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What Are The Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Question: This website-the doctors-have been very helpful in clarifying my doubts about my ongoing care. In this discussion a point arose so I hope its OK to ask about taking HRT. I am going to be 59 this month so want to know if I am too old to take HRT. I never recieved medical advice about it, for or against, and was able for 2 years to get it would a doctors prescription. I guess I cant say for sure HRT helps me or it does not. Can I ask for a qualified opinion from someone who knows? I hope they dont mind my askingSorry as I did not want to choose a specialty, but leave it general,but it forces a choice. I dont know if ob/gyn are the correct specialty about HRT.I hope they dont mind my using this website, as I have not had any advice locally, XXXXXXX Sorry I had seen a gynae some years ago and did not find her helpful re HRT. I decided they were mostly interested in babies
Brief Answer:
HRT and effects at this age.
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your questions.
You are 59 years of age and would like to know about HRT.
Over the years, HRT has helped millions of women in reducing hot flushes and other menopausal problems. However, it has some adverse effects which are more over the ages above 59 years. The main concerns are that of
1) Stroke,
2) Deep vein thrombosis.
3) Pulmonary embolism.
4)Endocmetrial cancer.
5) Breast cancer.
***************************
I would like to know few things related to your medical history.
a) Have you ever had HRT?
b) Please describe your medical history: Diabetes/Hypertension or any blood clots/cancers/pre cancerous lesions ?
c) Any family history of stroke, blood clots?
d) When did you have your last mammogram and Pap smear.
e) Do you have any symptoms now like, hot flushes, low bone mass, vaginal dryness, mood swings etc?
*************************************************
Meanwhile, i would like to metion about role of "phytoestrogens" and Evening prim XXXXXXX oil in reducing symptoms in post menopausal women.
regards
Binu
HRT and effects at this age.
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your questions.
You are 59 years of age and would like to know about HRT.
Over the years, HRT has helped millions of women in reducing hot flushes and other menopausal problems. However, it has some adverse effects which are more over the ages above 59 years. The main concerns are that of
1) Stroke,
2) Deep vein thrombosis.
3) Pulmonary embolism.
4)Endocmetrial cancer.
5) Breast cancer.
***************************
I would like to know few things related to your medical history.
a) Have you ever had HRT?
b) Please describe your medical history: Diabetes/Hypertension or any blood clots/cancers/pre cancerous lesions ?
c) Any family history of stroke, blood clots?
d) When did you have your last mammogram and Pap smear.
e) Do you have any symptoms now like, hot flushes, low bone mass, vaginal dryness, mood swings etc?
*************************************************
Meanwhile, i would like to metion about role of "phytoestrogens" and Evening prim XXXXXXX oil in reducing symptoms in post menopausal women.
regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I would like to know few things related to your medical history.
a) Have you ever had HRT?
My date of birth is 28 august 1958. My periods
stopped in August 2008, after many months heavy bleeding, for which thry did a DNC and removed growths that were found benign. I have been on HRT
for most of the time, since 2012. Initially was prescribed Elleste Duet
and got it for 2+ years from a pharmacy myself. After I break I asked for
HRT again, and was (different doctor) given Femoston Conti. I don't know the dosages, but think, in each case, was given the lower dose
b) Please describe your medical history: Diabetes/Hypertension or any blood clots/cancers/pre cancerous lesions ?
Most in my family have diabetes, and have always tested negative.
However I was diagnosed with focal neuropathy of my arms and shoulders
a while ago, and don't know what you think of that. I mean those problems are not there now. I don't think I have proper nerve reflexes and an insect bite my leg became a chronic numbing of that side of my leg with itching and pain without any reason. I was told its nerve damage due to aging-the bites are of bedbugs 2 years ago.
Well my grandfather was alleged to have been a diabetic with no symptoms,
which of course would not have come to light if he did not have any
at some point. Could I be the same way?
Only slight hypertension I think but that is recent
as my BP has always been excellent till now. Now I think the higher one ranges from 140-150 most of the time.
c) Any family history of stroke, blood clots?
