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Am I too old to start HRT?

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Deb64:
Hi everyone. I am new to this site and just wanted a bit of advice as I am somewhat confused with the information I am receiving. I am 64 and seemed to go through menopause without any great issues, in fact apart from some sleepless nights I generally feel better than before. However I am now have osteopenia and my doctor who is very well informed about women's health wants me to start on HRT. Both my sister and mother have had breast cancer which holds up a red flag to me. I want to have faith in my doctor but really hesitate to start this HRT at my age. Any thoughts?? Thanks.

Molly Malone:
Deb, I am 62 and just starting HRT too (Estradiol), so will be interested to hear what others say. It's a minefiled, isn't it? XX

Deb64:
Hi Molly
It sure is a minefield with so much information that is contradictory! Thanks for replying :)

Hurdity:
Hi Deb64

 :welcomemm:

Sorry to hear you have osteopenia.

The guidance is, that it is peferable to start HRT either below the age of 60 OR within 10 years of menopause. Here is some information about starting HRT, from the British Menopause Society:
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/04-BMS-TfC-HRT-Guide-NOV2022-A.pdf

You say your mother and sister have had breast cancer - but if I may ask, at what age?  There can be some concern over heritability I think, for those who get breast cancer at a young age due to potentially having the gene that carries increased risk of BC?

Here is some information from this website about HRT and breast cancer:

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/risks.php

And further more detailed information and discussion here:

http://wwwmenopausematters.blogspot.com/2016/04/hrt-and-breast-cancer.html

There are some videos from the British Menopause Society here - in which one of them discussed family history (I haven't eatched them myself!)

https://thebms.org.uk/education/principles-practice-of-menopause-care/bms-ppmc-resources-toolkit/what-are-the-considerations-with-regard-to-hrt-and-breast-cancer/

and more information here:
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/12-BMS-TfC-Fast-Facts-HRT-and-Breast-Cancer-Risk-NOV2022-A.pdf

The fact that your doctor is recommending HRT suggests s/he has looked into this hopefully?

There is some information on osteoporosis here:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/osteoporosis.php

and here (British Menopause Society):
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06-BMS-ConsensusStatement-Prevention-and-treatment-of-osteoporosis-in-women-SEPT2023-A.pdf

symmary of that here:
https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/prevention-and-treatment-of-osteoporosis-in-women/

Hope this helps :)

Hurdity x

Deb64:
Thanks so much for all that info Hurdity. My sister was in her sixties and is fine now. My Mum was also in her sixties but sadly passed away from her breast cancer. I shall read all the info you have given me. Hard decisions as I actually feel pretty good apart from the osteopenia. My doctor insists that i am not too old and that there is no added risk of breast cancer but plenty of long term benefits. Very conflicting to most of the other reports I have read. Who to believe?!!

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