Hormone Replacement starting at 75yrs old

Posted by curlyqlinda1 @curlyqlinda1, Jan 23 9:46am

Doing reach, I have decided to try HRT with testosterone, very low dose. I’m in pretty good health, but was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rhuematica 2yrs ago. I’m Just trying to make a better life with what yrs I have left. There are so many positive messages out there, and yes I’m on the older side. I have 6 daughters and we have all been doing a lot of reading on this subject. Is there anyone else trying HRT at an older age?

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@bethieb

I went from severe vaginal atrophy, including bladder discomfort, to having a perfectly normal vaginal area. It made everything so much better, including intimacy. That aside, no more burning, stinging, etc. there’s no reason to worry about estradiol. It’s locally applied and isn’t systemic. I’ll take it from now on.

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thank you for sharing

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Has anyone had a uterus biopsy done locally ? If so how painful is it ? I am 76 and not looking forward to it but i didn't want a general anesthetic .
Any tips would be appreciated . Thanks Vikki

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@bethieb

I went from severe vaginal atrophy, including bladder discomfort, to having a perfectly normal vaginal area. It made everything so much better, including intimacy. That aside, no more burning, stinging, etc. there’s no reason to worry about estradiol. It’s locally applied and isn’t systemic. I’ll take it from now on.

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I thought I was fine vaginally, as I didn’t notice any problems and my libido never dimmed, but I requested Estradiol after reading about bladder and pelvic problems. It was quickly evident that it made a big difference. I felt like myself again. I had forgotten what I was like. I resumed intimacy with an old boyfriend who I dated when in my 30s and 40s. He said there was no difference. It was great. No lubricating gel needed. It gives me more confidence and I’m hoping it helps with the bladder too. It just feels healthier.

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I am 74 yrs young! I had a severe case of endometriosis which I was diagnosed at 27. I went through several surgeries until at 37 the remainder of my female reproduction system was removed. I was put on HRT following until this year. In 2021 I had covid. During that time I had a blood clot in my right leg.
Fast forward, in 2024 my family gyn would not prescribe HRT anymore.
I went into menopause again! I have been miserable ever since. I have tried OTC meds to control the hot flashes. They have helped a bit.
I was told it was to dangerous to take HRT because of my history of the blood clot. Any advise or clarification would be appreciated.

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@lueeze

I am 74 yrs young! I had a severe case of endometriosis which I was diagnosed at 27. I went through several surgeries until at 37 the remainder of my female reproduction system was removed. I was put on HRT following until this year. In 2021 I had covid. During that time I had a blood clot in my right leg.
Fast forward, in 2024 my family gyn would not prescribe HRT anymore.
I went into menopause again! I have been miserable ever since. I have tried OTC meds to control the hot flashes. They have helped a bit.
I was told it was to dangerous to take HRT because of my history of the blood clot. Any advise or clarification would be appreciated.

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That sounds very frustrating. I can barely imagine that kind of situation. I hadn’t heard of that concern though. Thanks for posting about it. Were you incapacitated with covid when you got the blood clot?

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@lueeze

I am 74 yrs young! I had a severe case of endometriosis which I was diagnosed at 27. I went through several surgeries until at 37 the remainder of my female reproduction system was removed. I was put on HRT following until this year. In 2021 I had covid. During that time I had a blood clot in my right leg.
Fast forward, in 2024 my family gyn would not prescribe HRT anymore.
I went into menopause again! I have been miserable ever since. I have tried OTC meds to control the hot flashes. They have helped a bit.
I was told it was to dangerous to take HRT because of my history of the blood clot. Any advise or clarification would be appreciated.

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I would keep doing research on blood clots and HRT. One resource to start at is a podcast by Dr Kelly Casperson MD Urologist from Washington. She will help you start your research, listen to episode 291 and then if you like her listen to the rest

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Your original questions was asking if there are others who started BHRT at an older age. I am 73 and just started BHRT for the first time on Sept. 22. I, too, am offended that not one of my medical providers in all these years after menopause began ever even mentioned BHRT to me! Guess they were all too scared from the WHI.

