right about taking it then don't, why not look into natural remedies, they may not be as strong but sometimes you just need something to take the edge off the symptoms.
My reasons also have nothing to do with all the scarey stories, I have never taken medication unless absolutely necessary & may never take any ever again (never say never of course

) I also have 2 friends who have taken it from the age of 27 & 30 & they both look fabulous, one looks at 46 like she is 20 years younger! Neither have problems taking it continuously.

(member)

27/08/2008 15:58

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi Sella_Vee, before my recent big op in April(removal of giant ovarian tumour/total hysterectomy/omentectomy) I had been on HRT for many years, and would swear by it, no hot flushes bar the occasional one, no periods (the type I was on stopped them), and in general felt great, so would have highly recommended it. I used to get v.severe lower back pain during my periods and was originally put on it to help that, which it did.
Anyway here we are now nearly 4 months AFTER my big op, and I am at last back on HRT (long story), obviously Eastrogen (not sure if I spelt that right)now, as no ovaries or anything for that matter. Have only been on it since Saturday, so it will take some time before I feel emotionally stable, and the hot flashes and night sweats improve, but I am being positive. I couldn't have carried on the way I was, so I will definitely give it a go.
Consultant said it would be 3-6 months before I would be completely sorted. Hope you get sorted too. Who'd be a woman?

(member)

27/08/2008 16:01

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi Stella_Vee,

I was advised to take HRT after having a hysterechtomy, but to be perfectly honest, all it really did for me was stop the hot flushes.

When my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, I took my doctor's advice and stopped taking it, as there is a slight risk. In saying that, there is a risk that breast cancer will hit any one of us isnt there?

I think you need to listen to your doctor's advice, and make a join decision.

Plasmo x

(member)

27/08/2008 16:07

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

citygirl, one of the things that concerns me about natural remedies, and I've tried a few with no noticeable successes, is that we are inclined to take them and think they do no harm, but I read of people taking more than one thing at a time and I wonder how they interact.

Lethargy and brain fog are symptoms of mine too JustJules. Lack of libido isn't a problem, but dryness (and tenderness) is. I just feel as if my get up and go, got up and left. And don't even think about asking me to remember anything.

(member)

27/08/2008 16:11

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Plasmo, the doctor's advice was to try it, but I'm a bit wary. I've had blood tests done to make sure it isn't anything else, and apparently the problems are due to the menopause. The good news is I'm otherwise fine!

(member)

27/08/2008 16:11

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

HRT gave me dreadful PMT. The doctor prescribed Dixarit to control the flushes and I didn't take anything else. Out the other side now and feeling fine.

(member)

27/08/2008 16:37

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi,
I started all this early at 44. I'm now 51. I took HRT in patches and tablets. I can say that I felt great on them . I stopped taking it after my blood pressure started going up and the GP suggested it might be HRT. I have the occasional hot flush , but still feel ok. Perhaps I was just lucky

(member)

27/08/2008 16:38

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I was prescriber HRT 6 years ago after I had a hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries. It worked quite well and I was taking it up until 2 months ago when I sufferd from blood clots in my leg and lung. There is a risk of clotting with HRT, but you always think that it will happen to someone else don't you ? I had to stop taking it immediatly so now I have hot flushes, night sweats etc and also have to take warfarin tablets for 6 months.However, for a while it was a godsend and got me over a tricky patch.

(member)

27/08/2008 17:23

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi Sella_Vee - I started the menopause quite early at 45 and really suffered the most appalling hot flushes tho very little other symptoms, but the flushes were making life hell so went on HRT and it really worked well for me - no side effects whatsoever and yes did stop the flushes. I stopped taking it after about 6 years, tho, as I don't think they recommend you take it for too long (tho there seems to be various opinions on that).

I had a total hysterectomy last year and my gynae surgeon recommended I start on the eostrogen o nly HRT (Premarin) as with no womb (tho I have got ovaries) you apparently don't need the progesterone. Now I still take it but half dose - it really seems to suit me.

Some of the natural remedies might be ok for you, but you seem to have to take them for such an age before you know it they're working or not . Good luck

xxx Sue

(member)

27/08/2008 17:36

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I had a hysterectomy when I was 36, my GP would not prescribe HRT at that time, and I 'lost the plot' for a while as I just could not cope (he thought anti-depressants were a better option!). Eventually, he did agree to the HRT and I was taking it for over 20 years with no ill effects. But last year I needed operations on my feet and was advised to stop the HRT beforehand. I didn't go back on it afterwards, so have suffered hot flushes, but hot as bad as they were pre-HRT and they have now lessened. All in all, it was a good experience for me.

