Azalea Posted February 4, 2017 Share Posted February 4, 2017 Hi Ladies, does anyone know what the current thinking is on HRT? I'm 52 and my periods are very irregular. The symptom I am having that is causing discomfort is hot flashes. I know many experience this worse than I have and I probably shouldn't complain, but it's uncomfortable. I'm too hot, then too cold, suddenly bathed in sweat, etc. Do you use HRT? Am I crazy not to try it? What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandragood1 Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 Most docs recommend it during the time your own hormones are changing. Once in full menopause I think opinions are more mixed. Some of it depends on the risks that run in your family. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azalea Posted February 5, 2017 Author Share Posted February 5, 2017 Thanks for the reply! I'm glad to hear that it might not be a straight up no way, I'd like some relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 I think it's a fairly popular option. Not hugely different than BCP. In fact your doctor might prescribe BCP at this point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 (edited) My understanding is that the study that made everyone afraid of HRT was flawed in that they had taken women who had been through menopause years prior (some of them as many as 15 years), and put them on HRT. Not all that surprisingly, that doesn't work out so well. If your body has already adjusted to the change in hormone levels, you can't really change it back. But for women who go on HRT during perimenopause, I believe the general consensus is that it works quite well and is safe. Edited February 5, 2017 by Greta 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azalea Posted February 5, 2017 Author Share Posted February 5, 2017 You are all giving me the confidence to give this a try, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 I did use HRT during perimenopause but not now that I'm post menopausal. It was not a decision I made lightly. I tried everything else I could before taking that step. The only advice I could offer would be to educate yourself very well. Talk with your provider. Find out if there are any other options to try first. What type of HRT will the provider want to use? How often will he/she do labs? What delivery method will be used? Will you supplement with all 3 hormones or just 2? What is the plan to start and what is the plan to wean off? Educate, educate, educate. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 My concern for me (aside from cancer issues in my family) is I wonder if the side effects are similar to BCP which I could never tolerate taking. I'm very close to making an appointment because I've got some symptoms that are pretty nasty. I would prefer to try something else first because I suspect I may have side effects. But it's also a balance of do I want to grin and bear it and be all stoic (and why do I), or do I want to not have crappy issues that make me feel downright miserable at times (despite any risk)? I go back and forth with it. Doctors strike me as pretty quick to prescribe pills. But maybe that is all they have to offer. But yeah lots of people take these things without issues. I imagine similar risks apply with BCP...stuff like it's not good to take it if you smoke (so they say). Etc... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 There are many different options now, some of which target specific issues. There's cream, a ring that's inserted, and several different oral medications. I believe the current thinking is based on your risk factors combined with how badly you need for relief from a specific problem. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 I see a doctor who uses only bioidential hormones and I feel amazing. Really it has changed everything for me. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 I did progesterone for a while for periods. Oh my. It was AMAZING. I slept like a rock, the fog lifted, etc. I ended up not continuing because my periods were so whacky, and I just couldn't deal with more gyn visits to straighten it all out. But, it was great!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 Another vote for bio-identical hormones. You may have to see a naturopath as many conventional MDs are unsure how to dose BHRT but it was worth it for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 (edited) My concern for me (aside from cancer issues in my family) is I wonder if the side effects are similar to BCP which I could never tolerate taking. I'm very close to making an appointment because I've got some symptoms that are pretty nasty. I would prefer to try something else first because I suspect I may have side effects. But it's also a balance of do I want to grin and bear it and be all stoic (and why do I), or do I want to not have crappy issues that make me feel downright miserable at times (despite any risk)? I go back and forth with it. Doctors strike me as pretty quick to prescribe pills. But maybe that is all they have to offer. But yeah lots of people take these things without issues. I imagine similar risks apply with BCP...stuff like it's not good to take it if you smoke (so they say). Etc... There are several things that are OTC and some people have experienced relief. Some are Evening Primrose Oil, Maca and Black Cohosh to mention a few. The list goes on. However, if you find nothing really relieves the most bothersome symptoms, I'd look into BHRT. Edited February 5, 2017 by Liz CA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 I found that increasing my exercise stopped the hot flushes. I just use vaginal HRT for dryness. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 There are several things that are OTC and some people have experienced relief. Some are Evening Primrose Oil, Maca and Black Cohosh to mention a few. The list goes on. However, if you find nothing really relieves the most bothersome symptoms, I'd look into BHRT. I think my issues are more complicated than those things would help with. I don't have stuff like hot flashes. But then I am also doubtful that these things work. I suppose I shouldn't crap on it, but I kinda just have my doubts. Ugh..I should just go and ask. I can always say no. At least I'd know the options. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakelly Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 I'm doing HRT with bioitenticals. I feel like a new person. It's amazing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cottonwood Posted February 6, 2017 Share Posted February 6, 2017 bioidentical here b/c of extreme stress, my progesterone level went to zero and stayed there. It took a while to get the levels right but now that debilitating general anxiety disorder I had disappeared w/ the bio progesterone. It's SUCH a relief. But I would suggest using a knowledgeable dr for sure. My sister picked up the yam creams and other OTC stuff and used it for a couple years and in the end it made things much worse for her. The dr will keep tabs through blood tests and make sure things are right instead of self medicating. Not that you were thinking of doing that, but just sharing... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azalea Posted February 9, 2017 Author Share Posted February 9, 2017 Thanks for all the great information and input. I got no sleep last night due to hot flashes. That combined with a cold and I just feel miserable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 9, 2017 Share Posted February 9, 2017 I didn't use HRT do not recommend going that route at all. I am so glad that you are going to talk to your doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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