Do most women go on Hormone Replacement Therapy?

[Anonymous]

Whenever I read articles regarding peri menopause, there is always a discussion regarding hormone replacement therapy like it’s a pretty commonplace thing. However I’m 48 and my gynecologist has never brought up the topic to me. Is this something that gynecologists usually bring up with women at a certain point or is it something that most women need to directly ask for?

[Anonymous]

No. Very old fashioned.

[Anonymous]

Yes, of course they do.

[Anonymous]

If you are having symptoms you will need to ask about it. Most docs don’t bring it up unless a woman has significant symptoms.

[Anonymous]

I’m 49 and having hot flashes daily. I will be talking about it with my doctor. Does anyone have a website or resource to learn more about it. This is new to me but intense so I’m hopeful for some relief!

[Anonymous]

I went on HRT to deal with really tough menopausal symptoms. It was fantastic until I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years later. My doctor thinks the cancer was likely accelerated because of HRT. Not sharing to scare you but to encourage you to do your research. There are non-HRT approaches (like low dose antidepressant) to consider as well. Take good care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whenever I read articles regarding peri menopause, there is always a discussion regarding hormone replacement therapy like it’s a pretty commonplace thing. However I’m 48 and my gynecologist has never brought up the topic to me. Is this something that gynecologists usually bring up with women at a certain point or is it something that most women need to directly ask for?

Nope! It isn't done anymore ( I'm 53)

[Anonymous]

55 and I am not aware of any of my friends doing it

[Anonymous]

Not if they have a risk or history of hormone positive cancer.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm 57 and started on the HRT patch with oral progesterone about 6 months ago. It was definitely something I had to bring up with my gyn; she did not mention it to me proactively.

My menopause symptoms were never very severe, so I didn't want a heavy treatment. However, I was having enough discomfort - mood swings, brain fog, achy joints, insomnia - that I wanted to see if there was something available. I've been very happy with the patch. It's hard to describe exactly how it has helped, but all I can say is that I feel more like my old self.

I don't plan to stay on this very long - maybe a year or 18 months at the most. My gyn agrees that it is a good and safe way to move through the first couple of years of menopause, until your hormones restabilize.

[Anonymous]

Women need to be screened for stroke risk before proceeding with HRT. Many women shouldn’t receive it due to family history or other risk factors.

[Anonymous]

No, most women are not on HRT. Long term use has been proven to cause breast cancer, blood clots/MIs/strokes. If you have a hysterectomy with ovaries removed prior to menopause, then HRT may be necessary to lessen the initial shock of instant menopause, but even then it should be closely monitored by a physician. Once natural menopause would have occurred , the HRT should be tapered off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, most women are not on HRT. Long term use has been proven to cause breast cancer, blood clots/MIs/strokes. If you have a hysterectomy with ovaries removed prior to menopause, then HRT may be necessary to lessen the initial shock of instant menopause, but even then it should be closely monitored by a physician. Once natural menopause would have occurred , the HRT should be tapered off.

This is just not true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, most women are not on HRT. Long term use has been proven to cause breast cancer, blood clots/MIs/strokes. If you have a hysterectomy with ovaries removed prior to menopause, then HRT may be necessary to lessen the initial shock of instant menopause, but even then it should be closely monitored by a physician. Once natural menopause would have occurred , the HRT should be tapered off.

The research shows that hrt makes cancer that was slow growing and deadly to be found quickly and treated.

[Anonymous]

No, not anymore. We saw too many people 10-20 years ahead of us get breast cancer. Hard pass.