I have not had over 4-5 hours straight of sleep in one night for many years, I have extraordinarily dry skin, low energy and motivation, nonexistent libido, and a DEXA showed osteoporosis in femur heads at -2.9, so I did a lot of reading and decided to try BHRT to see what differences that made.

I found a gyno who would prescribe a weekly Estradiol patch of .050 mg and Prometrium 100 mg taken vaginally each night; however, she would not prescribe any blood tests to check levels, nor would she discuss Testosterone or anything else. So I am now in the process of looking for a different provider who will at least do testing. I do see to sleep a bit better, maybe for six hours straight at times, and I have noticed my shoulders don't hurt from sleeping on my side. I had a pap test a few weeks ago and the PA was amazed at how pink and plump I was inside, as she had expected a lot of atrophy at my age. She thinks it is due to the estrogen.

I am taking the generic form of Climara estradiol and the generic form of Prometrium. The gyno says they are bioidentical, my PA says they are not, so I am not sure who to believe. Any clarification on this would be appreciated. I live north of KC, so if anyone has a recommendation for a good gyno/integrative dr/PA, etc., who is knowledgeable about BHRT and takes Medicare, please let me know. I so appreciate having this forum that has so many ladies who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. 🙂

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@janieben

Your original questions was asking if there are others who started BHRT at an older age. I am 73 and just started BHRT for the first time on Sept. 22. I, too, am offended that not one of my medical providers in all these years after menopause began ever even mentioned BHRT to me! Guess they were all too scared from the WHI.

I have not had over 4-5 hours straight of sleep in one night for many years, I have extraordinarily dry skin, low energy and motivation, nonexistent libido, and a DEXA showed osteoporosis in femur heads at -2.9, so I did a lot of reading and decided to try BHRT to see what differences that made.

I found a gyno who would prescribe a weekly Estradiol patch of .050 mg and Prometrium 100 mg taken vaginally each night; however, she would not prescribe any blood tests to check levels, nor would she discuss Testosterone or anything else. So I am now in the process of looking for a different provider who will at least do testing. I do see to sleep a bit better, maybe for six hours straight at times, and I have noticed my shoulders don't hurt from sleeping on my side. I had a pap test a few weeks ago and the PA was amazed at how pink and plump I was inside, as she had expected a lot of atrophy at my age. She thinks it is due to the estrogen.

I am taking the generic form of Climara estradiol and the generic form of Prometrium. The gyno says they are bioidentical, my PA says they are not, so I am not sure who to believe. Any clarification on this would be appreciated. I live north of KC, so if anyone has a recommendation for a good gyno/integrative dr/PA, etc., who is knowledgeable about BHRT and takes Medicare, please let me know. I so appreciate having this forum that has so many ladies who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. 🙂

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Prometrium's micronized progesterone is structurally the same as the progesterone produced by the human ovary, making it 'bioidentical'
Climara is a brand name of estradiol, approved by the FDA. There are also FDA-approved bioidentical hormone products available, including estradiol (Estrace, Climara, Vivelle) and progesterone (Prometrium)
Your GYN is correct your PA is not
"Guess they were all too scared from the WHI." Yes, our medical community (and women) have been radicalized. It will take many many years before correct information filters through the medical community. Be strong, advocate for yourself, and be knowledgeable. This is also my advice for any medical issues you have as a woman.
" She thinks it is due to the estrogen" ...Of course it is!!!

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@victoria76

Has anyone had a uterus biopsy done locally ? If so how painful is it ? I am 76 and not looking forward to it but i didn't want a general anesthetic .
Any tips would be appreciated . Thanks Vikki

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When I was doing an infertility workup in the 1990s, I had two endometrial biopsies done. Go for any anesthetic they offer you. It is extremely painful, and I had pain in the area they tugged the tissue from for over one year.

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Thanks for your reply . Did the dr freeze it first ? I tried to have one about 40 years ago and they couldn’t do it but I thought this may have changed over the years .

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