1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy

Forced off HRT at 60?

Posted , 117 users are following.

groovygranny
groovygranny

I've been on HRT, very happily, since my menopause at 45 (I'm now 67).  My doctor is really pressing me now to come off it.  Personally, I believe in 'if it ain't broke, why fix it?'.   I am (as far as I know!) in very good health:  I walk for over an hour a day, work out, eat extremely well, don't smoke, am not overweight, I'm still working part-time, I don't have any cancer history in my family and feel full of energy and bonhomie!   The risks relating to HRT and breast cancer are now proved to be unfounded and anyway there is no breast cancer in my family.  The risk, apparently, that rises after 60 on HRT is stroke.  However, doctors also say that you are 43% less likely to have a stroke if you exercise an hour every day, which I do.  So, is it not reasonable to say that as long as I am low risk, and as long as I feel great on HRT, why come off it?  My age group are all one big experiment anyway and in America I know women can be on it till they drop.  The question is: can my doctor force me to give HRT up?

26 likes, 445 replies

445 Replies

Prev Next
  • hazel_64842
    hazel_64842 groovygranny

    Posted

    Some Dr's do recognise the benefits of HRT, its pot luck, but if this one says no, keep going until you get sorted. If you don't go there very often, they will soon get the message if you start to go on a regular basis. I did a lot of reading up about HRT and there is no conclusive evidence one way or the other. A GP is a sign poster - if they say no reming them that they are not qualified enough to decide whether or not you should be on HRT - insist on a Consultant ref. Hope you are successful, if not, don't give in.
    • deelaine
      deelaine hazel_64842

      Posted

      Hi Hazel

      Well what can I say!  I have just returned from seeing the permanent GP and could not get a word in edgeways.  He was obviously anti-HRT for women of my age full stop.

      He remarked that every woman has to go throught the menopause at some time or another. That I had delayed mine all these years and that the locum doctor was right in reducing my dose. Then he decided to look at the notes properly and remarked "Oh, I see. That is why your symptoms have returned because it is a lower dose without the Progesterone."   By this time I was lost ( I hope someone can make head or tail of it).  He then changed his tone and asked if I had a womb.  I have.  Did I have a coil? Why would he ask a woman of my age that? He then proceed to say he he would refer me to a gynaecologist (without me asking him to) and that he would prescribe three months of my original Evoril Sequi (which contain both progesterone and Oestrogen as that would cover me for the time it took to see the gynaecologist.

       I would like to know what will happen when I see this consultant.  I have no symptoms to complain of until I tried these lowest dose patches.

      This doctor was another young doctor.  He seemed to know it all and did not stand to be corrected in anyway not even when I told him that I know a 70 year old consultant that is on HRT. 

      I wonder if I could choose my own Gynacologist rather than the one he is sending me to. Goodness knows what he is going to include in the referral letter.

      He would just not listen to my argument that of knowing 50 year olds with breast cancer that have never been on HRT.   That quality is the main thing in life not quantity. 

      Ah well.   I have applied my first patch of the new the prescription he gave me.  Hopefully, it is not long before I regain my previous vitality but I am dreading the consultant taking me off them. 

       

  • hazel_64842
    hazel_64842 groovygranny

    Posted

    Well its obvious that the young GP wasnt prepared to make the decision as he could only quote his 1/4 day on the subject! If you check out the consultants in your area, where they work out of, then under NHS choices there is a good chance you will see the one you choose or one of their team. I was fortunate in that I went to a private hospital, as an nhs patient. I went about my prolapsed bladder, but he was very thorough and treated me holistically not just a wombless woman. I do smoke, not a skinny mini or a gym bunny! I suffer from ME so having menopaus symptoms on top would really reduce my quality of life. If the consultant says no, you are entitled to a second opinion. Fingers crossed you see a consultant that is open minded. At least you will be on form to put your case forward, use the time to gather as much evidence as possible to support your wishes.
    • deelaine
      deelaine hazel_64842

      Posted

      I did reply to this but perhaps I didn't press send as I can't find the message. (it's all this being taken off my HRT smile

      What I said was that I think you are right in that the GP was quoting from his 1/4 day on the subject.  His response certainly sounded rehearsed.

      I forgot to mention that he printed off a nine pages of info about the menopause!  The info mentions Tibolone as a replacement for HRT.  Anyone tried this?

      Does anyone have the name of a good site to buy Evoril Sequi from in the event that I am taken off it suddenly again.

      I will check out the consultants in my area. That is a good idea Hazel.

      It can't be easy for people like yourself with other conditions having to cope with those and no HRT. 

       

    • Liferestored1
      Liferestored1 deelaine

      Posted

      Hi deelaine,

      I'm reading these posts very belatedly as I just found this site the other day.  I'm reading this whole thread start to finish because at 70 I was worried about the very same thing so weaned off my BIH myself.  Also, after my divorce I couldn't afford them anymore anyway, sigh.  Needless to say I'm not doing very well.  At any rate.....

