Topic: Anyone stopped taking HRT post op?

[big kim]

I'm 65, been taking HRT since 1990, post op 1994. I'm concerned about the  risks of long term HRT  has anyone post op, especially in 60+ age group stopped taking it? I stopped for around 18 months to lose weight as I was very overweight. I had some breast shrinkage but felt OK. I started again when I dropped weight as I had some hair thinning, it's since got worse since I started HRT
What effects did it have ceasing HRT?
Is it recommended?

[sandrauk]

I'm 71, pre-op, been on and off HRT since 1985 . I stopped for about 15 years only because Premarin wasn't working to feminise me.

I've been back on full HRT for the last 11 years.

The way I see it, not a doctor, any medication has good and bad effects and I feel the good effects far outweigh the bad.

I am still in touch with the lads I joined the RAF with as a teenager, all with very similar life experiences (except they're not on HRT) and comparatively speaking they are not doing well.

My wife takes HRT as well and will do for the rest of her life. The difference it made in days was astounding. Took me a long time to convince her to because of all the scare stories.

When I told my doctor what I was doing, straight away he defaulted to saying there were risks. After 15 minutes of discussion, it turned out he had no knowledge of the research, and I'm pretty sure I became the topic of conversation (education?) on their tea break, I've since found that that none of the doctors had good knowledge, but then I think they use that as an excuse to discriminate against us.

Also HRT and weight gain do not have to go together. I lost three stone in the second year of lockdown. Exercise and smaller portions always works.

[Devlyn]

I asked my doctor if I should be reducing my HRT to normal old lady levels after it had done its magic. I told her I didn't like the idea of being a 60 year old woman with the emotional range of a 14 year old girl. She said "Good question, Dev. There isn't much research about it."

I have reduced the dosage, because my body is no longer changing, and I do try to keep the amount of chemicals going into my body to a minimum.

[big kim]

Thanks Sandra & Devlyn.

[Allie Jayne]

I'm 69, and believe my hormone related transition has slowed to the point where I can start to reduce my hormone intake. There are risks with any drugs, but it's important to note that the risks often quoted for MTF hormones originate from the old Women's Health Initiative study, which was based on Premarin and medroxyprogesterone, both synthetic hormones with relatively higher risk profiles. Doctors familiar with more modern studies based on bioidentical hormones realise the risks are much lower, and are more comfortable maintaining menopausal levels post transition.

Please consider that if the source of natural hormone production has been removed, or made inoperative, it is important to maintain some hormones to regulate body functions, particularly bone density. Also, hormones do have an impact on the rate of ageing, so if you have none, you will age more quickly. So you need to find the balance between risk and advantages, and my doctor is happy for me to work towards E levels just under 200pg/ml for the rest of my life. Ultimately we need to decide between risk and reward with input from our doctors.

Hugs,

Allie 

[big kim]

Thanks Allie Jayne I took Premarin from 1990 (self medicated for 20 months before going full time) & switched to Zumenon a few years ago.

[Oldandcreaky]

I didn't take it for about 20 years because my estrogen was in the low normal range without it. However, I started taking it again last year because my bone density tested low. If I have to choose between cancer and osteoporosis, I chance cancer.

[Devlyn]

Here's a discussion I started a few years back: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,225720.0.html

[AnonyMs]

A risk of stopping estrogen is osteoporosis and it’s very dangerous when your older. Personally I’m never going to stop.

[Rakel]

I have my estrogen blood levels checked quite often and the results determine if I am to stay on Estradiol or not.

Ovaries are not the only source of estrogens. Fat tissue can produce measurable levels of estrogens, especially after menopause. Also, do not forget that many foods, such as soy products, flaxseeds and similar foods, have a significant amount of estrogens in them.

There are health benefits of having estrogens in our bodies and there are health risks as well. Know what the risks are and make your own decision.