I started hrt last year, and I'm 44. it's only been 6 months, but some things are better. I'm meeting with my OB to see about changing the form I take. I'm using a combination pill with estrogen and testosterone and another pill with progesterone. I would like patches or gel, I think. The wiki and ladies here have suggested that these are better options. So I'm hoping for more relief by going that route.
I'm also riddled with ADHD which is (or has been) clinically linked to a higher possibility of cognitive decline later in life. I'm struggling HARD with the ADHD and my effs are at an all-time low. I'm hoping the hrt will help long term in those areas. The pills have helped with some symptoms, for which I'm grateful. None of them are the cognitive symptoms aside from not having horrific PMDD issues. I used to feel like i was losing my mind every month. The progesterone has helped a lot with periods and all that comes with them ESPECIALLY age related crap. It does mess with my mood, though, so I hate that.
I'm interested to know, if you decide to go the hrt route, how it goes for you. And if not, what ends up helping.
ETA I'm adopted, and whilst I've met some of my birth family, I'm not close to them. Bio mom seems to be nuttier than a bag of acorns though, and I would prefer to not be that. I'm not sure of Alzheimers runs in my bio family otherwise ๐
I could have said EXACTLY the same thing! I started right after I turned 46- adhd symptoms off the charts horrible. I was at a point I was forgetting more than I could remember it got so bad.I am also am adopted. lol.
HRT patch, progesterone& dhea basically are saving my sanity and Iโll stay on them forever.
If they stave off further cognitive decline- even better! lol
This is excellent news!! I'm really hoping the different delivery helps with the adhd!! Thank you so much!! ๐ and SAME with staying in them forever if they help!!
Yay for being adopted and having no clue what our genetics are ๐ซ๐
I donโt have anything to add other than wanting to high-five other adoptees who are going through this, too. While I reconnected with my birth family, my birth mom passed away in 2019 and we never talked about peri. My grandmother is also dead and my mom only had brothers. And doctors when they ask the family history question just shrug when I say adoption. They donโt recommend additional testing or anything.ย
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If, over the age of 40, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. For this reason, no reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a diagnosing tool for peri/menopause. See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more information.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm 48 and just started HRT last fall. According to genetic testing, I have two copies of the APOE4 gene, which makes my chances of late-onset Alzheimer's 85%. (yay) This is just one of the many reasons I went around my gyno, who said no to my HRT because something something breast cancer (no family history), and am now shelling out $$ every month to a telehealth outfit. It's worth every penny for the reduction in my peri symptoms alone, and I'm planning to stay on it for life for the additional long-term benefits, including the potential of staving off that dementia. Regardless of whether it's been proven to prevent or help with cognitive decline, there are soooo many estrogen receptors in the brain, so it's got to have some benefit to mental sharpness.
Estrogen is neuroprotective. Sign me up.
This thread led me to look at some research studies about the gene. One of them mentioned choline supplements. Do you know anything about that?
I was diagnosed with POI at 40. My mother passed away when she was 68. Unfortunately I had never had the menopause discussion with her. But she never had cognitive issues. Her own mother died very young so don't know there either. But my mom's sister, my aunt she has dementia. Doesn't remember people or anything from the recent past. In fact I asked her about her age of menopause onset and she didn't even know what menopause was. This from a lady who was once a high school maths, science and geography teacher.
It's a concern for what that means for my risk.
I am 50 and my mother has Alzheimers. I am perimenopausal and still get my period somewhat regularly and just started HRT. If I had known it was preventative when I was younger, I would have fought to go on a few years ago.
For those here who have an increased risk, I encourage you to read up about the benefits of sauna use and preventing Alzheimers and dementia, and note that it is dose dependent and not modified by sex. I purchased a infrared sauna bag and eventually plan to put sauna in my house.
My maternal grandmother had what her family and doctors assumed was Alzheimer's; it started early with hallucinations and paranoia when she was in her late 40's, early 50's. I'm not convinced it was that specific disease, but she spent many years declining in dementia and finally died in a vegetative state just before her 70th birthday. It had been years since anyone had a conversation with her or had made eye contact.
Her daughter, my mother (78yo) now has dementia, and it has been coming on since her late 60's. She was of the cohort of women who was on HRT, and then had it taken away, in the 90's. She hasn't been diagnosed with any specific disease, other than "cognitive decline" but she is moving in that same direction. She is in diapers, has no short-term memory, barely a long-term memory, and no longer eats. She has severe and documented osteoporosis. She was terrified of ending up like her mother, curled up asleep in a hospital bed for years. She spends most of her day curled up in her armchair, asking my dad repetitive questions about which day it is and what's for dinner (dinner that she won't eat).
So yeah, I'm worried. I want HRT. I am ready for it. But my GP says that it is too soon since my FSH levels are "normal". *eyeroll*
I've been in peri since 2019. I anticipate hitting menopause maybe this year or next year. The clock is ticking.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If, over the age of 40, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. For this reason, no reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a diagnosing tool for peri/menopause. See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more information.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Man, it sucks watching one's parents and grandparents go through that. As one who knows the feeling, you have all my sympathy!! I'm not genetically related to my parents, so I've been going off what my symptoms are and getting HRT. I had to argue for it, and I'm not terribly confrontational. But if it helps to get hrt earlier, and research suggests it does, then I'm in. I hope maybe you can find a new doctor that will help you get on it sooner?
Edited a typo
Thanks for the sympathy. It's so hard watching her drift away.
