Do the low dose BC pills. They are free. Then find a new doctor when he starts letting you take the BC.

You really should have genetic cancer screening before going on hrt.

Which is more estrogen, a low-dose BCP or HRT? Also has anyone with a hysterectomy been told to take progesterone for any beneficial effects? (I know it is prescribed so women don't get endometrial cancer while on estrogen.)

Anonymous wrote:Most of the doctors are relying on an old poorly designed study from over 20 years ago. The more recent studies show that IF YOU START HRT BEFORE you are fully through menopause it has significant benefits in protecting your heart and brain. If you wait until you are in your 60s, it’s too late because those receptors have turned off and so your body isn’t able to make appropriate use of the hormones and the effect is negative.

I'm 14:24 above.

Regarding "starting HRT before you're fully through menopause," a respected GYN here (Bethesda) (not mine) said start it "within a few years" (I think it was 5 years) of menopause. Like I said, I was a total disaster with the periods I got -- very heavy, lasting 2 weeks. I would have about a 2-week breaks between them. I was losing my mind.

The same GYN also advocated all the health benefits of HRT, cited how the study from 20+ years ago was flawed, etc. But, according to her, you don't need to start before the 12 month point.

Previous posters are correct in that most doctors are not trained in HRT. I suggest going to a doctor who is well versed in the current literature. There are definitely risk and benefits so it’s something to consider and to discuss with your doctor.

-MD

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the doctors are relying on an old poorly designed study from over 20 years ago. The more recent studies show that IF YOU START HRT BEFORE you are fully through menopause it has significant benefits in protecting your heart and brain. If you wait until you are in your 60s, it’s too late because those receptors have turned off and so your body isn’t able to make appropriate use of the hormones and the effect is negative.

This contradicts 14:24.

From my mother's abysmal experience with HRT, I'm not touching it. Also, it doesn't make sense to me for "normal" menopause. And the constantly changing medical recommendations do not inspire me to change my mind.

+1 my mom had a horrific 18 months on hrt and died of ovarian cancer 15 years later.

My grandma died of ovarian cancer at 54 without ever going on HRT or BCP.

Your Dr is not right.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the doctors are relying on an old poorly designed study from over 20 years ago. The more recent studies show that IF YOU START HRT BEFORE you are fully through menopause it has significant benefits in protecting your heart and brain. If you wait until you are in your 60s, it’s too late because those receptors have turned off and so your body isn’t able to make appropriate use of the hormones and the effect is negative.

This contradicts 14:24.

From my mother's abysmal experience with HRT, I'm not touching it. Also, it doesn't make sense to me for "normal" menopause. And the constantly changing medical recommendations do not inspire me to change my mind.

+1 my mom had a horrific 18 months on hrt and died of ovarian cancer 15 years later.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the doctors are relying on an old poorly designed study from over 20 years ago. The more recent studies show that IF YOU START HRT BEFORE you are fully through menopause it has significant benefits in protecting your heart and brain. If you wait until you are in your 60s, it’s too late because those receptors have turned off and so your body isn’t able to make appropriate use of the hormones and the effect is negative.

This contradicts 14:24.

From my mother's abysmal experience with HRT, I'm not touching it. Also, it doesn't make sense to me for "normal" menopause. And the constantly changing medical recommendations do not inspire me to change my mind.

DP here. My doctor recently told me about the studies supporting HRT earlier rather than later and the beneficial effects. But, she threw BCP in that category, as opposed to just traditional HRT.

Anonymous wrote:I think HRT is awful. Just start doing yoga, stop eating processed junk foods and MEAT, and drink lots of water. I'm older than all my neighbors/most friends and I look better than all of them so far. Some are on HRT, some not. It really comes down to diet, stress levels, and exercise. I don't work so I am able to focus more on these things.

You forgot the biggest factor of all: genetics.

HEAR ATTACKS

I think HRT is awful. Just start doing yoga, stop eating processed junk foods and MEAT, and drink lots of water. I'm older than all my neighbors/most friends and I look better than all of them so far. Some are on HRT, some not. It really comes down to diet, stress levels, and exercise. I don't work so I am able to focus more on these things.

Anonymous wrote:Most of the doctors are relying on an old poorly designed study from over 20 years ago. The more recent studies show that IF YOU START HRT BEFORE you are fully through menopause it has significant benefits in protecting your heart and brain. If you wait until you are in your 60s, it’s too late because those receptors have turned off and so your body isn’t able to make appropriate use of the hormones and the effect is negative.

This contradicts 14:24.

From my mother's abysmal experience with HRT, I'm not touching it. Also, it doesn't make sense to me for "normal" menopause. And the constantly changing medical recommendations do not inspire me to change my mind.

Anonymous wrote:My mom had a hysterectomy mid 50s went on hormones and then had BC mid-sixties - her drs felt there was a connection but this was 20 years ago not sure if things have changed since then.

I believe things have changed.

Most of the doctors are relying on an old poorly designed study from over 20 years ago. The more recent studies show that IF YOU START HRT BEFORE you are fully through menopause it has significant benefits in protecting your heart and brain. If you wait until you are in your 60s, it’s too late because those receptors have turned off and so your body isn’t able to make appropriate use of the hormones and the effect is negative.