Anonymous wrote:Is there a down side to taking HRT?

Cancer

Anonymous wrote:I was a hold out, but painful intercourse was the line in the sand.

Systemic HRT or vaginal inserts?

I use the inserts and that helps greatly. Also prevents ice for UTIs.

Anonymous wrote:I'm very confused about this, too, OP. I'm only 41 but my periods stopped by the time I was 37/38. Other than the cessation of menstruation, I have no specific symptoms of menopause. When I asked my gyn if I should consider HRT, she gave me a very ambiguous answer that didn't help push me in either direction. So, at this point, I'm not taking it but just by default, I guess.

38 is very young to go into menopause in a long time to live without hormones. Do you know the reason you went into early menopause? I am a fan of HRT in general, but I agree it’s not for everyone. However, my understanding is that it has always been standard practice to give hormones to women like you up until you reach a more natural menopause at least. Consider it.

I'm very confused about this, too, OP. I'm only 41 but my periods stopped by the time I was 37/38. Other than the cessation of menstruation, I have no specific symptoms of menopause. When I asked my gyn if I should consider HRT, she gave me a very ambiguous answer that didn't help push me in either direction. So, at this point, I'm not taking it but just by default, I guess.

Do you have a sexual partner?

I was a hold out, but painful intercourse was the line in the sand.

Anonymous wrote:I would never use HRT.

You also don't believe in the vaccines, amiright?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think nature is always better, so if your body goes through menopause, without many problems, HRT might not be needed. For so long women did not take any hormones and they went through menopause.

I'm nearsighted and wear glasses, so I very much disagree that nature is always better. I also wear shoes. And am vaccinated.

Thank you!

I would never use HRT.

Anonymous wrote:I am almost 50. I have a Mirena and I am on lexapro. I feel these 2 things have kept my mood somewhat steady. I have not had PMS or a period in 10 years bc of the Mirena. I am in pretty good shape - have been doing pilates for 15 years, yoga, walks, etc. I can sleep fine. Very minor hot flashes. Sex drive is lower but whatever. I don't feel the need for HRT for physical or emotional reasons at this point.

Honestly, my main concern about peri/meno is losing my looks, hair, face, muscle tone, etc. Does HRT give any advantage in those things and does not doing it accelerate anything?

YES! When I started losing estrogen is when I felt my skin get dry and my face is just like...falling. Estrogen does help.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think nature is always better, so if your body goes through menopause, without many problems, HRT might not be needed. For so long women did not take any hormones and they went through menopause.

Tin foil hat time, I think HRT is widely used so men can control women. We are expected to be pleasant and look youthful, so HRT. I know it has genuinely helped a lot of women, and some need it medically, but my hot take is for many on HRT is it used to control us, menopause is a natural process

At my worst, I was sleeping in 30 minute chunks bc of hot flashes all night long. This went on for months. I was miserable, could barely focus. Not sure why I'd want to suffer through that if I didn't have to. Yeah, I guess my husband benefits from me being more pleasant from a good night's sleep, but I'd argue that I personally benefit even more - I deserve to have a life that is enjoyable and not merely tolerated one 30 minute chunk of sleep to another.

DP. Sure, if your life is miserable and HRT can help, it's definitely a solution. No one is saying women shouldn't have the option.

But I agree with the PP that it does seem, esp. with this increasing focus on declining fertility, increasing numbers of people not getting married or marrying much later, going after women's reproductive choices, the new FDA, etc., that it's just become another tool in the box of the manosphere. One to make women remain "feminine" for longer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think nature is always better, so if your body goes through menopause, without many problems, HRT might not be needed. For so long women did not take any hormones and they went through menopause.

Tin foil hat time, I think HRT is widely used so men can control women. We are expected to be pleasant and look youthful, so HRT. I know it has genuinely helped a lot of women, and some need it medically, but my hot take is for many on HRT is it used to control us, menopause is a natural process

At my worst, I was sleeping in 30 minute chunks bc of hot flashes all night long. This went on for months. I was miserable, could barely focus. Not sure why I'd want to suffer through that if I didn't have to. Yeah, I guess my husband benefits from me being more pleasant from a good night's sleep, but I'd argue that I personally benefit even more - I deserve to have a life that is enjoyable and not merely tolerated one 30 minute chunk of sleep to another.

Anonymous wrote:I think nature is always better, so if your body goes through menopause, without many problems, HRT might not be needed. For so long women did not take any hormones and they went through menopause.

Tin foil hat time, I think HRT is widely used so men can control women. We are expected to be pleasant and look youthful, so HRT. I know it has genuinely helped a lot of women, and some need it medically, but my hot take is for many on HRT is it used to control us, menopause is a natural process

If I hadn’t had symptoms that had gotten so life disruptive, I don’t know that I would have started the estrogen patch, especially what I now know about the patch shortages. The mental stress of constantly calling pharmacies to track down patches and the physical problems that have been caused when I was switched to a different manufacturer that was available (incl increased uterine lining that now requires ultrasounds every two months) just wouldn’t be worth it to me, if not for the fact that the patch has eliminated or reduced many of my symptoms. And even with that, I am considering just dealing with a reduced quality of life for a few years just bc this medication shortage is so frustrating and time consuming.

Anonymous wrote:I think nature is always better, so if your body goes through menopause, without many problems, HRT might not be needed. For so long women did not take any hormones and they went through menopause.

I'm nearsighted and wear glasses, so I very much disagree that nature is always better. I also wear shoes. And am vaccinated.