I don't know which HRT is the safest? - Menopause Message Board

ainfante · 10-11-2008, 06:36 PM

There are so many HRT's out there not sure which one to discuss with my doctor. I'm afraid of all the side effects but i've been without a period now for 13 months and would like to begin HRT. I'm not getting that many hot flashes at the moment or night sweats but I am noticing I am drying out a bit in the vagina area. I go for my bone scan on Friday. Hopefully that will turn out ok. I want to stay as natural as possible but it is also difficult to find a gyne close by who prescribes bioidentical hormones. I want to use the nicotine patch to quit smoking. Any suggestions on what to use. I know they say Premarin is natural, but it's horse urine! Maybe I should take it. I still have my uterus and ovaries, so i need both estrogen and progesterone. I'm also afraid that once I start HRT my fibroid tumors will grow again.

Tracey2205 · 10-12-2008, 04:36 AM

I can only go from my experience, but I think you should discuss this with your doctor.

I suffered terribly with endometriosis and the only HRT I could go on was Lival, even though I've had a hysterectomy (left my ovaries).

I was really scared about the risks of HRT as I am only (I say only but I feel about 90 at the moment) 38 years old, but my doctor assured me that the risks are minimal due to my age and not staying on HRT for more than 5 - 10 years.

After taking two weeks to research I started Lival and only after 2 weeks I noticed my hot flushes are minimal.

I do believe we are all hormonally and genetically different and one thing might be good for one person but not another. Take what you read with a pinch of salt and discuss and research things before you decide you are happy to try HRT or natural methods.

I haven't been here very long, but I have found these boards extremely helpful and supportive, I hope you do to.

ainfante · 10-12-2008, 08:11 AM

Thank you for your great suggestion! I will discuss with my doctor but my concern is doctors (even the best) will throw you on to anything regardless of your concerns. I know it's trial and error but I'm just concerned about the cancer risks, blood clots and heart attacks side effects. Although I do not know any who have gotten any of the diseases I mentioned above, I'm still a bit leary due to the years I have smoked.

Andrea

Tracey2205 · 10-12-2008, 08:28 AM

Aww hun don't worry, I smoke - I keep on trying to pack it in.

The thing is eat healthily and exercise, at the end of the day if you do choose HRT with your doctor and you do end up having a heart attack - you might have had that heart attack even if you hadn't been on HRT.

My great aunt never smoked a day in her life and ended up with emphasemia and asthma, she lived alone and was never in places where people smoked, she went to church every Sunday - consequently the emphasemia killed her.

You can't live your life in fear hun, or by what ifs.

To be honest most of the population will die of either cancer, heart attacks or thrombosis.

If you read well educated sites you will see there is a risk just by taking paracetamol for a headache.

Low doses and short term course of HRT is advised - with no detrimental health affects.

Good luck hun xx