Has anyone experience of being on long term HRT?

I am 35 and have had a total hyst a month ago and would like to know others experiences. I take Premarin once a day.

Thanks in advance

Katsrule 2006

Katsrule,

I have been on HRT since my early 40's -- I'm 57 now. I started out with a low dosage pill after it became apparent that I was starting perimenopause (at the age of 39). A few years ago I upped the dosage because it appeared that my body was no longer producing any estrogen. I started weaning myself to a lower dosage a year later because the myoma on my uterus started growing. By keeping the dosage fairly low, I have been able to keep most of the symptoms of menopause at bay and the myoma is no longer growing. I now use a patch that is supposed to deliver 25 micrograms of estradiol per 24 hours.

The most important thing is have regular checkups (I go in every 6 months) and discuss the pros and cons of your particular HRT each time you go in. I've changed the brand and dosage several times since I started using hormones. My doctor does an ultrasound every 6 months, which is how we are keeping track of the myoma which has been "visible" for years. I have the chance to evaluate every 6 months whether I wish to continue with HRT or not, or whether using another brand or form might be appropriate. That is, I don't know yet how many more years I will continue to use HRT. At the moment my doctor is OK with my continuing it as long as there are no apparent health problems from it.

There are certain contra-indications for HRT -- family history of certain cancers, high blood pressure, heart problems, etc. As long as you are in regular contact with your doctor, you should be able to catch any problems while they are small and make changes to your prescription.

I know that there are people who have had health problems because of HRT, but they are in the minority. I do not believe that because a medical procedure or drug is a problem for some women, it therefore is a problem for all. A good doctor will know which women should not take the hormones at all, and be able to recognize when it's time to make changes to your prescription.

HRT has helped many women with the symptoms of menopause. Keep in mind that there is not just one version of HRT. Your body has made a dramatic change when you had a hysterectomy. Your body will continue to change as you age. So whatever you are using right now will probably not be appropriate in later years.

By the way, I also think that "cats rule" :-)

--Rheanna

I started Premarin at 41. Had a hysterectomy at 23, by a stupid Dr. ( I won't go into all that now) but kept ovaries. Later on switched to Ogen, then the patch. Now using Estrogel, age 55. I have checkups every year of course.

I just recently started using a little Progestrone cream rubbed into my arm each day, and am amazed to find how much better I sleep each night. Moods leveled out. I had been led to believe I did not need progestrone, but after doing lots of reading and research, decided a bit would not hurt and might just make me feel better. I am glad I did. I think it balances everything out.

I plan to use HRT indefinely, unless there is a reason I shouldn't, or I just get tired of it. :D

But IMHO, Bio-Identical hormones are the way to go. Estradiol rules. ;)

Thanks for your replies. It is good to get the advice and info from people who have experience.

Katsrule2006:)