Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often used to manage symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. It helps make up for the hormones your body stops making, such as estrogen and progesterone.
While HRT is usually started around the time of menopause, there are situations where a woman might consider the benefits of HRT after 65. If that’s you, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
The decision to use HRT, or explore other fertility treatments like those discussed in Clomid success stories for conceiving after 40, at any age should be made in consultation with your doctor, who can assess your individual risk factors and help you make an informed choice.
Benefits of HRT After 65
While HRT isn’t usually started after age 65, there can be benefits for women who are already taking it and are over 65.
Relieving Persistent Menopause Symptoms
Some women find that hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems continue long after menopause. HRT can be very effective at relieving these symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention
After menopause, your estrogen levels drop, which can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen plays a critical role in keeping your bones strong. HRT can help prevent osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fractures. It’s especially important for women who experienced early menopause.
Potential Benefits for Muscle Strength and Reduced Diabetes Risk
There’s some evidence that HRT can help maintain muscle strength, but it’s important to remember that exercise is still key. Emerging research also suggests that HRT might slightly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Risks and Considerations of HRT After 65
As with any medical treatment, it’s important to understand the potential downsides of HRT, especially if you’re starting it later in life.
Cardiovascular Health
You might have heard that HRT can cause heart problems. Older studies did point toward that direction. But more recent research paints a different picture, showing that taking HRT generally has little to no effect on your risk of developing coronary heart disease.
However, it’s important to consider how you take HRT. Tablets can slightly increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Patches, sprays, and gels don’t seem to carry the same risk.
Breast Cancer Risk
Some types of HRT, particularly combined HRT (estrogen and progestin), have been linked to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. The good news is that the risk is generally low, and it decreases after you stop taking HRT.
Estrogen-only HRT carries little to no added risk of breast cancer.
If you’re using HRT, it’s essential to attend all your regular breast screening appointments.
Individual Risk Factors
Everyone’s different, and your personal and family medical history plays a big role in determining whether HRT is right for you. The risk of serious side effects from HRT is generally low, but it can depend on your individual risk factors and the type of HRT you use.
It’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your doctor. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of HRT based on your specific circumstances and decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Vaginal Estrogen for Localized Symptoms
If vaginal dryness and discomfort are your primary concerns, vaginal estrogen might be a good option. It’s a localized treatment, meaning it addresses the problem directly without the same systemic effects as other hormone replacement therapies.
Vaginal estrogen is effective for vaginal dryness and doesn’t appear to increase your risk of breast cancer, blood clots, or other conditions. It’s generally considered a safer option for women experiencing only vaginal dryness, and you can typically use it long-term without the same concerns associated with systemic HRT.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight do you lose on HRT?
HRT isn’t typically prescribed as a weight loss tool, and significant weight loss isn’t a common direct effect. However, by addressing hormonal imbalances, it may indirectly influence weight management by improving metabolism and reducing menopausal symptoms that contribute to weight gain, like sleep disturbances.
What are the symptoms of low estrogen in seniors?
Low estrogen in seniors can manifest in various ways, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, bone loss (osteoporosis), and increased risk of urinary tract infections. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.
What is HRT face?
“HRT face” isn’t a medically recognized term. It’s likely referring to the potential effects of HRT on facial appearance. While HRT can improve skin elasticity and hydration, leading to a more youthful look, it can also cause fluid retention in some individuals, which could alter facial contours.
Does HRT really make you look younger?
HRT can have some rejuvenating effects on the skin, such as improving elasticity and reducing dryness. This can contribute to a more youthful appearance. However, it’s not a fountain of youth, and the extent of these effects varies from person to person. It’s more about addressing specific symptoms than a guaranteed cosmetic transformation.
Can you stay on HRT for life?
The duration of HRT is a decision that should be made in consultation with your doctor. Previously, long-term use was discouraged, but current guidelines are more flexible. The risks and benefits should be carefully weighed, considering individual health factors and the specific type of HRT. Some women may benefit from long-term HRT, while others may need to discontinue it after a certain period.
Closing Thoughts
Deciding whether to use HRT after 65 is complicated. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and what’s right for one person may not be right for another.
HRT may help with symptoms and bone health, but it may also increase your risk of cardiovascular problems or breast cancer.
Talk with your doctor. They can help you make the right decision based on your personal health history and risk factors.