Anyone over 60 starting hrt? Looking for doc in Midwest

Posted by jkmjkm @jkmjkm, Mar 7 8:28am

I'm over 60 but within ten years of menopause and have excellent cardiovascular health. I've never taken hrt. I was just diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism (improving with Vit D) and osteoporosis, despite exercising regularly and eating healthy. I have other less serious but troubling issues likely related to the loss of estrogen. I'd like to start hrt to try to help with all of this and because of updated info on the benefits. The general guidelines from menopause groups say "yes" to hrt up to age 60 for those without risk factors, and "no" thereafter. So far, I haven't found a doc willing to take a more nuanced approach, which I believe the studies support, especially for those under age 65 and within ten years of menopause. I am on the waitlist for May for a menopause specialist, with no guarantees for an appointment or a script for hrt. Anyone in the midwest, esp near St. Louis Mo have the name of a doc who prescribed hrt for the first time for someone age 60 or over?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Women's Health Support Group.

Have you tried a functional medicine provider?

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@jkmjkm
I am 55 and not on hrt. My doctor said unless I had hot flashes, hrt won’t really help and can cause more risk taking it. I am within a year of menopause.

Are you working with a nutritionist to review diet and supplements to see if anything can be adjusted? Are you working with a physical therapist to see if you can adjust anything? Did you drink/eat dairy before menopause?

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@dlydailyhope

@jkmjkm
I am 55 and not on hrt. My doctor said unless I had hot flashes, hrt won’t really help and can cause more risk taking it. I am within a year of menopause.

Are you working with a nutritionist to review diet and supplements to see if anything can be adjusted? Are you working with a physical therapist to see if you can adjust anything? Did you drink/eat dairy before menopause?

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Sounds like he/she might still have some concerns about the flawed women's health initiative study. Of course I am not a doctor and do not know you medical history. Good luck to you.

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I restarted my hrt 2 months ago here in Colorado. I'm 74. I'm in great health b4.
How about calling the woman's health clinic in fort collins co? Ask them for some Dr. references in yr area?
I see Roxanne who's awesome.
(970) 493-7442

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Any recommendation for a doctor in Franklin, TN area who would consider HRT patch for 75+? I have concerns about bone and brain health but have been told I've aged out of HRT except vaginal cream (which has been a lifesaver). I can't help but wonder if thinking will change about age limit but don't want to cause health problems that aren't there.
As for the person over 60 but within 10 years of menopause, please find a provider who is current with HRT info. I hope you don't miss the boat like I did, as long as you don't have other health issues that would be a factor.

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@bethieb

Any recommendation for a doctor in Franklin, TN area who would consider HRT patch for 75+? I have concerns about bone and brain health but have been told I've aged out of HRT except vaginal cream (which has been a lifesaver). I can't help but wonder if thinking will change about age limit but don't want to cause health problems that aren't there.
As for the person over 60 but within 10 years of menopause, please find a provider who is current with HRT info. I hope you don't miss the boat like I did, as long as you don't have other health issues that would be a factor.

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I'm 74 and finally was able to get "on the list for an appointment" with a doctor associated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital Women's Health Center. She specializes in post menopausal women and HRT/MHRT. I had a hysterectomy at age 35, was on HRT for about 15 years at which time my doctor decided my body needed a break so I went off of it. Just great, because she retired about a year later and I've stumbled thru life ever since as my family doctor refuses to prescribe any hormones, creams, gels, sprays, pills, etc., etc. and I've had hot flashes, brain fog, low libido, insomnia, etc. ever since. My family doctor is convinced HRT is associated with heart problems and breast cancer and won't even consider prescribing HRT for "someone as old as you (me)." I'm hoping that this specialist will help me as I'm so tired of missing out on life.

