HRT 101 – Taking HRT into yours 60’s with Dr Juliet Balfour

October is World Menopause Month, and this year, the spotlight is on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Juliet Balfour, a menopause expert, shares some straightforward insights into what HRT is all about, especially for older women.

What’s HRT All About?

HRT is all about easing those pesky menopause symptoms by topping up the hormones your body’s not making anymore. It’s great for tackling hot flashes, night sweats, and dryness down there. Plus, it can help keep your bones strong and might even give your heart a little boost.

How Long Should You Be on HRT?

"We don't have any arbitrary time limit now for HRT."

There’s no set rule for how long you can stay on HRT. It’s more about checking in with your doctor each year to see if it’s still working for you. If you start HRT within ten years of your last period, you might get some heart health perks. But even if you start later, it can still help with bones and symptoms.

Different Ways to Take HRT

For older women, using patches, gels, or sprays is the way to go because they’re easier on the blood clot risk compared to pills. If you’ve got a womb, you’ll also need a bit of progestogen to keep things balanced.

Starting HRT Later in Life

If you’re in your sixties or beyond, you can still start HRT, especially if you’re within ten years of your last period and your heart’s in good shape. If you’re past that window, it’s a bit trickier, especially with pills, so it’s best to chat with your doctor.

"It's a very individual discussion with each person to look at their benefits versus their risks."

Weighing the Pros and Cons

HRT can really make life better by easing menopause symptoms. For most women, the benefits are worth it, especially if you start at the right time. There’s a slight bump in breast cancer risk with long-term use, but it’s generally very small.

HRT and Brain Health

We’re still figuring out if HRT helps with dementia. Some studies say it might help if you hit menopause early, but we need more info to be sure.

Using Vaginal Oestrogen

Vaginal oestrogen is a keeper for dealing with dryness and urinary issues, and you can use it as long as you need. It’s safe and works well, even if you’re not on other HRT.

Lifestyle Tips

Living well can make HRT work even better. Think Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, and keeping stress in check. Strength training is key to keeping your muscles and metabolism in shape.

Wrapping It Up

HRT is a solid option for handling menopause symptoms and feeling better overall. It’s all about finding what works for you with your doctor’s help. Keep those conversations going to make sure HRT fits your life just right.

If you’re thinking about HRT, have a good chat with your healthcare provider to weigh the pros and cons. As we learn more, HRT options will keep getting better for everyone going through menopause.