I'm 51 and currently on BC. It's working for me.

I've learned a lot from the Menopause Subreddit, I'd suggest reading and even posting there if you want. Very helpful advice and supportive posters.

You can safely have Hrt even if high risk for breast cancer. You can safely have it after you’ve finished breast cancer treatment yourself.

Anonymous wrote:There are lots of lower-risk HRT options. I'm on:

1. progesterone capsules
2. estrogen suppository for dryness
3. estrogen patch (much less risky than pill according to my doctor)
4. testosterone cream

To answer your question, OP, yes, in your shoes I'd be banging down the doctor's door. Women are socialized to suffer and the medical profession as a whole has ignored us for far too long, but thankfully that's changing.

Two books you might consider reading are The Menopause Manifesto and Hot and Bothered.

Keep in mind that there's more than one type of HRT and you should find a doctor who's willing to test your hormones, listen to your symptoms, and prescribe as appropriate.

What is the testosterone cream for?

There are lots of lower-risk HRT options. I'm on:

1. progesterone capsules
2. estrogen suppository for dryness
3. estrogen patch (much less risky than pill according to my doctor)
4. testosterone cream

To answer your question, OP, yes, in your shoes I'd be banging down the doctor's door. Women are socialized to suffer and the medical profession as a whole has ignored us for far too long, but thankfully that's changing.

Two books you might consider reading are The Menopause Manifesto and Hot and Bothered.

Keep in mind that there's more than one type of HRT and you should find a doctor who's willing to test your hormones, listen to your symptoms, and prescribe as appropriate.

Anonymous wrote:I feel like I’ve been dealing with perimenopause for almost a decade (I’m 48). Symptoms come and go — dryness, hot flash/night sweats, sleep trouble, mood changes etc. How bad does it have to be to take HRT? Its just occurring to me that, as women, we are conditioned to put up with a lot (PMS, childbirth pain, menopause discomfort) and not complain. Should I ask to try it?

I had my last period in January and then started getting hot flashes in April-ish. I started HRT two weeks ago.

I don't really see any reason to wait if you are having all those issues.

Keep in mind PP that the HRT given in the large study was a higher dose than what is given now

Anonymous wrote:Can’t take if family history of breast cancer right?

Ask your doctor.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046372

What are the risks of hormone therapy?

In the largest clinical trial to date, hormone replacement therapy that consisted of an estrogen-progestin pill (Prempro) increased the risk of certain serious conditions, including:

Heart disease
Stroke
Blood clots
Breast cancer
Subsequent studies have suggested that these risks vary depending on:

Age.
Women who begin hormone therapy at age 60 or older or more than 10 years from the onset of menopause are at greater risk of the above conditions. But if hormone therapy is started before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks.

Type of hormone therapy.
The risks of hormone therapy vary depending on whether estrogen is given alone or with progestin, and on the dose and type of estrogen.

Health history.
Your family history and your personal medical history and risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, liver disease and osteoporosis are important factors in determining whether hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for you.

All of these risks should be considered by you and your doctor when deciding whether hormone therapy might be an option for you.

Can’t take if family history of breast cancer right?

At 48, your doc my put you on low dose BC as a form of HRT. This is covered by insurance thanks to the affrodable care ack (thanks Obama)!

I just had a conversation about this with my GYN. She said "By the time most women come to me to ask about HRT, I know they have suffered in silence for far too long."

That was me. I had insomnia, mood swings, hair loss, UTIs, and only a few hot flashes. The mood swings are what made me finally seek help.

Make that appointment, OP.

Anonymous wrote:I am always for taking whatever pill makes my life easier! In general

This is a great approach. I’m on board!!

You deserve to feel well. You can take HRT safely for your entire life if you like.

Right, I agree. I feel the same. Thx PP

I am always for taking whatever pill makes my life easier! In general

I feel like I’ve been dealing with perimenopause for almost a decade (I’m 48). Symptoms come and go — dryness, hot flash/night sweats, sleep trouble, mood changes etc. How bad does it have to be to take HRT? Its just occurring to me that, as women, we are conditioned to put up with a lot (PMS, childbirth pain, menopause discomfort) and not complain. Should I ask to try it?