Thinking about restarting HRT. Advice?

Peggy · 04-21-2006, 05:35 PM

Hi, I am looking for knowledgeable advice on a subject that has many opinions. I am 50. I became perimenopausal at age 39 and went on premarin for about 5 years with NO PROBLEMS. Periods ended, so I went on a low dose of HRT for 6 years...NO PROBLEMS. When my primary care physician realized I had been on hormones for about 11 years, she told me I should go off them. So I did. Within a month, hot flashes, dryness, poor sleeping. A couple of months later I went to my OBGYN for a routine visit. He couldn't understand why I went off the HRT, since I had been doing so well. I told him I was afraid of negative effects like heart problems or breast cancer. He respected my views, but I could tell he was disappointed that I "bought into propaganda."[my words, not his.] Now one year later, I've been sleeping very poorly, (my husband too as a result) I've been taking sleeping aids of all kinds, experiencing hot flashes almost hourly, taking evening primrose oil, black cohosh, every herbal that claims it alleviates hoys flashes... my arms have been going numb at night: carpal tunnel, my joints are archy--I just got a blood test to see if my Lymes disease is returning...you get the picture.
I just saw my OBGYN again. He told me my risk in taking low dose HRT is very minimal and he can see my quality of life has diminished A LOT...he pointed out that I am a healthy, energetic, slim, active, nonsmoking, non-drinking (well--too excess anyway), no family history of cancers or heart disease, so WOULD I WANT TO GO BACK ON THE HRT? i AM REALLY THINKING ABOUT DOING IT. Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't? I can think of many reasons why I want to. He said in my case the only reason NOT to go back is it is not a politically correct choice. Is he right?

I just want to be my old self again. I would like to hear pros and cons. I'll be making this decision within a week or two.
Thanks so much,
Byrd

katidid95 · 04-21-2006, 10:06 PM

Perimenopause hit me hard last year at age 47. Actually I'd been having symptoms for about 7-8 years, just didn't realize or associate it with menopause because I thought I was too young.

My mother had breast cancer (and is a survivor) as a result of taking HRT - she had a hysterectomy in her early 40's. So I can tell you that synthetic hormones were not going to be in my future. I also believe that because I was on the birth control pill for most of my adult life, that it has affected my hormones at this time of my life in a negative way. I read about and did research on bioidentical hormones and sought out a doctor who treats with them. In your search for the right path for you, you might consider this option.

monicafaye · 04-21-2006, 10:55 PM

Byrd,

I have been on low-dose Levlite bcp since 47, when symptoms of perimenopause started making me miserable. Last year, at 50, I decided to stop taking them and tough it out. After one month being off, I started them again. Without them my symptoms were similar to yours and my quality of life was suffering. That is a big reason to be on HRT- improved quality of life. Compare your life now with your life when you were on HRT. I know there are no clear answers whether to take hrt, but you doc pointed out that you don't have any risk factors that would contraindicate using it. Just my two-cents.

Peggy · 04-22-2006, 10:00 AM

Hello, Katidid and MonicaFaye,
I really appreciate your posts and two cents. I'm still completely on the fence. Katitdid, glad your mother is a survivor. I am wondering how they know that her breast cancer was caused by the hormones...is there a clear indication or suspicion that it might be? I have a few books out of the library now to read more on the subject so I'm uneducated at the moment on the subject. I will ask my GYN about the biohormones you mentioned.
MonicaFaye, I'm glad to know that going back on HRT was a positive experience for you so quickly. I really appreciate the comments. Hope to hear more from others. Enjoy the day!
Byrd

katidid95 · 04-23-2006, 02:56 PM

Yes, my mother was told that her breast cancer was directly related to taking estrogen. She can NEVER take it again. I was also talking to a new Gyn a couple of years ago and while going over my chart, she asked about my mother's breast cancer and if was related to HRT. I said that I was pretty sure it was. She asked me if she took the drug Tomoxafin (sp?) during her treatment and I said "yes". She said that indicated that it was HRT related. She took estrogen for many years, as I mentioned, because she had a hysterectomy at such a young age. Not trying to scare you off. Maybe your risks will be less for short term use.