Hi my name is Paula and I'm 45, I started suspecting early menopause at the age of 37,which is when my symptoms started started including depression and anxiety, I have been on and off (mainly on) anti depressants since i was 39,I was 41 when my periods stopped altogether.
After 2 years of doctors advising me to go on hrt especially as i am early menopausal, i gave in 6 months ago and went on elleste duet. It has stopped my hot flushes, night sweats, joint pain, dry skin etc: which is all
good but I'm still not convinced i am doing the right thing,I am very concerned about the cancer risks so I am thinking of coming off them aswell as my mini pill (which i take to control my endometriosis) I am mostly concerned about osteoperosis, and my question is surley if i take Vit D and Calcium every day I can protect my bones in the same way ???????
I don't feel there is enough advice given and i don't know what to do for the best.
I look forward to hearing your views
Paula
Hi Paula,
Sorry you have to go through this so early. My gynaecologist told me that Menopause is a state you enter and is with you for the rest of your life---although some of the symptoms may lessen or go away over time.I believe you can stay on HRT for 5 years safely enough---perhaps you should do that and review your options then. You have got a lot of living to do yet before entering old age and you want to be feeling good so you can enjoy the next 15 years at least!
In my case--I take HRT--and have been doing so for 17 years. However, I had a hysterectomy at 27. Apparently, after a hyst. you take a different version of HRT to those who haven't had a hyst. The difference being that the usual HRT has 2 hormones in it and one of them is not suitable for long term use because of the increased risk of cancer. The HRT you take after a Hyst has only one hormone in it . My Gyno explained to me that the risk with this is very minimal and is far outweighed by the benefits received ie. helps with menopause symptoms, protects against osteoporosis and heart disease.
Endometriosis is horrible---perhaps a hysterectomy followed by HRT would be a good way to go for you?
Of course, if you have breast cancer in your family history you shouldn,t be taking any hormones at all.
Re your fear of getting osteoporosis. Have you had a bone scan done to asses the state of your bones---if not then do it . That will give you a benchmark to go by. Then have a scan every 5 years to see how you are going. Weight bearing exercise is the key to preventing it---do you walk regularly--6km per day?
Is osteo porosis in your family?
I was told by a female Gyn. years ago that women of my build and colouring are more prone to osteoporosis. ( Fair and slightly built). Despite taking evey precaution possible, at 62 I have some osteoporosis in my left hip. There are new treatments now that will really slow it down if not stop it altogether. I can't remember the drug, but it works by helping the bone to rebuild and is given by 1 intraveinous drip that takes about 15 minutes and can be done at the local surgery---or 2 injections 6 months apart. It is only suitable if the osteop. is caught early enough. That is why it is really important to have the bone scans.
Look up the internet for more info. Apart from that---the best thing I ever did was to get rid of my uterus!
Coralie
Very interesting read. My eyes found 'osteoporosis' straight away.
My mum had TB in her bones twice in 48yrs. She had 3 hip replacement ops post-menopause and dropped 1.5" in height. So, couple that with no HRT, being a natural redhead and tiny (4'10"
she had no chance!!
Dya know what: just reading yours and Paula's posts, makes me think I should just get my sorry ar*e down to my GP and beg for HRT!
Like my dear ol' mum, I've still got a lot of living to do. Like her, I want to be able to run around with grandchildren, and do the white knuckle rides in Orlando as she did at 72!! Truth is you'd never have known my mum had had so many major illnesses in her life. Old age got the better of her aged 81.
I'm the 'baby' of the family, with 3 sisters who've either taken or are still taking HRT. maybe time for the 'baby' to grow up - and if its disgracefully, all the better!!
Oh, Decisions Decisions..........
I appreciate your proactive approach. With good lifestyle habits and balanced diet, you can definitely decrease chances of getting osteoporosis. If you don’t wish to continue HRT due to health or personal reasons, there are different treatment options available to protect your bones such biphosphonates, calcitonin, SERM drugs etc. have a word with your doc about them.
Eat foods high in calcium. Excellent sources of calcium are milk and dairy products (low-fat versions are recommended); a variety of seafood, such as canned fish with bones like salmon and sardines; dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, collard and broccoli; calcium-fortified orange juice; and breads made with calcium-fortified flour. Vitamin D helps for calcium absorption. You can also get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish like salmon, cereal and milk fortified with vitamin D, as well as from supplements.
If you decide to choose supplements, discuss/check with your doctor first.