Hormone Replacement starting at 75yrs old

New guidelines for GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) came out yesterday.
https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

I started HRT with after Manapause, age 47. I just went off HRT (age 74) because I was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer, I had a lumpectomy. The Oncologist said that the pathology report was good in many ways & included ER (Estrogen) & PR (progesteron) positive, meaning I had plenty of receptors for the drugs I'm taking to take hold. However, those receptors also absorb estrogen which hinders treatment. The oncologist said she didn't think HRT caused the cancer, it was, maybe it maybe it didn't. I'm not even close to a Dr., but if I were you I would NOT take hrt unless you've been on it since the beginning of menopause. Good Luck, You'll be fine. PS I've read that taking HRT at menopause or not more than 10 years after that is fine. HRT was wonderful for me, plus I'm about 2" taller than my friends & my bone density is great, per DeXA scan. Plus, no hot flashes, until I went off cold Turkey (so don't do that), sex was great until I went off HRT. Remember, some doctors believe in HRT some do not. It's frutrating.

I do appreciate you have had a terrible experience dealing with breast cancer, but please don't start opining on whether it is advisable to start HRT any time outside the 10 year window, especially given your lack of medical expertise. You had the benefit of HRT for decades. But the majority of women over 50 were denied HRT at menopause and have spent decades suffering as a result. If, like me, they have finally found a doctor who is prepared to prescribe HRT and found it instantly life changing in terms of significantly improving a whole range of debilitating conditions - from chronic insomnia to vaginal atrophy/over active bladder and osteoporosis , it is ultimately a decision about quality of life versus the appalling lack of research about unknown risks for women over 60.

My appointment was Friday and I am very pleased! He prescribed Intrarosa 6.5 mg vaginal insert and it arrived yesterday, so you know I started on it last night! He also prescribed an Estrogen vaginal patch but my Rx program is mail order and it won't arrive until the middle of the week. I was very impressed with him. He's been a GYN/OB for 40 years and no longer delivers and instead has switched his interest to Menopausal Women and our needs. He attends conferences, is a member of numerous organizations regarding women, menopause and aging and seems very knowledgeable and understanding. I feel he's the answer to my prayers.

@celia16 Not sure what you mean by local Estradiol. Mine is a prescription, but I think there is a cream version. Best to discuss various options with your doctor.

Yes - there does seem to be an established link to HRT and fibroids. But again there is also a totally inconsistent response by the medical profession. I have a 58 year old sister who has been on HRT for 5 years for severe osteoporosis and was told by her (male) gynae she could never take HRT again after she developed fibroids. The prospect of going without HRT really frightened her, but she was subsequently assured by her GP that she could continue on HRT and simply have fibroids removed again - as required - and continue HRT. It is , apparently accepted practice these days. At least in Australia. HRT is clearly a balancing act and it certainly requires monitoring.

In the early 1990s, my then ObGyn gave me a prescription for hormone replacement therapy and told me to start it when my period had completely stopped. I was not having problems. I later started taking the pills and changed doctors. The new ObGyn noted a growth of something in my uterus. First 6cm and after 3 months the ultrasound showed it had increased to 10cm. She was out of the office when they called me for the results and her colleague wanted to schedule me for surgery. I had read something about HRT and fibroids, and I declined, and I stopped taking the HRT. Three months later, my fibroid had gone from 10cm back down to 6cm. I had been told that HRT does not cause growth of fibroids, but I have the ultrasounds that show differently.

Idiots, I swear. Most doctors know that fibroids are caused by excess estrogen in the body. Good for you for doiing your research and not listening to the idiots.