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@vivi75

I'm 74 and finally was able to get "on the list for an appointment" with a doctor associated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital Women's Health Center. She specializes in post menopausal women and HRT/MHRT. I had a hysterectomy at age 35, was on HRT for about 15 years at which time my doctor decided my body needed a break so I went off of it. Just great, because she retired about a year later and I've stumbled thru life ever since as my family doctor refuses to prescribe any hormones, creams, gels, sprays, pills, etc., etc. and I've had hot flashes, brain fog, low libido, insomnia, etc. ever since. My family doctor is convinced HRT is associated with heart problems and breast cancer and won't even consider prescribing HRT for "someone as old as you (me)." I'm hoping that this specialist will help me as I'm so tired of missing out on life.

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I am not sure what mhrt is. My story is very similar. I finally tried a functional medicine provider and I am on bhrt. I am now on estradiol/testosterone pellet, progesterone and estradiol vaginal cream. Very helpful.

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@gravity3
Hi, I’m 65 and 15 years post menopause and have just smarted HRT. Estradiol patch, oral micronized progesterone and Vagifem vaginal insert.
I do not have any menopausal symptoms, wanted to try HRT to stop bone loss, as I have intolerable side affects to osteoporosis meds.
How old were you when you started HRT? How long have you been taking HRT? What has been your experience so far?

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I started bhrt last September at the age of 76. I went through menopause at 38. I'd a bit of hrt early on the none for a long time. All the docs were using the flawed women's health initiative study as a guide.
I started researching bhrt early last year. I became more and more angry when I realized how much my generation of women had lost due to that study.
I requested bhrt from my primary, my endocrinologist and a one time consult with a female gynecologist......no luck.
I searched for a functional medicine practice and they were happy to help me. I started with the lowest dose patch of estradiol, a testosterone pellet, oral progesterone and estradiol vaginal cream. I had made a decision that quality of life meant much more to me than quantity of years on the planet. I wanted my libido, energy,sleep back along with more ability to maintain the benefits of exercise and if it made any improvement to my bones then great. I have osteoporosis and have used fosomax, forteo, evenity and now Prolia. My libido is great now and my 72 year old husband started with testosterone pellets. Our sex life is great now. Other positive outcomes too. As far as improvement for bones, I am not sure if I will ever know for sure but that was not my original goal.

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@gravity3

I started bhrt last September at the age of 76. I went through menopause at 38. I'd a bit of hrt early on the none for a long time. All the docs were using the flawed women's health initiative study as a guide.
I started researching bhrt early last year. I became more and more angry when I realized how much my generation of women had lost due to that study.
I requested bhrt from my primary, my endocrinologist and a one time consult with a female gynecologist......no luck.
I searched for a functional medicine practice and they were happy to help me. I started with the lowest dose patch of estradiol, a testosterone pellet, oral progesterone and estradiol vaginal cream. I had made a decision that quality of life meant much more to me than quantity of years on the planet. I wanted my libido, energy,sleep back along with more ability to maintain the benefits of exercise and if it made any improvement to my bones then great. I have osteoporosis and have used fosomax, forteo, evenity and now Prolia. My libido is great now and my 72 year old husband started with testosterone pellets. Our sex life is great now. Other positive outcomes too. As far as improvement for bones, I am not sure if I will ever know for sure but that was not my original goal.

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Than you so much for your reply.
Like you my endo snd my gyno would not prescribe HRT. They said too risky.
I found a gyno that specializes in hormone optimization. He was surprised and impressed by how much research I had done. He was honest with me that almost none of his patients wanted to use HRT to halt bone loss, but was willing to help me in my journey.
I never suffered from any menopausal symptoms that you mostly hear about. I didn’t realize that the sleeplessness, panic attacks, migraines, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse were menopausal symptoms. But even if I did, and mentioned it to my then gyno, I wouldn’t have been prescribed HRT, as the flawed WHI study was still causing a ruckus.
I do believe wholeheartedly that if women were given HRT early in menopause or during perimenopause, osteoporosis would be much less an issue.
I’m hopeful that HRT will help me in many areas of my health and well being.
I very much appreciate your reply.

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