(member)

27/08/2008 17:38

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

you girls are scaring me

I don't like the sound of hot flushes, etc although I would welcome being warmer sometimes. Is it really as bad as it sounds?? My friends in America call them power surges.

(member)

27/08/2008 17:46

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi Sella_Vee,

I finished my periods early at 46, after a clear 10 months my doctor prescribed HRT (no periods type) as I had terrible night sweats - oh they were sooo bad, 3 or 4 times a night, had to keep a towel by the bed to mop myself up. I really felt great on the HRT had loads of energy, as no more sleepless nights. Had to stop taking them as had a few periods and not supposed to. Then the sweats started again, now taking Dixarit (which I have been taking for just over 2 weeks) still waiting for them to kick in!

(member)

27/08/2008 19:14

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I've been taking HRT for a few years now and think its great!

It has helped with the memopause symptoms but it has also made a huge difference to the way I feel. I suffer from arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands and when I come off the HRT the pain increases and the numbness and tingling in my fingers gets really bad.My knees and legs also ache really badly to the extent that my skin feels bruised and I cant get comfortable in bed. The HRT has stopped these symptoms as well.

As a bonus my skin becomes much less dry and the condition of my hair improves. Im lucky that I dont have any of the risk factors that would prevent me having HRT and it has not caused any weight gain or increase in my blood pressure.

I also have more energy and my memory is better when I am taking it. I start to panic if the doctor suggests stopping it, but luckily he is quite happy for me to continue with it provided I am sensible and report any problems.

I also take herbal supplements for the arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome but the HRT definately makes a difference.

(member)

27/08/2008 20:33

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I've taken HRT (eostrogen sp) only as I've also had a hysterectomy and both ovaries out for 16 years now. I plan to stay on it as long as possible. Not long after I started taken it was there new reports virtually everyday about taking it. One day it would be how good it was and the next the complete opposite. I vowed never to read another report again and haven't.

(member)

27/08/2008 22:11

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi Sella_Vee

If the symptoms you've got are causing you problems my own view would be give it a go unless there are medical reasons why you shouldn't.

I had an early menopause which didn't cause me any problems apart from the odd hot flush, but at the time it was thought that HRT offered some protection against heart disease and osteoporis and my GP (who was a very conservative prescriber) felt that it would be a good thing for me because of my age and the fact that both my parents had had heart attacks.

Like you I said that I wanted to think about it, but I was eventually persuaded to start taking it after reading a book written by Miriam Stoppard which gave the impression that it was the best thing since sliced bread and that every woman who could take it, should.

After expecting so much it was great disappointment for me because not only did I feel no different, but I had 'periods' every four weeks. I continued to take it because I thought it was doing me some good and ignored the first possible increased risk of breast cancer scare about it in the press. I eventually decided to stop when it became apparent that it conferred no protection against heart disease, and just weaned myself off the tablets gradually with no ill effect.

(member)

28/08/2008 00:54

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Thank you all for taking the trouble to share your experiences with me.

Snowy, I'll be interested to hear how you get on as the weeks pass. I'm going on holiday soon, so I told the doctor I'd wait until I got back. I won't need to decide for about a month.

beckybrox, the bloodclotting worries me, I'll mention that to the doctor.

wisp1, I am especially interested in your comments as I have carpal tunnel syndrome too. It comes and goes a bit.

duckegg, the doctor did say that HRT isn't the wonder drug it was originally thought to be but that it might make things easier. I certainly don't want to go back to having periods though!

ButterflyBlue, I know exactly what you mean.

I am wondering about acupuncture or reflexology.

(member)

28/08/2008 07:57

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

TDixarit will work eden honestly. Just give it time,you will still know they are happening but will be so mild you can ignore them.

(member)

28/08/2008 09:02

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I started taking HRT 4/5 years ago, after ages suffering constant hot flushes. Made up my mind after a day spent in a meeting with 8 men, jacket off/on every 2 mins and sweat trickling down my face (!) and my husband's observation that I'd changed into a grump - deep joy, but I have to acknowledge that he was right! A friend observed at the time that she'd chosen to risk having less years, feeling happy, than loads more feeling miserable - that worked for me, and I can report that I've never looked back. Always planned to take it for 5 years max but just came off it for a month whilst I had surgery and the hot flushes were, if anything, even worse than I remembered. Consequently, I've re-started it and won't give it up again so easily. The only thing I'm not sure about is whether taking it is replacing the menopause or just postponing it .....

