Have you been told no to hrt if you are 10+ years post menopause?

I’m 11 years past menopause. Have been told “yes” by two cardiologists, one of them specializes women’s cardiac health. Gyn and pcp are okay with it, endo is okay with it if everyone on the team agrees. Will see a post menopausal specialist for further evaluation and consultation.

Just went to a "certified menopause" specialist at Hopkins. Ha. He kept discussing the WHI from 2002. He told me progersterone caused bloating. Both wrong. He says he agrees that estrogen is beneficial but since I am 12 years post-menopause it will put me at increased risk. What about the risk of not taking it in the next 20 years? I sent him a Menopause Society article that is more recent. I don't think he was up-to-date on the latest studies so that was not very helpful. This is crazy-making.

May I ask what newer research supports the use of HRT starting at any age? My understanding based on the research I''d seen several years ago (not the flawed WHI research which was misinterpreted by so many) was that it was unsafe to start HRT more than 10 years after menopause.

Among our limited choices for safe approaches to osteoporosis, I've considered bioidentical HRT to be the best, so regretted the advice to avoid if more than 10 years past menopause. It's like money in the bank for our bones and joints, our brains, and more. Unfortunately, I am 25 years post menopause so never considered it an option. I am currently treating breast cancer and have afib. Chemo and the next part of treatment (aromatase inhibitor) will definitely affect bones. Have osteopenia now and oncologist is already recommending the need for using an osteoporosis drug like zometa.

Kisu, I'm so encouraged that your cardiologist gave you the green light on HRT. Did s/he know about the research or did you have to educate them about it?

Thank you! And wishing some positive outcomes to all trying HRT!

No more senile purpura/purple bruises.
Almost no urine leaks now
I have my libido back!!!
Clearer thinking.
More energy.
Cleared up vaginal dryness and atrophy.
These are some of the improvements.

I'm in the same boat, a decade older than you, and very interested in what your decision will be. Best of outcomes to you, and please keep us posted!

May I ask what newer research supports the use of HRT starting at any age? My understanding based on the research I''d seen several years ago (not the flawed WHI research which was misinterpreted by so many) was that it was unsafe to start HRT more than 10 years after menopause.

Among our limited choices for safe approaches to osteoporosis, I've considered bioidentical HRT to be the best, so regretted the advice to avoid if more than 10 years past menopause. It's like money in the bank for our bones and joints, our brains, and more. Unfortunately, I am 25 years post menopause so never considered it an option. I am currently treating breast cancer and have afib. Chemo and the next part of treatment (aromatase inhibitor) will definitely affect bones. Have osteopenia now and oncologist is already recommending the need for using an osteoporosis drug like zometa.

Kisu, I'm so encouraged that your cardiologist gave you the green light on HRT. Did s/he know about the research or did you have to educate them about it?

Thank you! And wishing some positive outcomes to all trying HRT!

Check out menopause.org and anything by Dr. Marie Claire Haver. A ton of gyns on Youtube are also talking about it.

Prarsky, it's understandable to feel concerned about managing your health.
While some MHT research papers can be hard to access (because of pay walls), many healthcare professionals are dedicated to sharing the latest advancements. There have been significant updates to Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) in the past year, offering more personalized options.
It sounds like you're exploring all avenues for your well-being. Since MHT isn't an option for you right now to use for your osteopenia, focusing on treatments like Zometa for your osteopenia is a proactive step to keep it from worsening during your chemo.
It's also true that chemotherapy can sometimes lead to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms. The good news is that local vaginal hormones might be an option for you if you need them after your chemotherapy is complete, offering relief and improving your comfort.
You're taking positive steps to manage your health and searching for the many resources and treatments available to support you.
If you're interested, put these titles on YouTube

Rethinking Timing of Hormones with Dr. Corinne Menn episode 291

New GSM Guidelines Every Physician Should Know Dr Kelly Casperson MD