1. < Women's Health

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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pattiel | @pattiel | May 30 2:55pm
In reply to @teacher2001 "I’m 79 years old and have used HRT for years - but as I age the..." + (show)
@teacher2001

I’m 79 years old and have used HRT for years - but as I age the vaginal tissues are thin and dry - starting to get some bleeding from it - have been on Vagifem for a while and think either the injecting or the actual hormone replacement is causing the bleeding. I’ve asked for a new hormone which is non injectable to see if that helps. Then I wonder if I need to be on HRT at my age. I read where one person started getting bladder infections without the HRT - so there’s another question. If anyone has some expert suggestions I would appreciate hearing about it. Thanks!

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This is curious. So if you've been on Vagifem "for a while", how long is that? Supposedly estradiol helps with the vaginal health, drying out and utis. The inserts are supposed to be safer because they do not go into the system. If you are bleeding, I would see a doctor pronto. Latest theories are encouraging postmenopausal women to use hrt for osteoporosis and cardiovascular as well as vaginal health. Do they really know?

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1 reply
pattiel | @pattiel | May 30 2:58pm

I'm starting with the vaginal estradiol inserts. I have been on bio-identical progesterone for years due to migraine. Now I am hearing all sorts of "experts" talk about estrogen for post-menopausal women. Have an appt with a menopause specialist next week to see what his take is. I am 66.

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pattiel | @pattiel | May 30 3:09pm
In reply to @sondrachristo1 "I just started bioidentical HRT. I’m 65 years old and 15 years post menopause. I found..." + (show)
@sondrachristo1

I just started bioidentical HRT. I’m 65 years old and 15 years post menopause.
I found a gynecologist that specializes in HRT and was willing to prescribe to me. I’m hoping this will help stabilize bone loss.
I’m wondering about the side effects from the progesterone.
I have an estradiol patch that I change weekly. It’s .0375/day, also take 200 mg micronized progesterone, and vagifem vaginal insert.
Besides breast tenderness that the doctor said would go away with continued use, I’m experiencing a very heavy discharge. No cramping, no bloating, no constipation.
Is it your experience that I may have other side effects as I continue on the therapy? Is having a discharge normal on HRT?
I read that sometimes there can be an intolerance to the progesterone and that lowering the dose might help.
After much research I decided not to use pellets or compounded hormones, as I am sensitive to most medications, and it was my understanding that once the pellets were inserted I could not have them removed if I had a reaction.
Appreciate any insight you can provide.

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This sounds like a good on the low side combo. Of the 200 mg micro prog, only 20 mg gets absorbed. The rest converts to metabolites which help with sleep so it is not a very high dose. The breast tenderness is probably due to the estrogen, like when we used to get our periods. The very heavy discharge is concerning. Do you mean bleeding? If so, I would call your doctor immediately. Something is def off. Keep us posted.

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | 6 days ago
In reply to @curlyqlinda1 "I wished now that I didn’t go off HRT when I was in my early 50’s...." + (show)
@curlyqlinda1

I wished now that I didn’t go off HRT when I was in my early 50’s. Starting again at 75 is very late, I’m doing an experiment to help other so if all is good or not I can voice my thoughts

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I started at 76. Estradiol/testosterone pellet, progesterone and vaginal estradiol cream. Great results

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teacher2001 | @teacher2001 | 6 days ago
In reply to @pattiel "This is curious. So if you've been on Vagifem "for a while", how long is that?..." + (show)
@pattiel

This is curious. So if you've been on Vagifem "for a while", how long is that? Supposedly estradiol helps with the vaginal health, drying out and utis. The inserts are supposed to be safer because they do not go into the system. If you are bleeding, I would see a doctor pronto. Latest theories are encouraging postmenopausal women to use hrt for osteoporosis and cardiovascular as well as vaginal health. Do they really know?

Jump to this post

I’ve been on Vagifem for at least five years. The off and on bleeding has just begun and I know I have Vaginal Atrophy. I’m seeing my GYN soon so hopefully she will have an answer for me.

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