HRT - Starting for the first time at age 66.

Ooh interesting. - thinking of going on it at 63 & I thought I was too old to start….

I started taking Tibilone at age 56. I’m now 61. It’s not traditional HRT but it has been fabulous for my hot flushes and vaginal dryness which was awful. It is only for post menopausal women and has a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. However, I did a lot of research on it and as I’m a healthy person, non smoker, regular exercising and normal blood pressure, I was happy to take. All my symptoms stopped within a week. I will continue to take it for as long as I can. Added bonus is it strengthens bones and due to how it supports increased testosterone it increased my libido and energy levels 😉. Highly recommend.

Bazza

I took HRT when going through the menopause, but came of it as my lovely lady doctor thought I should as then staying on it could cause problems, which now seem unfounded. In retrospect I wish I had kept on taking it for ever as I’m still getting hot flushes at 80 which I certainly didn’t while taking HRT.

Bazza

I am still getting hot flushes 17 years after my hysterectomy which I had at 50. But for you to still be getting them at 80 must be awful.

As MT62 said above ..... My gynaecologist said he's got patients on HRT in their 80s which is good to know.

Maybe worth talking to your GP about.

Overthemoongran

I so regret being made to give up my HRT whilst still in my 60s, I think back then GPs tended to think it just a temporary medication. I now have the HRT vaginal gel to help with UTIs, which it has, but I have never felt so good as when I was taking the full blown dose.

Would you be able to go back on it Overthemoongran?

I took HRT for about 18 years and my GP used to give me the annual warning that there was a slightly raised risk of breast cancer. But he and I saw no other reason not to take it for just about ever. But then I got breast cancer and had to give it up. That was a very sad day but at least, as my surgeon said, I'd 'pre-loaded' a lot of bone protection. Now I have the opposite - I have to take daily medication to stave off all naturally occurring oestrogen. I can feel the difference and don't like it but hey- I'm alive and well and cancer-free. You takes your choices.

MT62

Hi Welshy, I was 53. I was struggling with depression as well, so Gp put me on 20mg of Fluoxetine first, I had a battle to get 10mg, got them in the end.
& battle to get HRT but in the end I saw an HRT nurse at the local hospital who was brilliant.
On patches first, then switched to pills as there was a shortage of patches.
On femoston conti 0.5/2.5mg.
No side effects as such.
My gynaecologist said he got patients on HRT in their 80s which is good to know.

MT62

Thank you for your reply.

Did your depression cease when you started taking HRT too? As I have heard lots of women were given antideppresents, when really they needed hormone replacement. Including myself looking back at my 40's.

I am 73 years old and been on HRTsince I was 37. Had a hysterectomy but kept my ovaries. I am on the highest dose patch plus I’m also using the pesseries three times a week. Six months ago I started on testosterone gel. My weight has always been stable and I feel amazing. Physically I’m fairly fit and walk miles plus I have gym classes three times a week. I’m staying on HRT until I pop my clogs.

4allweknow

Tried HRT in need to be able to do everything 40s as usual menopausal symptoms were making my life diffucult. Was on it for just about 18 months but decided it wasn't for me. My body could not keep up with my mind, I was racing everywhere to get everything done, just couldn't spare a moment. Felt a lot better once I stopped and realised I just couldn't and didn't need to do everything or be everywhere. Often think if Davina McCall when she was advocating HRT as she felt she couldn't cope with her lifestyle at that time.

4allweknow

Thank you for your reply.
Sorry to hear it wasn't for you. Did you try other brands, methods or a different dose?

nellgwynne

I think all post menopausal women should be using vaginal oestrogen ( pessaries, gel, cream or a ring). It stops vaginal atrophy which occurs without oestrogen. It’s completely safe, even after hormone sensitive breast cancer. I don’t know why all GPs are recommending it for older women.

Systemic HRT is also fantastic post menopausal for the rest of your life. After menopause we are deficient in oestrogen, and HRT just replaces that deficiency. I intend to stay on it forever. I’m 73, no side effects as long as dose is correct.

Not quite sure this is correct information. If you've had breast cancer post-menopause caused by oestrogen, you're treated with inhibitors such as Anastrozole and HRT would be totally unsuitable.

I can't help with the decision at your specific age, but I can say when I went onto HRT in my 50s I sailed through. All the very best to you.

Sorry should’ve said ‘aren’t’ recommending it!

