Why I started HRT at 69

Yes, you read that correctly. I started HRT: Hormone Replacement Therapy over a month ago. At 69, my lack of oestrogen has affected my bones, my hair, my memory, my vagina and my sleep.

MENOPAUSE

I had an ok menopause. You can read the post HERE. I found Phyto Soya excellent in eliminating hot flushes and I felt I got through it pretty well. At the time, there was a scare about HRT causing Breast Cancer; this has since been disproven. But I certainly did not think that I would be starting HRT 19 years later.

As I approach 70 (in December), I am focusing on my health. I feel pretty fit, have good energy, certainly enough to chase after my grandchildren, though I cannot catch the older three boys any more. But a few issues in the last few years has been worrying me. They have come to a head in the past year.

OSTEOPOROSIS DIAGNOSIS

I have written about my osteopenia 10 years ago and again five years ago and how I have been taking Vitamin D, getting calcium from my diet and exercising to help keep it from getting worse. My recent DEXA scan showed osteoporosis in one area of my spine (L2.)

When my doctor wanted to put me on medication, I resisted. Some people have no option, but I wanted to see if I could stop it getting worse through other means. I will do a longer post in the future about this.

One of the main contributors to osteoporosis is Menopause. Yes, the loss in oestrogen is the main reason and HRT is very important for preventing osteoporosis.

BALDNESS

I am not being melodramatic. Yes, I have lost a huge amount of hair at the front of my head and sides.

My daughter Courtney noticed it last summer and brought it to my attention. Because I was preoccupied with other stuff, I had barely noticed it. Also, I have a fringe and a good thick head of hair normally.  So then, of course, I started taking specific hair supplements and bought shampoo and conditioners to help with thinning hair. However, it got worse and I seemed to be clearing large clumps on a daily basis from my brush. I hide it quite successfully with my fringe.

Eventually, I went to my doctor and she recommended I see a dermatologist for what she suspects is Female Pattern Baldness. But the earliest appointment was nine months away. Luckily, I was already seeing Aisling Cleary at the Laser and Skin Clinic for some skin treatments and she is now treating me with PRP injections. Now that is another post, as it is a long process.

My doctor had ruled out thyroid issues, iron deficiency etc. so that left genetics and changes in androgen levels following menopause when oestrogen drops. Of course, stress plays a part and I am a woman so I would say that I have low-level anxiety at all times.

MEMORY PROBLEMS

This probably started being a problem about twenty years ago and it has certainly not improved.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

For the past number of years, I have been following several menopause specialists. I even attended some menopause events, so I consider myself pretty well informed. But I did not think that HRT was an option for me, a woman approaching 70. But the more experts I followed the more I realised that it was definitely viable.

You could start with Dr Louise Newson, a physician and menopause specialist. You can find her HERE. That will also bring you to her podcast where she interviews other experts. And just today she has a podcast on HRT and older women. Follow her @menopause-doctor on instagram. Dr Newson also has a book ‘The Power of Hormones’ out the end of May, which I will definitely be purchasing.

LOCALISED OESTROGEN

I have been using VAGIFEM, a localised oestrogen for the vagina, for about eight years. If you have not heard of it, ask your doctor. It has been invaluable, helping hugely with dryness and irritation. Plus it helps prevent UTIs. I recommend that every woman in menopause consider using it or something similar.

MY DOCTOR

So I went to my doctor armed with all my evidence and found her very receptive to the idea and impressed that I had done all this research.  As I said, the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative Study hugely overstated the risks of breast cancer and blood clots. Also the body identical hormones that you are offered now are so much better. She put me on the lowest dose of oestrogen (Oestrogel) and progesterone (Utrogestan) and we will review it in six months. If you have a womb, you need to be on progesterone also.

SO FAR

My sleep has improved quite a bit.

And I think I am calmer and less of a worrywort.

That is probably the progesterone, I am told.

I will have another Dexa Scan in 12/18 months and I will be happy if my osteoporosis has not got any worse. Of course, I am changing my exercise regime also. So another post soon on that.

As for the hair loss, that is as they say a slow-burner : I see a few random hairs appearing after 3 treatments, a month apart. But hopefully, if I can stay on HRT, there will be long-term benefits there.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

I have always been an over-sharer and I have always initiated conversations about women’s issues with my friends and acquaintances. Check out Bras off and Breathe podcast by Lisa Lawless where Susan Doorley and I discuss MENOPAUSE with Lisa.

Very few people talk about how lack of oestrogen affects women as we grow older. It affects our bones, our hair, our skin. It also affects our vaginas and vulvas.  UTIs and cystitis are the bane of many women post-menopause.

MAYBE women are not expected to have sex lives or any type of intimacy after 50.

Of course, other hormones such as progesterone and testosterone are also relevant.

We need to have all the information so we can make informed choices. You can follow me on instagram and FB at overthehilda, where I will be chatting more about this in the future.

Thank you for reading. If you know somebody whom you feel will benefit from reading this. Please share.

Love Hilda x