How dangerous is hrt really?

Women's health
1

I'm 42 years old and hrt. It gave my life back and I'd like to use it long term. I'd like yours opinions about its safety and breast cancer risks. Your experience? I read a lot and there are a lot of conflicting views. Nice to hear from you! 🌹

2

Hi 

What are you taking I have just started on elessette duet 2mg after months of suffering with symptoms and not wanting to take HRT due to the cancer risks 

I’m 43 and the GP said that those risks are very low it’s only when you are later in life they become high 

3

Hi, chances of breast cancer are high if it runs in your family, being either prostrate or breast cancer. Depending on what hrt you're on, your doctor will determine how long you can stay on it. Some women here state they've been on it for 10 years which is a long time. If cancer runs in your family then you have that switch that tells your body that you may get cancer so with that being said you need to determine whether you want to take HRT for the long-term or just for the amount of time your doctor says so. If cancer doesn't run in your family then you don't need to worry about it.

4

A couple friends of mine recommended a bio???? cream.  They feel so much better! I was concerned about the risks; they said it was minimal and also what the above comments were saying.  It's how long your on it and what runs in your family.

5

Hi Vicky, 

Can you tell me what were your symptoms that your life was so bad ? 

6

Hi Vicky,

There's more to be concerned about than breast cancer.  There is also uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. HRT is a trade off, in that you experience some side effects mentioned in the accompanying literature (you did read that, didn't you?) and the unknown side effects that your body experiences, too.  Because each woman is different, her body reacts to HRT differently. Heredity is a factor, but there are others to consider. 

I know someone who conducts studies for various drug companies.  Each time a medication is studied, if a patient experiences a negative reaction, the study is stopped.  Then, another group of experimental subjects is chosen and another study begins.  Often several studies take place before approval by the FDA is obtained.  It's one reason drugs are so expensive. So remember to read all the literature you receive with your prescription and do additional research on your own when you make a decision. xx 

 

7

Hi vicky, can i ask what symptoms you were experiencing before you start hrt and what difference the hrt has made?

I'm 44 and have felt so ill for so long, a couple of month ago my GP told me i was in perimenopause and put me back on a low dose of the combined pill. It has helped but I still have some of the symptoms so i thought hrt might be better for me.

8

Thank you for replying lisa! My gyn said the same but I'm afraid when I'll have to stop hrt later in life and how long I'll suffer then...

9

Thank you Sochima! There is no breast cancer history at my family and every gyn said me different things! My first gyn didn't care at all and she gave me nothing. Another said me to use hrt for 5 years, another said forever and another said until 50. I think that we are guinea pigs for them...they don't know for sure!

10

Thanks Kelly! 

11

Hi Kris! My symptoms were insomnia, night sweat, body and joints pains, dry mouth, dry eyes, hair loss and thinning, anxiety, depression, palpitations, headaches...I just wanted to die to stop all these.

12

Hi thank you Lynda, I agree with you! I'm confused with all these different data!

13

Hi Lorraine! I had dry eyes, body aches, intolerance to insulin, dry mouth, anxiety , depression, headaches, hair loss, dry skin, brain fog. Everything is better now, I have no symptoms at all and I can function again and feel human. I just want it for life! 

14

Hi Vicki,

I know they dont really tell much but how were your bloods and your period? My period is regular but became light a few years ago and now i spot for a good week before i get it. My absolute worst symptom was anxiety/depression...not a little either. enough to check into a hospital for help and to succumb to their horrid drug trials on me. Im seeing a specialist here in Sydney on Tuesday that works closely with Prof Stubbs in Enlgand and im hoping for help.. a little joint ache here and there but nothing too bad..

 

15

Hi! My FSH was 34 and I have very very light periods. I want hrt for my whole life, I cannot imagine to live with all these symptoms again! 

16

It is confusing.  You mentioned suffering with your symptoms.  I would suggest that you see an endocrinologist, also, because your thyroid production could affect your body similarly.  On this site, many cascading symptoms are tied to peri, but not many women or doctors consider how the thyroid gland affects the whole body, including the ovaries.  

Please consider also that eventually, it will be better for you and your body not to supplement with HRT.  The troubles caused by hormone imbalances are difficult to bear, but nothing compared to having cancer.  xx

17

Thanks for replying! I saw an endocrinologist too and he confirmed early menopause. My thyroid is ok so my only solution was hrt. I just cannot live without it. Meno is a completely nightmare for me! Nothing natural! Meno means aging, death, depression and meaningless life for me! 

18

Vicky,  Everyone, if they're lucky, gets to age.  HRT will not stop the aging process.  Hopefully, you will have many more years in which to experience life.  As you age you will understand that though life changes, it does not lose its meaning.  In fact, you appreciate it more.  Things that once used to matter so much don't matter at all.  You discard old, worn thoughts, ideas and worries. Most older people are actually happier and have a better outlook than those who are younger.  My best to you. xx    

19

I absolutely agree with you Linda! But the quality of life is very important too! I want to be old but not to feel old! My condition is POF, primary ovarian failure and it cause a lot of health problems later in life. That's why I need hrt and I'm afraid of long term use. 

20

Valerian Root I believe helps me relax before bed..  It is also known for anxiety.  My spouse worries non-stop so his sleeping is affected.  He has a low-dose sleeping pill that helps him sleep.  When he takes it, I don't hear him moving around so much.  I take collagen and I believe it helps in many aspects- even joint pain.  For my hair- I try to take vitamins that are recommended, I have switch shampoos and don't wash my hair everyday.  I will also use an egg mask with some oil..  I also have dry mouth and feel like I'm always thristy and putting on lip balm.  I've been getting palpitations and that is scary because my BP has been going up too  But it's another common thing with women our age so I try not to think about it too much.  My kids are in HS and they are great kids so if I'm going to go I feel satisfied with what i've done.  Also do you exercise?  I find that when I exercise I do feel better but when I don't get to the pool (like X-mas break) I find that I ache more.. especially my hips..  It's odd but I think exercise does help.  i used to get headaches all the time and still get them every now and then.  I could never tell if it was sinus or not.  So when I feel a twinge I use nose spray like crazy and also switch from IB's to sinus headache meds. And drink a ton of water then I find that this lessons the intensity of the headache.  I also oil pull with coconut oil and I believe that this helps too.  I get tired of all this stuff too..  I hate it.. And I think my memory is going because sometimes I will forget what I need to do.  And another thing that I have to constantly reevaluate is my diet!!   Always looking for the best food and things to try to get some weight off.