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[Gilly23]

Hi, I would love some help and advice. I am 62 generally fit and healthy. I am ten years post menopause and I have suffered with bouts of vaginal soreness all this time I have been using vagifem twice weekly. In November I felt it was starting to irritate and bloat me when I used it. I recently stopped taking it and now have a bout of vaginal soreness worse than ever before, pains, bloating and feeling I need to pee all the time. I took vagifem the last 7 days on docs advice ( carry on daily for 14 days) I am definitely getting worse by taking them. The doc has now prescribed estrogen  cream. She is reluctant to put me on HRT as she says I am too old and the risk is too high at my age.
I can’t find any information that says 62 is too old. Please can anyone help with advice. I am really struggling at the moment. Many thanks.

[CLKD]

Twice weekly probably wasn't enough which then might cause the tissues to become thinner = soreness.

Which estrogen cream?  I use 'ovestin' successfully with the 2 weeks loading followed by several times a week, after 5-6 years I have it under control.  MayB stop the 'vagifem' and use the other cream every night.  If you are sore then apply on your finger into the vagina entrance until you can go inside further. 

I do'nt think that any women is 'too young' or 'too old' to start HRT.  I would send an e-mail to the surgery and ask which research she might be referring to?  Also ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic.  In the mean time, perhaps take pain relief: when I get the need2P symptoms I swallow 'nurofen' 2 x 3 times a day to ease that nip as the urine flow stops.

[CLKD]

For me bloating became a huge issue until I altered my diet cutting out as much processed foods as possible.  Adding more veg although I'm not good on the extra fruits    my guts certainly improved - until New Year when after eating shop bought cakes I felt really really ill: wind wouldn't go up or down  .

Let us know how you get on.

[Dazedandconfused]

Hi Gilly23,

I'm 61 this year and started HRT just before turning 60, 7 years into the menopause.  There's been a lot trial and error but I think I'm getting the balance right.  The menopause nurse at our surgery has been great. I just wish I'd been living here 10 years ago!

Definitely overall I feel better for it and I've never been given an age limit for stopping.

Hope you get sorted soon. 

[Gilly23]

Thank you very much, that’s encouraging! I think I have suffered long enough and I am ready to give it a try.

[Cassie]

My gynae told me he has ladies in their 70s still on HRT so no you are not too old.

[sheila99]

Your gp is out of date. NICE used to recommend you stop at 60 but now there is no age limit. Trandermal hrt is very much safer than the old horse urine oral hrt.

[Booblet]

Hi,
Just read your post: I am 64 yrs old and had the same problem regarding age.
However, according to N.I.C.E (gov document) - patients should be assessed "individually" regardless of age - ( if you  look up this document the wording will be more accurate and evidential).
I had to compile a letter to my GP quoting from this doc. (as if we don't have enough on our plate already!).
X

[Gilly23]

Thanks to you all, very supportive! I have an appointment now on Saturday with a private gynaecologist who specialises in menopause. I am hoping to get answers.
I have started the Ovestin tonight so will see if it helps. I can see from everyone’s posts this is one long miserable job! It’s good to get support and share information!

[Jules]

It's really annoying that it's a gp lottery.  They all come up with different information.  Mine gave some guidance. I don't know where she got that from either.

[suzysunday]

I wish you all the best gilly
  I'm a bit similar and would like to try systemic hrt but am nervous.  Keep us posted.

[CLKD]

Take a list with you to discuss and be aware that not all gynaes know about peri-menopause.

Update next week?

[Hurdity]

Hi Gilly23

 

Just to clarify - yes there are many women who take HRT well into their 60s, 70s and beyond (I still take HRT at 70) but it is generally recommended to START HRT within 10 years of menopause or below the age of 60. However starting later than this is not ruled out. Here are the British Menopause Society recommendations:

"HRT prescribed before the age of 60 has a favourable benefit/risk profile.

HRT initiated before the age of 60 or within 10 years of the menopause is likely to be associated with a reduction in coronary heart disease and cardiovascular mortality.

If HRT is to be used in women over 60 years of age, lower doses should be started, preferably with a transdermal route of estradiol administration. Evidence from the Cochrane data-analysis as well as that from the long-term follow-up data of the WHI showed no increase in cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality or all-cause mortality in women who initiated HRT more than 10 years after the menopause."

https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/bms-whcs-2020-recommendations-on-hormone-replacement-therapy-in-menopausal-women/

If you have success then be sure to ask the private specialist to write to your GP with recommendations for your treatment so that you can then get HRT ( if it is prescribed) on NHS.

We all need to remember, and to remind reluctant GPs that the menopause specialist service is almost non-existent in many areas on NHS - and if it were widespread, then you would be referred on NHS to this service, and the GP would automatically follow the advice. It is shocking that women feel compelled to seek private treatment due to inadequate service but the same principles should apply - the local GP should follow the specialist consultant's advice, in the absence of this service being available locally on NHS.

ALso to add that many women need systemic HRT as well as vaginal HRT to feel comfortable re vaginal issues. I take both, at age 70.

Let us know how you get on.

Hurdity x

[Jules]

Not to do with menopause but regarding paying for treatment,  it's cost me a grand this last year. Its cost my friend two and half grand for skin cancer surgery as the waiting list was at least a year. My GP is routinely advising to pay if you can because of the waiting time. It seems to be the way things are going.

[Gilly23]

Thank you for all the upto date information on taking HRT, it’s very useful and also good to hear of someone like yourself taking it safely and successfully.
I saw the private consultant, it was ok, I did still feel like just another woman that was suffering. She said she believes all my symptoms due to lack of oestrogen. To continue with the ovestin for 3 weeks internally and to rub a small amount around my vulva. She is doing blood tests for my general health and oestrogen levels and an ultrasound on my pelvis because of the pain. If they are all ok she said I could try topical HRT. I got the impression she didnt think it was necessary because I don’t have hot flushes or night sweats. I felt frustrated by that as I have so many other symptoms.
I went through the menopause 10 years ago and I have suffered and not had the right help or understanding. I am going to see this through for now. Like so many of you  I am in pain exhausted and frightened by all this. . It does seem that paying is the only way forward but even then it’s finding that special doctor who is really listening and has answers.