I think the key is that the increased risk of cancer compounds the longer you take it, so many doctors will prefer you to wait or take BC through peri, and then start you on HRT after 50, or when you are in full meno, to reduce the number of lifetime years taking HRT. No one is denying that it increases the risk of cancer, but the increase in risk if taken for less than 5 years is only something like 0.5% (it's in the Times article) but does start to creep up there percentage wise if you take it for longer.

IMO as someone who had hormone receptive cancer, i think what likely happens is if you have a precancerous lesion or proclivity, or a stage 0 cancer, you will see HRT accelerate the progression of that cancer. That's what happened to me with my cancer and IVF/ pregnancy.

Anonymous wrote:I have been remarkably fortunate to experience almost no unpleasant side effects from menopause. Is there still a reason to take hrt for me? (And no I’ve never done yoga!)

well some believe it is protective against osteoperosis and dementia.
which is why it is SO FRUSTRATING that there is no consensus.
I don't love the 'just go find another doctor' advice. Either there is broad consensus where cancer is concerned or it makes me uncomfortable. it's shameful that they haven't invested in more studies on this.

Anonymous wrote:No drug is a magic potion.

Grow up.

It takes decades to get cancer, so your friends would not be showing signs yet, of course.
And, I hate to tell you but you and they will grow old. It is inevitable (unless you die).

So be clear eyed about things.

ah, the old 'grow up' command, that never alienates anyone, or makes the person saying it sound like an a**hole, and is highly convincing and persuasive.

Anonymous wrote:Wait, are you saying EVERY woman going thru menopause should be taking hormones?

No. It’s only if symptoms are causing a lot of problems.

Anonymous wrote:I'm 39, and after several years of what, in hindsight, was probably perimenopause (periods of decreasing frequency, DOR/secondary infertility) I am now approaching the full year mark without a period. My gyn didn't mention HRT, but I'm wondering if I need to address it at my upcoming annual. Other than the amenorrhea, I can't say I have any real symptoms, so not sure if it's indicated or not?

Yes, that’s premature menopause and HRT is the standard for that - for preventing health problems like osteoporosis (because average age of menopause is 51). You can look it up on any health website.

Anonymous wrote:I have been remarkably fortunate to experience almost no unpleasant side effects from menopause. Is there still a reason to take hrt for me? (And no I’ve never done yoga!)

No

I’m taking HRT and feeling great. It has solved my hot flash and lack of sleep problems but I’m 53 and my last period was September 2022, so YMMV.

I have been remarkably fortunate to experience almost no unpleasant side effects from menopause. Is there still a reason to take hrt for me? (And no I’ve never done yoga!)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I tried it initially a few years back and it made me very short-tempered and target - kinda like taking prednisone. Roid rage. I have pretty bad symptoms. Maybe I should try again? I’m only 48 and have been in full menopause for 5 years.

You get “roid rage” from anabolic steroids, which is totally different than prednisone. This post demonstrates how little people know about medicine. The views posted here on HRT and the above are ignorant. Embarrassingly so!

I’m not saying it was roid rage. I’m saying it felt like they. Calling someone ignorant for attempting to describe the sensation of being on HRT is not helpful in guiding more women to effective treatment.

Wait, are you saying EVERY woman going thru menopause should be taking hormones?

Anonymous wrote:I'm 39, and after several years of what, in hindsight, was probably perimenopause (periods of decreasing frequency, DOR/secondary infertility) I am now approaching the full year mark without a period. My gyn didn't mention HRT, but I'm wondering if I need to address it at my upcoming annual. Other than the amenorrhea, I can't say I have any real symptoms, so not sure if it's indicated or not?

That's young.

Anonymous wrote:I tried it initially a few years back and it made me very short-tempered and target - kinda like taking prednisone. Roid rage. I have pretty bad symptoms. Maybe I should try again? I’m only 48 and have been in full menopause for 5 years.

You get “roid rage” from anabolic steroids, which is totally different than prednisone. This post demonstrates how little people know about medicine. The views posted here on HRT and the above are ignorant. Embarrassingly so!

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The ignorant AF just-do-yoga poster has entered the chat.

I was thinking the same thing.

I'm 39, and after several years of what, in hindsight, was probably perimenopause (periods of decreasing frequency, DOR/secondary infertility) I am now approaching the full year mark without a period. My gyn didn't mention HRT, but I'm wondering if I need to address it at my upcoming annual. Other than the amenorrhea, I can't say I have any real symptoms, so not sure if it's indicated or not?

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.

I think yoga is not responsive to the issues. Also, who doesn’t work?

-15-year Iyengar practitioner