One or two died of stroke but not immediate family, who have only
had diabetes and heart disease-my parents, grandparents. One grandfather had Parkinsons, no other illness. Both my parents are 84 alive and well-maybe not well- and they have each had a triple bypass
d) When did you have your last mammogram and Pap smear.
mammogram in 2016 and pap smear in 2013
e) Do you have any symptoms now like, hot flushes, low bone mass, vaginal dryness, mood swings etc?
I never had hot flashes or mood swings. I have not had my bone mass tested. I have very bad vaginal dryness.
Brief Answer:
Thank you for the reply.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply. Since you do not have hot flushes or mood swings, HRT is not greatly indicated. For vaginal dryness, you may use Estrogen vaginal cream weekly once or twice ( and a lubricating gel like KY Jelly during intimate relationship).
In addition to this, please get a Pap smear done before considering Estrogen vaginal cream.
You may also explore regarding " Phytoestrogens" which are natural sources of estrogens. I routinely prescribe Evening prim XXXXXXX oil for my patients which may also offer some help.
In a nut shell, at you age, with out solid indications and lack of distressing symptoms, it is better to avoid HRT.
Thank you for the reply.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply. Since you do not have hot flushes or mood swings, HRT is not greatly indicated. For vaginal dryness, you may use Estrogen vaginal cream weekly once or twice ( and a lubricating gel like KY Jelly during intimate relationship).
In addition to this, please get a Pap smear done before considering Estrogen vaginal cream.
You may also explore regarding " Phytoestrogens" which are natural sources of estrogens. I routinely prescribe Evening prim XXXXXXX oil for my patients which may also offer some help.
In a nut shell, at you age, with out solid indications and lack of distressing symptoms, it is better to avoid HRT.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Actually my dryness is severe and I have not had intimate relationship and have some atrophy. I tried inserts but they ones in the shop were too wide. Is there any known treatment for low libido? Do you give testosterone to women? heard some take it in the USA but heard it might make women grow hair on face and body. What about progesterone? Can it help get libido? Is evening primrose oil a liquid or pill to swallow? thanks, please keep confidential
Brief Answer:
DHEA and Evening prim XXXXXXX oil.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As I mentioned earlier, estrogen vaginal cream is good to restore the moisture in vagina and it improves atrophy.
Before that, meet your GP to do a pap smear.
Progesterone will not help with Libido. You need androgens to improve libido. Testosterone in a low dose is used in women with low libido. In this small dose, you will not develop hair in face or body. Other alternative is DHEA. DHEA is available in most shops/supermarkets as an over the counter medicine ( Including GNC DHEA). You may try using it at the dose of DHEA 50 mg once daily. If it doesn't improve libido after a month, meet a local endocrinologist who will advice further regarding Testosterone treatment.
Evening Primrose oil is a capsule which is 1000 mg once a day. It is also a dietary supplement.
For patients with post menopausal vaginal dryness and low libido, I have seen good results in my patients with a combination of Estrogen vaginal cream two to three times a week, Vaginal lubricating jelly before intercourse ,DHEA 50 mg daily and Evening Prim XXXXXXX oil 1000 mg capsule daily.
Yes, you are dealing with trained doctors and professionalism and confidentiality is guaranteed from my end.
DHEA and Evening prim XXXXXXX oil.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As I mentioned earlier, estrogen vaginal cream is good to restore the moisture in vagina and it improves atrophy.
Before that, meet your GP to do a pap smear.
Progesterone will not help with Libido. You need androgens to improve libido. Testosterone in a low dose is used in women with low libido. In this small dose, you will not develop hair in face or body. Other alternative is DHEA. DHEA is available in most shops/supermarkets as an over the counter medicine ( Including GNC DHEA). You may try using it at the dose of DHEA 50 mg once daily. If it doesn't improve libido after a month, meet a local endocrinologist who will advice further regarding Testosterone treatment.
Evening Primrose oil is a capsule which is 1000 mg once a day. It is also a dietary supplement.
For patients with post menopausal vaginal dryness and low libido, I have seen good results in my patients with a combination of Estrogen vaginal cream two to three times a week, Vaginal lubricating jelly before intercourse ,DHEA 50 mg daily and Evening Prim XXXXXXX oil 1000 mg capsule daily.
Yes, you are dealing with trained doctors and professionalism and confidentiality is guaranteed from my end.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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