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[Jari]

Hello, I have a question as I'm trying to get hrt prescribed for me. I'm researching to find out more, but one thing I'd like to know is, if I take hrt, does this just prolong the menopause. Ie. When I come off it, does it all just start again? In other words, is it better to just deal with it naturally now, instead of delaying it with hrt?

[CLKD]

It depends on what symptoms bother you the most.     Menopause is literally, the end of periods so one doesn't know until there's been a gap with no bleeds: for me it was intermittent for 2/3 years  .  It's about 12 months without. B4 1 can think is it over.

Some ladies find keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful.  As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax = aches and pains, also the body may become dry: inside and out  .  Do read the threads on vaginal atrophy which often needs different type of HRT to keep the vaginal area plump and moist, otherwise the skin may thin and become itchy.   VA mimics repeated urine infection-type symptoms too!

We have a humorous room too, as well as a treatment area above.  Maybe make notes? 

I can't answer if HRT prolongs menopause but expect that others will be along.

[Dancinggirl]

Don't think about the AFTER, it's quality of life now that is important.
Every women is different and some find the flushes return as before and some find it isn't so bad when you stop hrt. It doesn't prolong the menopause it merely puts it on hold but how you feel when or even if you stop hrt, will vary greatly.
Do bare in mind that nobody can tell you how long menopause symptoms will last - for some women the flushes, night sweats, aching joints, poor sleep etc never actually subside. Menopause is a permemamt state and the oestrigen deficiency will continue to do damage as time goes on - so delaying this damage is a good thing. It is known that 5 years of hrt in our mid 50s will help protect our bones and heart for the long term. DG x

[Tempest]

If you refer to Dr. Louise Newson's website at Menopause Doctor, she addresses this question. In her opinion, HRT 'masks' menopause symptoms and your menopause is effectively taking place still in the 'background'.

When you stop (according to her) any symptoms that return may either a) be time limited due to a period of withdrawal from HRT and may settle or b) be your own symptoms returning as you haven't completed the transition yet and are still symptomatic.

I think this is why it is recommended that women stop HRT after 5 years of use to see if they are still symptomatic and whether they require ongoing treatment.

I hope this helps! xxxx

[CLKD]

Have you tried taking an over-the-counter pain relief for any stiffness?  Maybe something at night will reduce the early morning 'granny walk'. 

The Change does what it says on the tin.  It causes upheaval for many ladies  .  How was your mood during your menstruating years?  Is it similarly cyclic now?  If so probably related to hormones   

Some find that they need HRT alone or HRT along with anti-depressant and/or anti-anxiety medications.  It really is Trial and Error and entirely up to you to decide.  This Forum is good at sharing experiences.  One can then take ideas and see if they are relevant now.

Have a browse  .

   Tempest - this site is a Mine of Info .......

[Tempest]

Actually, the position regarding bone loss and HRT duration is somewhat different, DG - this according to the British Menopause Society:

https://thebms.org.uk/2016/05/bone-loss-after-stopping-hrt/

I hope this clarifies. xxxx

[pepperminty]

Hi,

 The average age for women going through the menopause in 1900 was 57 and now it is 51. The average age of women dying in 1900 was 59 years of age. So they were only in the menopause a very short time compared to now.

This article fro professionals maybe of interest.

Managing common problems in the menopause by
Dr Louise Newson
GP and West Midlands Lead for PCWHF, Shirley Medical Centre, Solihull, West Midlands

 and Mr Nick Panany

https://menopausedoctor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Managing-common-problems-in-the-menopause1.pdf

Personally, I don't want to be 30 years without estrogen. It is a personal choice which is hopefully made well informed either way and not through fear etc. 
Some manage people manage well without HRT and that's great.

Pepperminty

[Tempest]

Great link,  Pepperminty - thank you!😊 xxxx

[CLKD]

If 1 can ease symptoms or get rid of them completely, why think about stopping anyway?  Quality of Life is important for me.  When prescribed anti-depressant medication for Life in the 1990s I kicked a bit until I realised that DH and I have a Life again.  Now I swallow my tablets without thinking about every stopping. My GP does ask once a year in order to tick required boxes but I tell him a firm 'no' 

Let us know Jari how you get on.

[Mary G]

Jari, as others have said, the guidelines have changed and if you are happy with your HRT and provided you don't have any serious health conditions, there is no reason to ever stop taking it.  I am on HRT for life.

This outdated 5 year time limit needs to be knocked on the head.  Too many women are still thinking of HRT as a time limited stop gap that delays the inevitable.  This is not the case and you should view it as a very long term solution or even a lifetime solution.

[Mary G]

Jari, I'm glad you are seeking help from a specialist re HRT, it's definitely a good idea if you are worried about breast issues.  I don't know who you are seeing but I can tell you that Professor Studd prescribes HRT for women who have had breast cancer or have a family history of BC, depending on the type and risk etc.  A lot of GPs are very reluctant to prescribe it but hopefully you will get the advice you need in September.

Keep us posted. 

[CLKD]

Does depend on the sort of cancer that caused the disease, however, Quality of Life is important. 

[CLKD]