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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    After 15 years I stopped HRT in 2013 at age 65. Can I start again now?

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    Menopause Women's Health
    I'm a very healthy 66 year old who exercises well, follows a good diet and has regular medical checks. I gradually stopped my HRT in 2013, stopping completely in October. Since then I have noticed deterioration in my strength, skin appearance and brainpower. I have never had significant hot flushes or other common menopause symptoms. Could these symptoms be due to stopping my HRT? Could I start it again after the 7 month gap?
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    Thanks

    Dr Kevin Lee

    Endocrinologist, Nuclear Medicine Physician

    Consultant Physician in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Nuclear Medicine. I am on Twitter @dr_kevinlee. I am on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kevinleefracp/ I help patients with obesity, diabetes, thyroid, … View Profile

    Age 65 is the average age of 16,600 patients stuided in the USA as part of a trial looking at oestrogen+progesterone form of HRT called Women's Health Initiative (1). 


    In this study, women on HRT had increased risk of negative outcomes so the study was terminated early. There was increased risk of ischaemic heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, pulmonary embolism and dementia. Whilst there was reduced risk of hip fracture and colorectal cancer.

     

    Therefore there is no evidence that HRT at this point will be beneficial for symptoms such as muscle strength, cognition, skin appearance. In fact there appears to be increased risk with HRT at this point.

    The Australian O&G society (RANZCOG) also has published a statement recommending against starting HRT >60 years of age (2).

    It is strongly recommended that medical advice is sought from your GP in the first instance.

     

    Regards,

    Dr Kevin Lee

    Endocrinologist.

    http://www.banyoclinic.com.au/dr-kevin-lee-endocrinologist/

    http://www.facebook.com/kevinleeFRACP

     

    1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/estro_pro.htm

    2. https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/doc/hormone-replacement-therapy-advice.html

     

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