Starting back on hrt age just 60!

Interestingly I have just read an article on hormone replacement therapy prescribing written by the doctor you referred to Blueberrygran. The one who took you off HRT.

In it she states “Assuming there are no absolute-contraindications, patient choice should decide whether HRT is taken or not, what type of preparation and for how long.”

In your place I would be writing to her telling her that

My quality of life has been badly affected by your unilateral decision to take me off HRT and I would like to return to the menopause clinic to be reinstated on oestrogen implants in line with your recommendations “Hormone replacement therapy prescribing” in which you say “patient choice should decide whether HRT is taken or not, what type of preparation and for how long.”

Blueberrygran thank you for alerting me to that article.

Undoubtedly most of the research has been done on women up to menopausal age but her predecessor was firmly in favour of continuing unless there were facts which clearly Dr. Sassarini does not have. Reread the article and note the use of the word may. That also implies may not

She has no evidence that it is contraindicated and my belief is that we should educate ourselves on the risks and benefits and decide what is important to us.

When I had my last bone density scan (I was 60, my bones were those of a 43 year old) my doctor was told I don’t need follow up unless I stopped the HRT. As my mother suffered terribly from osteoporosis that alone is enough to make me stay on HRT for life.

Yes, here we are Espee. You can read the article here: www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/20659485.menopause-hrt-60-may-detrimental-says-glasgow-specialist/

Just a note specifically to Espee. Dr. S, Prof. L's protegee and who has now taken over from her has some different ideas about HRT and I've now been taken off my implant at 53 (previously had a TAH & BSO). Dr. S has recently written in the Scottish Herald that she does not see a particular benefit in continuing HRT long term. I'll see if I can link to the article for you.

Hi, I realise this is an old post but I’m new to gransnet, can I ask did starting HRT again after 60 help with your aches and pains. I came off my patches about 3 year ago when there became a shortage. I’m feeling like I’m in my 80s right now because from my hips down every joint and muscle aches. I do think it’s menopause related and wondered if starting HRT might ease these pains. It’s really starting to affect my quality of life now because I don’t go walking or cycling like I used to and I dread getting out of bed on a morning. I’m 61 not 81 and hate this feeling.
Thanks for any info

IF your dose is the same as mine. You pick 2 days of the week 3-4 days apart and stick to those days. So 2 patches a week.

The instructions in the box will give you all the info including where on your body to put the patches - quite specific.

I'm new to using Everol Conti patches as is my Doc.. How many days do I get from each patch ? Do I take a break from patch ? I seem to be flying through the box of patches !!

Thanks again il look for sure
I tried to do a PM without success , the last post was in Jan so how do you know there’s a new post on pls? Like mine today

I’m concerned re womb how to protect? How do you measure thickness ? Is it checked? ( how I wish I’d had hysterectomy back then)
And should you be on lowest dose to begin or is it on your weight ?
Also
How do you know which type is safest? One patch seems more bone orientated
Yes who wants this getting old thing im like 106 many days in my sixties, sadly far too long
I do concern about older arteries starting it though. ?‍♀️ I take blockbuster enzymes which I hope are a positive
Lol sounds like a drain unblocked

Polly7

Thankyou for this
Is anyone here if I ask about it ?

I’m not sure what you mean Polly7.
Getting answers depends on who sees your post. You can send a Private message direct to individuals if you wish. To the right of the bar with the name, date and time of the post click on Private message and another page pops up.

I second the advice about Dr Louse Newson. I always had a tussle with my GP because of my age until I quoted her, and up to date advice. Unfortunately in my experience, menopause clinics are few and far between.
I use oestrogel, plus vagifem.
My friend is 85 and still using patches, very fit for her age, does regular water aerobics, walking and golf.
It’s about quality of life whatever your age.

Google Dr Louise Newson, menopause expert & activist, also check out her ‘Balance’ app. I’m 61 & been on HRT FOR 15 year - never coming off! Why should we women be deprived of our health protecting hormones? ?

Thankyou for this
Is anyone here if I ask about it ?

Hi Esspee
I will ask my doctor to refer me,
Thanks so much

Mitten

Please help my new doctor will not prescribe it and I’m 73 and like you been on it for years

In your case I would ask for a referral to a menopause clinic or change doctor.
You could try telling your doctor that you are aware that many women are on it for life.
I was under a top consultant who was one of the authors of the NICE guidelines on the menopause and she was perfectly happy for me to continue indefinitely. I am extremely well informed which helps. Sorry I didn’t see your post back in Oct.

junie1

Hi Esspee
Did not know about the pellet, can I get them on prescription.

Thanks
Junie

Implants can only be done in hospital, menopause clinic or doctor’s surgery. Ask to be referred to a menopause clinic which does implants. It is not a DIY option unfortunately but it is provided on the NHS.

Hi Esspee
Did not know about the pellet, can I get them on prescription.

Thanks
Junie

I'll be 68 in a few weeks .I've been on evorel conti for 10 years and had several pill HRT 's before that .The symtoms can last long after the you think the menopause should be done .I'm on HRT for life and happy to be so.If you think HRT will help get a refferal to your local menopause clinic ,specialists there will tell you whats best in your case.Good luck I hope you get the help and relif you need .

I have noticed over the past few months that I am so hot most of the time. And like others my joints and muscles ache as well. I am thinking of going back on the herbal tablets for menopause. But, I am well past all of that, I am now 68 years old. Does menopause come back? Would love to hear from others who might have experienced this.

Please help my new doctor will not prescribe it and I’m 73 and like you been on it for years

Yes, I did suffer with very tender breasts when I increased my oestrogen to try and eliminate my night sweat. I think this is one of the side effects that some women are happy to accept.

I'm the same as Esspee but have tried a couple of times to give up the Evorel patches but the hot flushes were awful. Even my arms sweated and if my husband accidentally touched one in bed, he was horrified!
I started on the highest dose and it was wonderful. After years of gyni problems, I realised what it must be like to be a man and feel the same all the time. I am now on the lowest dose.

Thank you Sunnysideup.
I dont know if I can persuade my GP to look at this for me, but I'd like to try.
Did anyone suffer with tender breasts when they started HRT?

Hi Namsnanny I had 12 years of debilitating symptoms with no sign of them abating. I didn’t want to go on HRT because my mum died of breast cancer and I was scared. However my quality of life was severely compromised so I had no choice really.
I was having around 14 hot flushes during the day and about 6 at night. I had a lot of sleep problems, low mood and a total disinterest in just about everything. These are the things that HRT has eliminated. I just have one sweat at night. However, I still have itchy dry skin, joint and muscle pains and headaches/migraines. So, as I say, it’s not the answer to everything but I’m better with than without and, after all, I’m getting old!

I have been on oestrogen only for 32 years. Apart from mild hot flushes so far I have avoided mood swings, loss of libido, depression, vaginal atrophy, incontinence, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, urinary tract infections, premature aging and Alzheimers all of which are associated with low oestrogen levels. Judging by my peers who have constant moans about all of these I thank the day my surgeon put the oestrogen implant in after removing my womb, ovaries and cervix.
I will be continuing on hrt for the rest of my life. I feel wonderful.
Incidentally I have been mistaken for the daughter of two of my close friends. One is 3 years older and the other 5 years younger than me.

I've been on Evorel conti for a few months. Yes, the aches have gone & less anxious.
Had a few months without HRT - (tablets): anxious, thinning hair, bladder weekness, night sweats, memory.
The doctor switched me to patches. Sooo glad to be back on it! Seemed to take a while to kick in though.

Missed a patch last week & the bladder problems came Right back! Won't be doing That again! ?