An endocrinologist is likely completely covered by your insurance, so that’s a huge bonus. Longevity clinic treats anyone, however, I’d suspect that almost all of their clients are post menopausal or older men. I would say, listen to the show for a bit (and I’m sure they have archived shows, see what you think. Also, they have seminars (but ignore the chest beating, good grief!), Dr. Mixon, stop it! 
2 Likes
This is what my PCP (a woman, my age) told me as well. She also mentioned that their practice is seeing an increase of hormone-driven breast cancer. I am the ONLY one among my group of 13 friends, who is not on HRT. Whenever we talk about it, they always are in disbelief that I am not on it.
I have very few symptoms. I normally run a bit hot and once in a blue moon have a mild hot flash. I don’t have brain fog. I have bone density scans every year, and all looks good there (although I am concerned about potential bone loss as I get older - I am 58). I do a calcium/D supplement. No breast cancer (or any cancer) in my family. Nonetheless, I have an appointment in December with a doctor from my practice who specializes in menopause so I can have some tests and get another point of view.
My BFF is on HRT and says it changed her life. She was in a terrible brain fog and felt almost depressed. Within a few weeks of being on it, she was a whole new woman. She swears by it and calls any claims of the increased BC risk, B.S.
I don’t want to just go on it to be on it or because all my friends are on it.
4 Likes
I had an easy menopause but have been on HRT for about six years after my doc suggested it. I think when I went in for my annual exam that time, I said I was having more trouble staying asleep. After I started, my sleep was better. Now I think my skin is also better, sex is easier, and no UTIs. (I did not have many UTIs before, but now I have none. Everything is “juicier” down there.)
2 Likes
I must be an outlier. Menopause/post-menopause have been the best years of my adult life. I honestly entered a better phase of life after I hit menopause.
Yes, my bone density is not what it once was … but my mom was on HRT and osteoporosis meds, and she still had osteoporosis that was worse than what I have. I never once considered HRT, and I wouldn’t start now, after 65.
Like every other health decision, we have to look at all of the options and make a determination of what we think is best for ourselves. And like anything else in life, there are no guarantees … we just do the best we can with the information we have.
6 Likes
I’m guessing that your friend group consists of highly educated ladies who have the interest and the means to pursue this. Am I correct? 
Plenty of women have either never heard HRT was a benefit, put off by their doctors and the previous studies, and it’s not until they start talking to women who have been using them do they start to consider it.
I’d tell you to seriously look into it not because your friends are doing it (but if you respect their opinion, that’s something to consider), but because of future benefits and the fact that it’s recommended to start at younger ages. You may be fine now, but consider these benefits, not even considering lowering cancer risk:
Estrogen: Helps osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, cognitive function, depression, fatigue, nervousness, thinning skin, hair loss, cholesterol.
Progesterone: Helps fatigue and enhances sleep, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, anxiety, reduces wrinkles and decreases facial hair. For men, can reduce prostate enlargement.
Testosterone: Improves mood and feeling of well being, decreases fatigue and enhances libido, prevents anemia, increases muscle mass, strengthens bones, improves blood sugar, lowers risk of heart attack and stroke.
These are all important benefits. You may feel just fine today, but what about tomorrow?
3 Likes
Such great info! I have a bone scan coming up and have a talk with my doctor. I’m 65. Thank you all!
2 Likes
I thought 65 was too old to start HRT. Do doctors vary on this?
Separately, I wonder if women with partners are more likely to do HRT.
I was maybe thinking that’s the case, too n
I am curious if the age recommendation just had to do with estrogen, and not testosterone and progesterone.
i haven’t read about testosterone use for HRT. I looked it up and it is helpful for low libido. Just noting here that hormonal breast cancers can also be fed by progesterone. Mine was highly responsive to both ER and PR.
1 Like
Certainly the incidence of beast cancer which is NOT hereditary would be much lower than that. But, to the point of weighing risk versus benefit, 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with heart disease which is the number one killer of women. 1 in 5 will develop osteoporosis and 1 in 9 will develop dementia. For women with a lower risk of developing breast cancer, HRT can be a reasonable strategy (imo) to reduce their chances of being diagnosed with conditions for which they are at even greater risk.
I am not trying to talk anyone into anything. Just trying to shed some light on the considerations that go into making an informed decision. Obviously, whether or not to use HRT is a serious decision and women are entitled to better research than we have, so that the decision feels less like rolling the dice.
2 Likes
If you look at this list (and I’m sure you can find others), testosterone is helpful for older women for far more than just libido. Libido is the least important issue for me:
“Testosterone: Improves mood and feeling of well being, decreases fatigue and enhances libido, prevents anemia, increases muscle mass, strengthens bones, improves blood sugar, lowers risk of heart attack and stroke.”
1 Like
It’s important to know that the estrogen must be taken with progesterone. The testosterone is optional and something to discuss individually with your doctor. The estradiol cream can be used individually and is used, shall we diplomatically say, internally, to prevent UTIs, etc., but the oral or estrogen patch has to be taken with progesterone. Unchallenged estrogen (meaning taking that estrogen without progesterone) may increase a risk of cancer. Maybe this has changed, but that was my understanding last I heard.
2 Likes
Has anyone taken HRT who had a terrible time with hormonal birth control? I had a horrible 5 years on the Mirena IUD - my doctor said I was probably sensitive to the progesterone.
June-July I started having my first bouts with hot flashes and insomnia. But then I cut out almost all caffeinated drinks and started using melatonin some and those seem to have gone away - though it also did get cooler so that could have helped too.
I do worry about bone loss some, and am intrigued with the estrogen benefits, but thus far any menopausal symptoms I’ve had are a cake walk compared to the years on the Mirena. Not just the awful physical issues, but also mental. I felt like I was going crazy and it was all I could do to keep my temper down and not snap.
2 Likes
Also on testosterone, estrodial, progesterone, DHEA, vitamin d + multiple other supplements.
Also see a menopause doctor. I choose to have the T & E delivered thru a cream applied via leg or arm. I like that type of control.
Didn’t have most of the usual menopause symptom - but very happy with the sharper cognition and energy…
2 Likes
From the Breast Cancer Research Foundation:
About five to 10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary. However, genetic factors may account for 25 percent of breast cancers in women under age 30.
So not sure anyone can be sure they are low risk. I thought I was.
Just a reminder of my original post’s conclusion:
I am grateful I never did HRT. I would be regretting and blaming myself for my cancer. My menopause symptoms weren’t terrible so I am not advising anyone here on what to do in this complicated situation, for those with awful menopausal symptoms. I saw hot flashes as “power surges”! I know that some really suffer.
Withdrawing at this point since there seems to be a debate going on that I did not intend.
1 Like
Yes, thank you. All of these are reasons I have made an appointment with a specialist.
2 Likes
I feel like an outlier still being on birth control pills. I’ll be 53 next month. They keep my ovarian cysts under control, so 
. My pcp said I could try going off them whenever I want to see what happens, but I don’t want the uncertainty of not knowing when my cycle might start during the school year. I told her I’d try it next summer.
2 Likes
I think I stayed on birth control pills till about age 55. You’re probably an outlier here because you’re young.
3 Likes
Only 5%-10% cases of breast cancers are hereditary.