Hormone Replacement starting at 75yrs old

Posted by curlyqlinda1 @curlyqlinda1, Jan 23, 2024

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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@seapen

For "quality of life" are you thinkong of sex life or something else like avoiding dementia.

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Yes to both and hoping it will support bone health, make it easier to retain muscle mass with exercise, energy, more mental clarity. I am not seeking the fountain of youth just a few gains

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When researching my PMR options and planning to taper steroids I found medical studies on DHEA.
It is a natural hormone that declines as we age.
Levels have been found to be subnormal before treatment in studies of PMR patients. It has a long history of use in woman’s health. Before considering it
as a supplement consult with your doctor.
It may be beneficial after adrenal suppression.

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@celia16

I met with new gynecologist last week for full exam and tests. She said basically what my Endo said. That HRT is for those undergoing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, etc. I liked her, but it’s the same old school mindset. I may have to go out of state to find a more progressive physician.

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That's what my PCP said. Why is HRT (low-dose patch and progesterone) prescribed for hot flashes but not other issues - bone health, cognitive function, heart health? Would it be that docs are venturing into HRT for older women but have only scratched the surface? If so, those of us who want to give it a try are out of luck.

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@bethieb

That's what my PCP said. Why is HRT (low-dose patch and progesterone) prescribed for hot flashes but not other issues - bone health, cognitive function, heart health? Would it be that docs are venturing into HRT for older women but have only scratched the surface? If so, those of us who want to give it a try are out of luck.

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Find another doctor, listen to podcast by Dr Kelly Casperson MD urologists in Washington State
“You are Not Broken”

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@seapen

My understanding is that Estrogen delays dementia. Do you think this is true for a 73 year old starting it late in life? Some libido would be nice, but that is not my primary modivation!

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Yes yes yes

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My experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was very positive. I began treatment at age 47, right at the onset of menopause. I’ve read that starting HRT around the beginning of menopause is recommended. However, there have been many changes in medical opinions regarding HRT as studies continue to evolve. I'm surprised that you have a doctor who is approving this treatment, as most doctors have been opposed to HRT for quite a long time. We were born with estrogen; why wouldn't we continue? I was on HRT for 35 years & felt great; I hated to stop, but since I was estrogen positive & taking AR's, it was suggested that I discontinue at age 73. I wish you well; live your life.

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@kpederso

My experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was very positive. I began treatment at age 47, right at the onset of menopause. I’ve read that starting HRT around the beginning of menopause is recommended. However, there have been many changes in medical opinions regarding HRT as studies continue to evolve. I'm surprised that you have a doctor who is approving this treatment, as most doctors have been opposed to HRT for quite a long time. We were born with estrogen; why wouldn't we continue? I was on HRT for 35 years & felt great; I hated to stop, but since I was estrogen positive & taking AR's, it was suggested that I discontinue at age 73. I wish you well; live your life.

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Hormone therapy saved me. I take estragel on my arm and prometrium as a pill.
I started more than 10 years ago and I’m staying on it till I die.
My daughter is a graduated nurse this year and she said if you go off of it it could be worse
When I asked my endocrinologist how long I would be on hormone therapy he answered (does a dietetic go off on his insulin)
So there I got my answer.
This endocrinologist does a lot of research with his wife and well known here in Oakville Ontario his name is dr Komer.

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@lhdoherty22

Hormone therapy saved me. I take estragel on my arm and prometrium as a pill.
I started more than 10 years ago and I’m staying on it till I die.
My daughter is a graduated nurse this year and she said if you go off of it it could be worse
When I asked my endocrinologist how long I would be on hormone therapy he answered (does a dietetic go off on his insulin)
So there I got my answer.
This endocrinologist does a lot of research with his wife and well known here in Oakville Ontario his name is dr Komer.

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Thank you; I'm thrilled to hear this. I must admit that, aside from vaginal dryness, I feel fine; I use premarin cream, & it works great. The oncologist is skeptical of continuing HRT due to my hormone receptors having such high numbers, but hell, they were like that before, so it was a tough decision for me.

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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 have had a very similar experience! I just turned 73 and had been on a mild dose of HRT do to horrible night sweats and hot flashes. I had been very healthy and active. I got covid in 2022 and ended up in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism and pnuemonia. They took me off of the HRT and since then I have had night sweats, hot flashes, lack of energy, low stamina, incontinence, and now I also have severe hip arthritis. There was also an enormous change in my skin. None of the doctors under my health plan will prescribe HRT because of the pulmonary embolism although they said the cause was covid. I want my quality of life back. I am going in pursuit of a doctor that is more current and forward minded that can help me.

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@beaba

I have had a very similar experience! I just turned 73 and had been on a mild dose of HRT do to horrible night sweats and hot flashes. I had been very healthy and active. I got covid in 2022 and ended up in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism and pnuemonia. They took me off of the HRT and since then I have had night sweats, hot flashes, lack of energy, low stamina, incontinence, and now I also have severe hip arthritis. There was also an enormous change in my skin. None of the doctors under my health plan will prescribe HRT because of the pulmonary embolism although they said the cause was covid. I want my quality of life back. I am going in pursuit of a doctor that is more current and forward minded that can help me.

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Was your HRT compounded, very important? Go to a Naturopath

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