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[Annier999]

At 58 and after about 8 years on HRT a new GP has strongly advised me to stop taking HRT due to risks. I take high blood pressure medication and am otherwise healthy. I work part time, exercise at least three times a week, drink moderately and don't smoke.

I have been off HRT for three weeks and the night sweats are back with a vengeance and a few hot flushes during the day. I haven't noticed any weight gain yet (that was my first menopausal symptom years ago). My biggest concern is my reduced libido. I'd been on reduced dose HRT for a few months and my sex drive had already dropped but it's now vanished.

I'm making excuses not to have sex with my partner and that's really not who I want to be. Luckily he is very understanding and patient but I am worried about our relationship if this lack of desire continues. Physically I am capable of being aroused and can orgasm but it all takes a long time. I am more worried that I am becoming disinterested in sex and that it all seems too much trouble. I am attractive and desirable with a healthy self image but am starting to feel old and unattractive again just like pre-HRT.

I'm back at the GP in a few days and will be discussing my symptoms but want to be prepared to suggest some options. I hear that antidepressants can help with flushes and sweating but I know they can cause weight gain and further reduction in libido. Would testosterone help and can that be prescribed on its own without other HRT?

I can't really afford to pay for alternative therapies and would welcome any suggestions about prescribed treatments that I can ask to try.

[Joyce]

Has your GP read the new NICE guidelines on HRT? Take a copy with you.

I take high BP medication, I'm 59 & my GP has just agreed to put me back on HRT. I could have kissed him! He said that life quality was more important. Yes I'll have to be careful & if my BP starts misbehaving, things will have to be reviewed. But for now I'm happy, no more flushes or sweats. The sweats were what I hated most.

[Ju Ju]

I've been told I can take HRT forever, as long as other health issues do make it unadvisable, by my gynaecologist. I'm 61. It seems NICE is saying what she has said. I have weighed up quality of life against quantity.

[Annier999]

Thanks cubagirl and Ju Ju. I'll look up the NICE guidance and take it along.

[BreadFruit]

My mom is 72 and has been on HRT plasters for 35 years (she had her womb and ovaries removed due to suspicion of cancer). The doctors tried to get her off it, but each time she tried she thought she was going crazy. So she is still on them and will never come off. She walks a lot with her dog and eats sensibly. No alcohol and does not smoke.
She is fit within reason.

[CLKD]

Did you see your GP yet or change your Surgery?  You could ask your Pharmacists which Surgeries support HRT the best 

[Taz2]

Hi Annier. I had my HRT taken away when I was your age (I'm almost 62 now) and like you all of the symptoms returned. I was lucky in that due to prolapse and a subsequent hysterectomy my pelvic floor specialist recognised the fact that HRT was needed to try to keep my pelvic floor and vaginal tissues strong enough to prevent further prolapse and so my GP prescribed it again for me after a year and a half without. I agree that you need to push for this.

Just a thought - which type of HRT were you on as it is not advised to use pill HRT at your age but patch or gel is much safer with less stroke risk.

Taz x 

[Annier999]

Well I've persevered for three months but can't cope any more. Night sweats for two hours a night. Dozens of hot flushes every day. Zero libido. Weight gain round middle. Low mood, fatigue and foggy brain.

Back at doctor on Monday and I'm going to demand HRT. Seeing a different guy at same surgery so hopefully he's more sympathetic.

I'm happy with patches as they're deemed to be safer. I've weighed up the risks against the symptoms and I'm prepared to take them to improve my quality of life.

Any advice on the best approach to take when I see the doctor?

[CLKD]

Make a note of your symptoms.  Tell your GP that you expect quality of Life! and that the new Guidelines are more relaxed about continual prescription.  You have tried and your symptoms are still excruciating …….. and you need HRT.  If your Surgery appears reluctant then ask for a referal to a Menopause Clinic ;-)

You could also point out that medication is prescribed for other chronic conditions and until menopause symptoms are under control, symptoms are chronic!  Point your Surgery towards this site too ?

[Annier999]

That's brilliant advice and will be very helpful on Monday. Thanks. I'll let you all know how I get on.

[CLKD]

Good Luck!

[Hurdity]

Hi Annier999

I've been on HRT 9 years and I am 62 - there were some mutterings about coming off and nasty remarks about what would happen if I stayed on from one doc (re cancer) but I went to a different doc and there was no problem.

The point is too that the longer you spend off it, the more the risks ( in the first year) will be more apparent if you see what I mean ie risks are supposed to be greatest in the first year of HRT re strokes etc, and if you spend a couple of years off it at your age you may well be in the higher risk group because it's like starting again and you will then be over 60.

Hope all goes well with the doc and you find relief soon

Hurdity x

[Annier999]

Well that went well.... Not!

Blood tests taken and new appointment for Thursday. That's the best part.

He was very pleasant and seemed concerned about my symptoms but is reluctant to put me back on HRT. He was leaning towards antidepressants but I'm worried about the possibility of further weight gain. So we left it there until blood results are in.

He wants to rule out thyroid disorders. I was very tearful and lathered in sweat throughout the appointment so some of my symptoms were apparent. He was concerned about my obvious stress levels and seemed doubtful that menopause can cause this. Maybe something else will come to light. Are any of my other symptoms related to thyroid? I suppose weight gain.

The doctor I'm seeing on Thursday was the one who took me off HRT in November. If there are no other issues to explore, I doubt he'll be persuaded to let me try HRT again. I will request referral to menopause clinic but am worried about having to start again and increase risk all over again. Thanks Hurdity.

Struggling to feel positive about the outcome.

[Taz2]

Hi Annier - print off as much information as you can from this site before your appointment. I'm not sure where all of the links are as I've not been keeping up much lately but things are much better now for women who are in their late fifties early sixties. I appreciate that a referral to a menopause clinic may be helpful but I do need to say that it was the menopause clinic who were the ones who took me off HRT at 59 due to age. There seems to be so many differing views amongst the medical profession that it's no wonder we all get stressed!!

Sending you a hug.

Taz x 

[CLKD]

Your GP should no longer be prescribing anti-depressants as the first line of action for menopausal women.  It's in the new Guidelines  . Explain that you understand that there are risks with any treatment, that you are prepared -  having read details on this Site - to take those risks because you expect the Medical Profession to provide quality of life! which for you, means HRT.  Ask how he would treat his wife/sister with dreadful symptoms and also ask if his reluctance is money-led?

You may get on better with your Practice Nurse!  If your GP is reluctant explain that YES menopausal symptoms can cause the problems you have tried to deal with.  Also point out that HRT works …….. otherwise Companies would have gone out of business!!!! 

In the mean-time, have a look round in your region for another Practice and ask local Pharmacisits who supports HRT successfully?