      I hope you were able to find a reasonable doctor by now, three years later,  and not having suffered the whole time.  I also hope your business is doing well.

      Just wondering if you can buy OTC progesterone cream where you are like you can in the USA.  It's not prescription strength, but may help if you combine it with the drastically reduced estrogen without progesterone they are trying to force on you.  I think it's 20mg P per 1/4 teaspoon.  It's not that yam cream which is worthless since our bodies can't convert it to progesterone.  Over here it must say it contains UPS progesterone to be sure it actually contains it.  

      Not sure if that will be helpful to anyone.  Sometimes I think "they" just want us to die off sooner so we won't be a burden to them.  Just wait till they get old.  Either that, or because without hrt the drug companies will make more money off of us with all the things that go wrong after stopping hrt.  Depression, anxiety, and insomnia just to name a few.  See how they are, lol.

  • loretta63638
    loretta63638 groovygranny

    Posted

    I too am so tired of doctors having the power to control make choice decisions regarding HRT. And that is exactly what it is our choice. They have no problem suggesting and promoting women to take the HRT in the first place, however, in my situation I was never told their was a TIME limit on when you would not be given the CHOICE. I will argue this with my doctor here in U.S. Should he attempt to not continue my prescription. I know the risks, I know how I feel, I know what I want and I know my body.... I think these doctors need to be reminded of whose body they are talking about. Good luck ladies! I will keep reading and keep posting!
    • deelaine
      deelaine loretta63638

      Posted

      I remember doctors as students that I worked with and students that were residents in the doctors and nurses accommodation.  Always asking for help with this and that.  What the heck happens when they qualify? The transformation is unpleasant in some of them (thankfully not all) as they turn into power freaks with no bedside manner.   This honestly needs to be addressed in their training as they are doing more damage than good with their arrogance.  I was never told there was a time limit on taking HRT either Lorretta.  However, I do see a considerable difference in those that are taking HRT and those that are not.  I hope your prescription never gets discontinued.

       

    • dorothy64227
      dorothy64227 deelaine

      Posted

      Hi there,

      My doctor too has stopped my hrtas I am 70 and have been happily on it for 15 years without any problems.I agree with "if it is not broke why fix it" but doctors so not seem to think this way.Now my blood pressure has gone up  and she has prescribed bp medication!! and I cannot sleep as well. Has anyone else had a rise in bp after stopping HRT.

    • loretta63638
      loretta63638 dorothy64227

      Posted

      No, actually my BP is borderline on HRT and I do take BP medication along with the HRT and it is controlled.  I feel fine, my cardiologist hasn't any issue with the HRT.  But  I wouldn't be surprised that your BP would rise after stopping HRT if you are stressed without it.  
    • dorothy64227
      dorothy64227 loretta63638

      Posted

      Hi, Thanks for your support, am seeing a different doctor tomorrow to voice my concerns and ask if I can go back on my HRT. The bp tablets I have been presribed are having loads of side effects. have you had this problem at all ?
    • dorothy64227
      dorothy64227 loretta63638

      Posted

      You name them, I have them!! Cant sleep, nose bleeds,aches & pains, unexplained bruises,depression etc!!!

      Felt so rotten yesterday, missed the tablet and skept all night!!

    • loretta63638
      loretta63638 dorothy64227

      Posted

      Are you having side effects from Blood Pressure Medicines or the withdrawl from HRT?  I have had some of these from withdrawl of HRT
    • dorothy64227
      dorothy64227 loretta63638

      Posted

      Only had these since starting bp meds but sleeplessness and depression after stopping hrt, also vaginal atrophy since no hrt. Could I ask you your age please and how long you have been on hrt
    • loretta63638
      loretta63638 dorothy64227

      Posted

      Sure I am 58 and have been taking HRT since I was 51.  Is the doctor who is prescribing your blood pressure same as the doctor prescribing HRT, or who stopped the HRT?
    • dorothy64227
      dorothy64227 loretta63638

      Posted

      Doctor who has prescribed bp med is same one who stopped hrt and bp only rose after this. Bp was akways text book at 120/80 for the 15 years on hrt!!
    • loretta63638
      loretta63638 dorothy64227

      Posted

      Reason for stopping your HRT?  How long were you on it and how old are you?

       

    • dorothy64227
      dorothy64227 loretta63638

      Posted

      No reason I felt great but doctor thought 69 was too old as been on for approx 12 years
    • loretta63638
      loretta63638 dorothy64227

      Posted

      Uggh!!!  Have you called your doctor and told them how lousy you feel?  If so find another doctor.  I would be calling every day, this is ridiculous, makes no sense at all!  I am sorry for you.  Are you in the US ?  Did the doctor try weaning you first or just stopped it cold?  Male, Female Doctor, how old?
    • loretta63638
      loretta63638 dorothy64227

      Posted

      Good I hope this doctor is more reasonable.  Hope the female doctor of 40 finds out how it feels, but she will not suffer she will take the HRT forever.  Good Luck and be assertive, keep me posted I will be thinking of you.
Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.