(member)

28/08/2008 15:07

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

phatbuoy, I am very familiar with those sweat triclking down the face moments and it's never a good look!

The doctor says the HRT postpones things but may give you "gentler" symptoms when you come off it.

I am also conscious of feeling much grumpier lately and all OH has to do to get on my nerves is walk in the door, poor chap. I try keeping out of his way, but then he feels lonely. As snowy said, who'd be a woman?

(member)

28/08/2008 17:38

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I started taking HRT after my hysterectomy at the age of 33 and have been taking it for the past 16 years. Initially I had an implant until checks revealed i was over dosing on it,I now tke tablets (premerin) and get on very well with it. Everytime I mention to the GP about length of time i'm on it he says that the benefits outweigh any risk. I think it depends on how you feel about it as I'm quite happy taking medication but am aware that others are more wary.

(member)

29/08/2008 17:34

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I have never taken HRT and I have never felt the need. I had light flushes but no other symptoms. I know I have been very lucky. The menopause for me was all pluses....no heavy periods no PMT no migranes. Hope this positive message will help those yet to experience the menopause. Not everyone suffers. Good luck with whatever you decide
Love
Grace x

(member)

29/08/2008 22:04

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Duckegg's story is exactly the same as mine except for the fact that when I started having periods again they became heavier and heavier until I became anaemic. Apparently heavy periods are very common and if you are prone to this then you will get it whatever HRT you are on. The good news is that I went off it, went onto herbal tablets (black cohosh in my case) for around a year, and never looked back. My skin is good, my memory as good as usual, in fact, I feel pretty normal. I think a lot of benefits can be hyped up in order to convince women they should be taking the tablets.

(member)

29/08/2008 22:13

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi
Everyone has different symptoms..some women have flushes, others have heavy periods . My flushes were uncomfortable , but I just knew they wouldn't last very long . The secret is to wear the right clothing layering is best.

(member)

29/08/2008 22:50

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

My cousin's wife had no trouble at all, and only took Evening Primrose Oil. When she was younger she was one of those people who was always cold, so I often wonder if her hot flushes just brought her up to room temperature.

Today I've bought a Ladycare Magnet and it's in my knickers as we speak. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is going to bed in my pants!

(member)

29/08/2008 22:54

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I dont understand the need for people to infer that "natural" remedies are somehow better than properly produced quality controlled pharmaceuticals.
Its a bit like subtly undermining those who dont have time to make their own bread or some such nonsense.
Many of us are intelligent enough to do the necessary research and reach the right and sensible conclusion for ourselves.
No, I dont want breast cancer, of course not, I dont have a family history of it and I have read the stats. ( an extra 3 cases per 1000 thats ONE THOUSAND) IN THE OVER 55'S.

I wouldnt dream of coming onto a thread where folk were talking about black cohosh or whatever and telling them its a load of old bunkum. Because that would only be my opinion.
So horses for course say I!
J.

(member)

29/08/2008 23:13

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Joser, one of the things that concerns me about natural remedies is how easy it is to take more than one at the same time, because we think they are natural, without considering the synergistic effect.

(member)

30/08/2008 22:45

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

I took HRT for 6 years because of similar symptoms to yours Sella, plus frequent infections. It cleared up the symptoms. When the doc signed me off it (because of the risk of breast cancer) I did not get any menopausal symptoms, apart from very mild flushes occasionally. However, the arthritis dates from then. Also, I can see a difference in my skin - much more "old lady" ish. I would give it a go and see how you get on.

(member)

31/08/2008 15:25

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

i tried the natural way for several years and although it stopped flushes, the dryness got worse. I have now been on Hrt patches, evorel 50 and internal hrt vagifem, I also take Manopace vitamin supplement and feel great. I do not get any side effects but I have to take progesterone and have a period every 4 months as I still have a womb, still it is a small price to pay for feeling good, regaining my libido, no longer having dry eyes, mood swings and having nice hair and skin.

I think it is down to quality of life and my marriage would have suffered if we had carried on as we were. ( See my thread about thrush)

Best of luck.

(member)

31/08/2008 16:22

Re: HRT ..... YES OR NO?

Hi Sella_Vee
Thanks for reminder! I've been using the magnopulse for months now and think it's good, but for a couple of months have only been wearing it during the day, and have started having night sweats.Will go back to 24hr wear to see if it helps. I used to put it on my nightie so i know it wasn't always making skin contact, but still felt the better for it!

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