Hi Stillsearching
Good thread to start - any ladies who worry about life after HRT need to hear our experiences.
I'm 60 and stopped systemic HRT about 3 months ago. I took HRT for basically the same reasons as you. Though I have stopped systemic HRT I am still using Vagifem (local oestrogen) 2-3 times a week and if you aren't using this then I strongly recommend you do as it is helpful for problems with, not just VA, but also the bladder!!!!!
Like you, my flushes or rather my inability to control my body thermostat, returned within 2 weeks of stopping HRT but I do feel generally better in myself. My sleep is a bit erratic - some nights I simply can't seem to get to sleep??!!!
I have been taking Omega 3 (I now take Krill oil) for many years as I know it helps with joints, heart etc. I am taking a supplement with a combo of Calcium, Magnesium and zinc as osteoporosis really worries me. Like you, I did a good review of my diet: I believed my diet was good but realised through research that I was low on certain elements that might benefit from some supplementation.
Vitamin D - terribly important in winter. My brother-in-law, who is a leading gastroenterologist and very sceptical about all kinds of supplements and complementary medicines, actually recommends that everyone should take Vitamin D through the winter and even the summer if you don't get enough sunshine.
I walk a lot.
The one thing I don't like is the irritability I get without HRT - I have started taking St John's Wort (which one shouldn't take with HRT) and now, 2 months on, feel this is keeping me on more of an even keel?!!!!
It is well known that HRT used for 5 years can and does often reduce our chance of getting osteoporosis too early so with continued care with the diet (enough calcium, Vit D and Magnesium) and appropriate exercise like brisk walking we will hopefully have a far better long term outcome.
I do think one needs to come off HRT for the right reasons and at a time when we can approach the changes in a positive way. If life is stressful then it can be so tough - I know because I had 3 years without HRT in my early 50s and felt dreadful most of the time.
Thank you for sharing your experience - hopefully more ladies will share as well.
Keep us posted. Dg xxxx