HRT advice

Just to clarify my previous post, this is thought to happen because the hrt is ‘falsely’ keeping your hormones in a certain balance. When you stop it, the body reverts back to its natural way of being....all you’ve done is postpone it....and so there is a huge hormonal change which may result in symptoms like joint pain....and other issues eg hot flushes ( which people think should only be there years earlier). There are ‘natural’ ways to ease some of these problems...may take some research.

I’m a holistic therapist and of course, the decision to use hrt is a personal one. All I can say though, is that at some point it won’t be offered to you-and then there is usually the hurdle of ‘symptoms’ rearing their ugly heads so to speak....this is when I see many of my clients.

My joint health started to deteriorate rapidly after coming off HRT, however, I have since had breast cancer, possibly caused by 20+ years of HRT after a hysterectomy. You just have to way up the pros and cons. I was supposed to take tamoxifen or the alternatives for 10 years after my op but that made my joint painful unbearable so I stopped.

Always difficult decisions but we must each of us decide what our priorities are.

I’m not at HRT stage yet - it is imminent but for gut health these little probiotics have made an amazing difference - Alflorax - check out the reviews on boots online - it’s all true. I had bibs symptoms before, they are amazing.

Seriously old, but SO much healthier when I was on HRT, both physically and psychologically. GP will not prescribe for someone my age, even low dose patches. If anyone knows any way to get round this one without being a. conned, or b. charged arms and legs, please pm me. I am London-based, and there is a Harley Street clinic, but it does charge arms and legs.

It's all personal choice I guess - interesting to hear that quality of life is seen to far outweigh minor risks - I suppose that what's a minor risk to one person is a major one to another, and maybe if that were to happen, i.e. breast lump, or heart attack, then opinions would change.

I’m 67 I’ve been on HRT for 15 years or thereabouts. I’ve no intention of coming off it the couple of times my GP foisted her own opinions and I came off was disastrous. I ended up going to a private clinic then eventually my GP said ok and referred me to NHS menopause clinic and they said to stay on as long as I wanted. Quality of life far outweighs minor risks. I’d have been suicidal if I hadn’t sought private advice.

If there's anything disturbing friendly gut bacteria you can always just eat live yoghurt. Not sure I'd necessarily trust the advice of a naturopath, and a male one at that. Sorry if that offends anyone.
I'm currently a bit worried my particular HRT is on the shortage list. I have enough till the end of January so will try and get it sorted v. soon. I've been on it for about 12 years now and am hoping to continue for as long as possible - it makes me feel like 'me' - the menopausal me was appalling in far too many ways. Joints etc are fine - no aches etc.

I did exactly the same thing, and had the same experience. Back on it, and back to my old self. Go for it and don't let the detractors tell you otherwise - I expect they will start sounding off very soon.

I’ve actually never stopped the daily exercise so don’t know what that effect has that. I’m not happy to add any chemicals to my diet so will tweak it accordingly with exercise and diet before I’ll add an unknown

I too have experienced a lot of joint pain after stopping taking HRT but I felt the risk of breast cancer was too great after having taken it for a few years. It's a matter of weighing up the pros and cons yourself.

My GP wanted me to stop taking HRT as there was an increased risk of cancer. She also said that it helps to prevent osteoporosis. I told her that I was more concerned about the quality of my life than the length of it and opted to continue taking it.
I find I only get stiff joints if I sit about too much.

Thank you...it’s Nice to know I’ve not imagined the effects of aching joints .. I’ve done Iyengar yoga for years and it’s similar to Pilates ...but only since stopping the HRT have my knees ached while doing postures.

Ah well I’d rather have disrupted bacteria than all the other ghastly menopausal symptoms! I’m 69 and been on HRT patches for five years and intend to stay on for the rest of my life. For more information regarding your symptoms it might be an idea to go on the Menopause Matters forum where there is are a lot of very knowledgeable ladies who may be able to answer your question.

I stopped my HRT a few years ago and within a short time my joints ached and even doing Pilates was an effort. It affected my mood and sleep as well. Within a couple of months my husband begged my to go back to my GP and she prescribed them again. I’m still taking it and intend to for the foreseeable future.