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Advice on using HRT please: What are the pros & cons?
Dear friends,
please kindly help me make an informed decision regarding HRT (Hormone replacement therapy for menopause). I am not sure whether I should use it. I am 45 years old, and I lost menstrual cycles. I have no gynaecological problems and no menopausal symptoms. Actually, I feel great.
Three years ago, I had total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid cancer. I also did RAI therapy. Thanks God, I am completely healed (as this type of cancer is curable due to developments in medicine).
I suspect that I lost cycle a bit earlier due to all these problems with thyroid, as I noticed changes in cycle after RAI therapy.
Anyway, I have to make a decision now on whether to use HRT, not due to menopausal symptoms (I do not have them), but in order to preserve my health for the future. I read the Mayo clinic guideliness, but as it happened in 45 for me (last period when I was 44), I am not sure in which age group I belong. Am I prematurely in menopause or not? If "normal" is between 45-55, what is 44? Should I use it until "normal" age for menopause, which is 51, or everything between 45-55 is normal....meaning....I am almost normal:))) LOL.
I found conflicting research and opinions regarding HRT, especially regarding the risk for breast cancer. For instance, on one site I found information that HRT "increases breast cancer risk by about 75%", while everywhere else it says that there is a risk, but it is small. As I am healed from thyroid cancer, I wish to care about my health and not increase the risk for other cancers.
In particular, I would like to understand whether it is possible to care for my health with other medicine or supplements (like vitamin D, calcium, omega 3-6-9 etc.), instead of HRT?
I would like to understand whether I will miss something important for my health if I avoid taking HRT now.
Sorry for such a long post, but I needed to explain in order to present a clear picture. Thank you so much for your advice.
I wish you all great health and happiness!
🙂
P.S. I included links to sources I mentioned in the post, but had to delete them, as the message could not be posted with links.
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Thanks for that info , what are you doing at the moment ? Why are the dr putting you on hrt do you have osteoporosis?
I went into menopause in my early 60 and haven't had any problems ,my bones are fine but i have osteoarthritis and have had that for years .
The only real concern is why after a steroid shot in my back was i starting to bleed ? I am currently on estrogen cream twice a week to try and correct it .
The doctor 's did not suggest bhrt for me in fact my PCP, endocrinologist
and a gynecologist with whom I consulted all said no wit reasons like I was
too old, etc. I had one my research and knew what I wanted so I found a
functional medicine provider.
I have osteoporosis and have been taking meds for years.
As a 52 year old woman who was born intersex hrt saves my life every day.
As long as it is being prescribed by your gynecologist or endocrinologist it is perfectly safe.
My endocrinologist is at mayo Jacksonville is amazing and checks my hormone levels every 90 days.
I take injections of estrogen once per week.
Additionally, I use 1 gram vaginal estrodial daily, and—
Progesterone every night before bed.
*progesterone is incredible in aiding sleep.
Don’t be afraid…you will be ok. Live your best life EVERY DAY!
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hello! I have been on HRT for over a year now. I’m 55 years old & started menopause when I was 48. It’s been quite a struggle for me. Are you supposed to bleed…I don’t spot like doctor said I could. I need to wear a pad & not a light one since the bleeding is inconsistent. I don’t feel well as soon as I take progesterone for the 15 days prescribed & will bleed for about 5-7 days. My stomach will also give me issues. Doctor has adjusted estradiol to 3.75 & still I bleed. Other than that I feel ok the rest of the month. Does anyone have a similar situation or any advice. I want to have the other benefits but do not want to have bleeding or my stomach give me issues. Menopause wasn’t too tough on me with hot flashes or any other issues. Then I went on HRT & I’ve had these issues I didn’t miss when I was menstruating. It’s a bummer!