I think all post menopausal women should be using vaginal oestrogen ( pessaries, gel, cream or a ring). It stops vaginal atrophy which occurs without oestrogen. It’s completely safe, even after hormone sensitive breast cancer. I don’t know why all GPs are recommending it for older women.

Systemic HRT is also fantastic post menopausal for the rest of your life. After menopause we are deficient in oestrogen, and HRT just replaces that deficiency. I intend to stay on it forever. I’m 73, no side effects as long as dose is correct.

First time posting on here , hope I get it right! Welshy I started HRT for the first time in January of this year , one month short of my 69th birthday. Definitely have seen an improvement in my overall wellbeing and no weight gain, sleep has improved as has my mood and no more hot flushes

I'm on Evorel 75 patches and Intrarosa pessaries. I had a total hysterectomy at 55, but was already on a low dose patch by then. One visit to the GP years ago (saw a new young female GP) who tried to make me stop!! I said no chance....you wait till you are menopausal and dried up and feeling cr*p!

I fell the other week (whilst cross country ski-ing) I am sure I didn't break anything because I am on HRT. The surgeon/gynea who did my hysterectomy (female) said you can stay on it for life.....I fully intend to. I'm 73 now.

I take them after a radical hysterectomy. I still have some of the worst effects of that op but at least I know my bones have some protection. I have found that they have been brilliant not least because I suffered really badly from oestrogen deficiency with my monthly cycle which caused me all sorts of problems. I will fight to the death to keep them.

i'm 78 now and have been on hrt since my hysterectomy at 47. i weighed up the pros and cons and decided to keep using it although i'm now taking a lower dose. i don't expect to come off it for many years

Lovetopaint037

Welshy

Franbern

I refused HRT when going through menopause. At the time I was not well and on lots of strong medications.
Got through that and some years later, well into my sixties it was suggested that HRT pessaries may help to cut down the number of UTI's I was getting.
Was a little put out feeling I was long past HRT need - but gave it a try - at first twice a day, then every day, then slowly down to twice a week. Now in my mid-80's still do that twice a week. No UTI's, no weight gain.

Thank you for your reply Franbern.
I had never heard of HRT pessaries until now.
I am so glad to hear that they have helped you for several years.

Franbern are you using Vagirux pessaries which deliver a small dose of oestrogen? It is not the full hrt so would help with avoiding utis. I used one a day for a fortnight and then twice a week. I have had them for a few months and so far have not had another uti. Before that I had them one after another and was in state of despair. I am almost 85 and so grateful to doctor who suggested them.

Yes, this is what I use, just twice a week now. Simple and quick to use, does a wonderful job

Oh thanks primrose I will have a look into that spray.
I suppose not much will go through the liver. I did prefer my patches for that reason.

Early menopause due to hysterectomy took hrt from 45 for five years and was fine. Did have hot flushes for years after especially at night.

MT62

Is it easy to get the spray primrose?

No problem getting it on NHS. I should have said I also have to take Progesterone pill with it. I think that’s because I still have my womb/ovaries.

I didn’t even know you could get a spray now. A young female Dr suggested it and it’s excellent.
Spray is called Lenzetto.

I am still on HRT. Bone loss whilst on steroids was minimised orthopedic consultant was positive when I had two hip replacements. Heart surgeon was positive when I had aorta replacement. A while ago when I broke my wrist I was told if my bones were not as good as they were it would have been smashed to bits Sometimes you have to weigh up the odds and what it means to you Not eady. Take care

I took HRT when going through the menopause, but came of it as my lovely lady doctor thought I should as then staying on it could cause problems, which now seem unfounded. In retrospect I wish I had kept on taking it for ever as I’m still getting hot flushes at 80 which I certainly didn’t while taking HRT.

I so regret being made to give up my HRT whilst still in my 60s, I think back then GPs tended to think it just a temporary medication. I now have the HRT vaginal gel to help with UTIs, which it has, but I have never felt so good as when I was taking the full blown dose.

Is it easy to get the spray primrose?

Franbern

I refused HRT when going through menopause. At the time I was not well and on lots of strong medications.
Got through that and some years later, well into my sixties it was suggested that HRT pessaries may help to cut down the number of UTI's I was getting.
Was a little put out feeling I was long past HRT need - but gave it a try - at first twice a day, then every day, then slowly down to twice a week. Now in my mid-80's still do that twice a week. No UTI's, no weight gain.

Great stuff 👍🏻