3 years on HRT but bad health problems...help appreciated

[Flo]

Hi all. 

It's been awhile since I've posted, but have a serious question on medical conditions/side effects of HRT.  I'm wondering if my current medical condition is exasperated or influenced by HRT or was it going to occur anyway.

I'm now at three years this month on Estrogel as prescribed by my endocrinologist (he's a great doctor), but I'm debating discontinuing HRT.  This has me in turmoil as the benefits of HRT, in my case anyway, seem to be very great.  Psychologically I should have done this years ago as I consider it a life saver...

My main concerns are with some physical problems with severe disc degeneration, neurological pain and osteoarthritis to the point I am in constant pain and nearly crippled.  But after a year of research cannot find a valid medical connection to HRT (have gone through all the respected journals, publications and papers). 

But...in your opinion...is this at all related to HRT?  Or has HRT

1.) No impact or influence, or,

2.) Just caused the condition to occur more rapidly, or,

3.) Actually contributed to the condition.

Please realize I am not looking for a true "medical" opinion as I know better.  My docotrs know I'm on HRT. But if any of you have experienced the same sort of things I would greatly appreciate your opinion on the matter.

Will stopping HRT diminish this progression?

Much thanks...

Flo

[Bird]

I don't know for a fact if it will help, but I don't think it will. First of all, you could possibly have dysphoria again, what will be bad. Secondly, I have never heard of HRT having a connection with those things by itself.

[sprouts]

For starters, I think I'd look at your family's medical history.  Also, I believe that androgen antagonists will affect cartilage density and this will be exacerbated by age.  You didn't mention your age, but obviously bone density might also be something to look at.  I'm not certain but I don't think that HRT will trigger neuropathy.

Of course, you should definitely run this by your PCP and your endo.  Is the disc degeneration a diagnosis or speculation?

Feeling a little scatterbrained, but I hope some of that helps.

[Flo]

Thanks all,

I've had 2 MRI's in the last 4 months, one just last month on the neck/shoulder area and 2 discs are severely degenrated, 1 moderated.

Lower back is the same with one bulging and one "supranated" (if I got that right that) is pushing against the spine.

I don't think HRT has been a negative effect...hopefully... but will follow up on what you said about bone densitiy and anti-androgens.  These problems did start about the same time I went on the Estrogel, but my endo says this is one of the safest ways to go.

Prior to HRT I was a vodka martini nightmare with death wish...if you know what I mean.

What worries me is the speed with which this progressing.  Plus Canadian health care is a bit slow.

I'm ancient by the way...55 in a month.  Oil of Olay and Chanel must love me though. Always keep your old wrinkles moisturized!

Flo