HRT how long should you use it

[jacksfullofaces]

HRT has engendered more controversy than any other medication. Thyroid, diabetes - once you show a hormone deficiency it is recommended for life - unless it is estradiol then the rules change.
However HRT is subject to the whims of the prescriber, the PCT not to mention NICE and MHRA guidelines.
From a practical point of view a woman should use hormones for as long as she feels a need for estradiol and assorted other useful hormones.
Some doctors attempt to restrict use to two years. Others say no more then five years. Some medical opinion suggests it should be limited to women under the age of 55 or 60.
HRT is useful for preventing many unpleasant symptoms of oestrogen deficiency.
There are women who stay on it for life. Joan Collins, Kate O' Mara and the late Queen Mother spring to mind.
I think that while I'm alive my body will need estradiol to maintain my libido, for good bone health, for prevention of cardio vascular disease and the feel good factor.
HRT should be available for all of those who want this option but you might need to be assertive to get a prescription.
Spire hospitals are private and run a GP service at £80 a consultation so if your NHS doctor refuses there are other options out there.

[stumpy]

Hi Jacks

I am on Femoston 1/10. Not been on it long. But am feeling lots better already & from what I have read, over time things will improve more.

I certainly hope they dont try to take it off me in the future.

Quality of life is important too.

For the 2yrs before HRT, I felt like i didnt have a life sometimes. At one point not even being able to leave the house my anxiety was so high, after being the life & soul I turned into a mouse.

Surely patient choice should come into it as well.


Stumpy xx

[jacksfullofaces]

Stumpy
There are many satisfied users of hormones and I agree quality of life is extremily important. Before I started hormones I was so depressed I woudn't get out of bed and just wanted to top myself. My husband was very upset and almost forced me to book an appointment ewith a specialist.I am forever grateful that he did. Hoping it continues to improve for you
Jacks xxx

[stumpy]

Hi

It was my hubby that suggested to me I was maybe menopausal. He had been lookign on the internet, worried about me. I went to GP & said I think it maybe meno, GP said no you are too young. (was 46/47 at the time).

Suffered for another 18months after that, till I had a near breakdown in the GP's, hadnt slept for days, none at all. Palps, anxiety, crying, nausea, so dizzy I couldnt walk in a straight line...awful awful time.

The not knowing why I felt so bad was the worst I think. Once I new what it was, I felt I coped a lot better, I wasnt going mad.

HRT has helped me, I know its not for everyone either because they cant take it or dont want to take it.

But I really believe my well being should be my decision.

Stumpy xx

[Robyn]

How ridiculous was that GP saying you were too young at 46/47. Some doctors are just so clueless. I sometimes wonder how some of them got their qualifications.

[stumpy]

Hi Robyn

They scare the hell out of me. Always feel like they cant get you out quick enough.

At the moment I see a lovely lady GP who is so nice. Sometimes have to wait 2 weeks to see her she is so popular.

Lot to be said for a good bedside manner. Makes all the difference, well it does to me anyway.

Stumpy xx

[menomale]

I'd love to know how you are all doing now, considering that most of the HRT safety concerns are related to long term use?