I don't know why any woman going through the menopause would refuse to take HRT, it's a no-brainer. Yes, there's a very slight increased chance of breast cancer but so what, you'll be monitored and treated if you're one of the unlucky ones. I've been using a small dose for a non-menopausal condition for about four years with no side effects. I have regular bone scans for osteoporosis.
My wife tried HRT and felt absolutely awful all the time she was taking it. Went back to the GP practice, saw a different doctor who said if it was making her feel bad stop taking it. Fortunately she didn't suffer badly from hot sweats etc, although she is now, as am I.
I don't know why any woman going through the menopause would refuse to take HRT, it's a no-brainer. Yes, there's a very slight increased chance of breast cancer but so what, you'll be monitored and treated if you're one of the unlucky ones. I've been using a small dose for a non-menopausal condition for about four years with no side effects. I have regular bone scans for osteoporosis.
I have a brain, and I used it to follow the advice that avoiding HRT would be sensible due to my genetic heightened stroke risk.
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
I've not heard of the gel but I'm going to ask doctor about it if I'm ever allowed to see the again but the power cooling mats really do make a difference for me, I hope they help anyone going through the flushes as it's so draining!
It's only been a few months for me so far, so I haven't got around to trying to get a GP appointment to talk about HRT. I don't think I have any particular risk factors so they should let me try it if I want to. Thing is, I could do without monthly bleeds (sorry if that's TMI) which if I understand rightly, you have to have if you haven't had a hysterectomy. But maybe I've got that wrong. I'll be giving it some thought though. In the meantime, I'll be giving the cooling mats a try - delivery due soon!
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
I've always used the pill top stop bleeds, decided to come off the pill when I started getting flushes. This was 3 years ago, think I took the pill so long the monthly pain in the bum didn't return. Haven't tried anything yet other than toughing it out!
Some say that certain SSRIs can be very helpful with menopause symtoms. 30% of SSRI use is off-label (ie, not prescribed for anything to do with depression). That is partly why UK prescription levels of them is so high. They can act to moderate blood flow and as a muscle relaxant in some circs.
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My wife tried HRT and felt absolutely awful all the time she was taking it. Went back to the GP practice, saw a different doctor who said if it was making her feel bad stop taking it. Fortunately she didn't suffer badly from hot sweats etc, although she is now, as am I.
I have a brain, and I used it to follow the advice that avoiding HRT would be sensible due to my genetic heightened stroke risk.