Hello devonlass, what various risks are you referring to? And what are your symptoms? Is the hrt working? I am in a similar situation but I'm afraid HRT doesn't work well after being menopausal for many years, I've read something about a 'window of opportunity' or something like that.
Hi Folklass
to you too!
Is your comment ".... but I'm afraid HRT doesn't work well after being menopausal for many years... " from personal experience? Sorry to hear that if so.
However if not, then you are being given false information. HRT is the best evidence-based treatment available for alleviating menopausal hot flushes and sweats at any age.
The window of opportunity solely refers to the cardio-vascular protection aspect. It's still controversial I think ie still research going on but the idea was that post-menopause there can be changes to the blood vessels (plaque build up?) which means that deposits can break away if oral HRT is commenced many years after menopause, which can lead to stroke (that is a very simplistic explanation and I am sure is better explained elsewhere but that's the gist!). The so-called "window of opportunity" suggested that HRT taken under the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause ( ideally 5 years) confers benefits to the cardio-vascular system but outsdie of these times could cause harm due to the above. However this does refer to oral HRT as sheila99 said.
See my previous post to devonlass and you will see that even outside of these times women may commence HRT undersupervision, and especially if low-dose and transdermal.
I am in my mid 60s but I did start HRT at just under age 54 and before menopause (I think!).
Hope this helps
Hurdity x
