Can You Go on HRT at 60

Written by Mobility Extra Team in Information

As women approach menopause, hormone levels in the body decrease, leading to a range of symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to alleviate these symptoms by replacing the hormones that decline during menopause. While HRT can be a successful treatment option for many individuals, there may be some hesitation among healthcare professionals when it comes to prescribing it to women aged 60 and over, despite some still experiencing menopausal symptoms.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that women can continue HRT as long as the benefits outweigh the risks, which is usually the case for most healthy individuals. If a woman aged 62 or older wishes to start or restart HRT, it is often suggested to begin with the lowest possible dose and continue until symptoms are resolved. To avoid significant symptoms when discontinuing HRT, a slow tapering process over six months to a year is recommended.

HRT at 60 in the UK: Eligibility and Context

Menopause and Age Factors

At age 60, many women have already experienced menopause, which typically occurs between ages 45 and 55. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment to alleviate menopause symptoms, replacing hormones that decrease in levels during this time. It’s essential to understand that age can influence the eligibility and effectiveness of HRT, as well as potential risks and benefits.

For women over 60, there may be additional considerations regarding HRT use, especially if they have been postmenopausal for a significant amount of time. The decision to start HRT should be carefully weighed against potential health risks, like cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer, which may increase with age.

Benefits and Risks of HRT for Women Aged 60 and Above

Health Benefits

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can provide several health benefits for menopausal women aged 60 and above. These include:

  • Relief from menopausal symptoms: HRT helps restore hormone levels, alleviating common symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, low libido, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and anxiety.
  • Prevention of bone loss: HRT can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle due to the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause. By maintaining bone density, HRT can help reduce the risk of fractures.
  • Improved cardiovascular health: Estrogen is known to have some protective effects on the heart. HRT can help maintain a healthy blood vessel and heart function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Potential Health Risks

However, HRT is not without its potential risks, especially for women aged 60 and above. These risks include:

  • Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis: HRT can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in the leg veins, which could lead to deep vein thrombosis.
  • Stroke: Some studies suggest that HRT may slightly increase the risk of stroke, especially for older women.
  • Heart disease: Although HRT can have some cardiovascular benefits, it may also increase the risk of heart disease in women who have already experienced menopause for more than ten years.
  • Breast cancer risk: Long-term HRT may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who are on combined estrogen and progesterone therapy.
  • Ovarian and endometrial cancer: HRT may increase the risk of ovarian and endometrial (womb) cancer, though these risks are generally lower than the risk of breast cancer.

Side Effects

Aside from the potential health risks, HRT can also cause some side effects for menopausal women aged 60 and above. These may include:

  • Liver disease: HRT may have adverse effects on liver function, although this is a rare occurrence.
  • High blood pressure: HRT may cause an increase in blood pressure, particularly in women with a history of hypertension.

In conclusion, the benefits and risks of HRT for women aged 60 and above depend on individual circumstances and personal history. It is essential for women considering HRT to discuss their options and potential health impacts with their healthcare provider, and weigh the benefits against the potential risks.

Types of HRT and Administration Methods

Oral Tablets and Patches

Oral tablets are a common form of HRT, containing either oestrogen alone or a combination of oestrogen and progesterone. They are taken daily to help relieve menopausal symptoms. However, oral HRT may increase the risk of blood clots, especially during the first year of use.

An alternative to oral tablets is patches, which are applied to the skin and deliver a steady dose of hormones through the skin. Patches may reduce the risk of blood clots compared to oral tablets, as they bypass the liver.

Gels, Rings, Pessaries, and Skin Patches

Gels are another option for hormone replacement therapy, and they are applied directly to the skin. Gels also deliver a steady dose of oestrogen, similar to patches, and may have a lower risk of blood clots than oral tablets.

Vaginal rings and pessaries are inserted into the vagina and provide a local release of oestrogen to help alleviate symptoms like dryness and discomfort. These administration methods focus more on relieving local symptoms rather than systemic menopausal symptoms.

Bioidentical Hormones and Micronised Progesterone

Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the body. They are often marketed as a more natural alternative to traditional HRT. However, their safety and efficacy have not been thoroughly studied, and they are not approved by UK regulatory agencies.

Micronised progesterone is a type of bioidentical hormone that is available as a cream, tablet, or capsule. In some cases, it can be used as part of HRT, especially for women who are sensitive to traditional progestogen. Tibolone is another synthetic hormone used in HRT, particularly for women with a history of endometrial cancer, as it does not have the same risks associated with traditional progesterone.

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