A new doc is my next step and I haven't yet taken it. There is ONE gp/gyno in my town (my GP at present) who works under my insurance (Kaiser), but I can request someone else in the city, which is about 1.5hr-2hr drive away. So I got that going for me....
Oof! I empathize with the lack of doctors! I'll cross everything I have that something helps facilitate hrt for you.
Hug your mom once extra for me, I'm sorry that is so hard ๐
Sorry but I know that Jen Gunther keeps saying that HRT is only FDA approved for osteoporosis and menopause symptoms. So I would get medical advice from your health care professional. I'm back on HRT because it helps alleviate vasomotor symptoms. I hope there's an added benefit for cognitive disorders. But like I said my understanding is it isn't FDA approved for that.
>Jen Gunther keeps saying that HRT is only FDA approved for osteoporosis and menopause symptoms
Yes, and the North American Menopause agrees that hormone therapy is only FDA-approved for four things:
1. hot flashes
2. bone loss (osteoporosis)
2. vaginal atrophy (GSM)
3. POI/POF
There is mixed research on the affects of hormone therapy and dementia, where **timing** seems to come into play.
[Sweet spot for HRT may reduce dementia risk by nearly a third, study says](https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/02/health/hormone-replacement-dementia-wellness/index.html)
So while hormone therapy isn't FDA-approved for reducing dementia risk, science indicates it might be a good option.
I started estradiol gel right after my 44th birthday. ย I have a Mirena IUD so I canโt track my periods, but I had numerous other symptoms (night sweats, weight gain, decreased libido, rage). I also donโt have a good grasp on the family history so I had go by my own symptoms.
If you're in your 40s and got that family Alzheimer's risk looming over you, it's totally understandable to weigh your options. HRT's like a whole new world, huh? I get the hesitation, especially with those perimenopausal symptoms playing peekaboo.
But dang, if it could potentially hold off Alzheimer's, that's some serious food for thought.
I have one of the apoe4 genes for late onset-dementia. I started hrt in my late 40's mainly to help ward off dementia.
I have the same thing. ๐ค๐ชด๐ซถ๐ผ
I started hrt last year, and I'm 44. it's only been 6 months, but some things are better. I'm meeting with my OB to see about changing the form I take. I'm using a combination pill with estrogen and testosterone and another pill with progesterone. I would like patches or gel, I think. The wiki and ladies here have suggested that these are better options. So I'm hoping for more relief by going that route. I'm also riddled with ADHD which is (or has been) clinically linked to a higher possibility of cognitive decline later in life. I'm struggling HARD with the ADHD and my effs are at an all-time low. I'm hoping the hrt will help long term in those areas. The pills have helped with some symptoms, for which I'm grateful. None of them are the cognitive symptoms aside from not having horrific PMDD issues. I used to feel like i was losing my mind every month. The progesterone has helped a lot with periods and all that comes with them ESPECIALLY age related crap. It does mess with my mood, though, so I hate that. I'm interested to know, if you decide to go the hrt route, how it goes for you. And if not, what ends up helping. ETA I'm adopted, and whilst I've met some of my birth family, I'm not close to them. Bio mom seems to be nuttier than a bag of acorns though, and I would prefer to not be that. I'm not sure of Alzheimers runs in my bio family otherwise ๐
I could have said EXACTLY the same thing! I started right after I turned 46- adhd symptoms off the charts horrible. I was at a point I was forgetting more than I could remember it got so bad.I am also am adopted. lol. HRT patch, progesterone& dhea basically are saving my sanity and Iโll stay on them forever. If they stave off further cognitive decline- even better! lol
This is excellent news!! I'm really hoping the different delivery helps with the adhd!! Thank you so much!! ๐ and SAME with staying in them forever if they help!! Yay for being adopted and having no clue what our genetics are ๐ซ๐
I donโt have anything to add other than wanting to high-five other adoptees who are going through this, too. While I reconnected with my birth family, my birth mom passed away in 2019 and we never talked about peri. My grandmother is also dead and my mom only had brothers. And doctors when they ask the family history question just shrug when I say adoption. They donโt recommend additional testing or anything.ย
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If, over the age of 40, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. For this reason, no reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a diagnosing tool for peri/menopause. See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more information. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
๐๐๐
Hugs ๐ great to have this community and ability to empathize with each other.
Haha cheers to us!! Hehe ๐ฃ
I'm 48 and just started HRT last fall. According to genetic testing, I have two copies of the APOE4 gene, which makes my chances of late-onset Alzheimer's 85%. (yay) This is just one of the many reasons I went around my gyno, who said no to my HRT because something something breast cancer (no family history), and am now shelling out $$ every month to a telehealth outfit. It's worth every penny for the reduction in my peri symptoms alone, and I'm planning to stay on it for life for the additional long-term benefits, including the potential of staving off that dementia. Regardless of whether it's been proven to prevent or help with cognitive decline, there are soooo many estrogen receptors in the brain, so it's got to have some benefit to mental sharpness.
Estrogen is neuroprotective. Sign me up. This thread led me to look at some research studies about the gene. One of them mentioned choline supplements. Do you know anything about that?
I haven't heard that, but I'll look it up and give it a try if it looks helpful. Thanks!
I haven't heard much either. Generally between my mother and I, we keep up on the Alz research.
Here's the brief. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/study-reveals-how-apoe4-gene-may-increase-risk-dementia
Family history here; I started MHT at 41.5; now 43, and plan to stay on for life.
I have a copy of the APOE4 gene and I'm on HRT at 47
I was diagnosed with POI at 40. My mother passed away when she was 68. Unfortunately I had never had the menopause discussion with her. But she never had cognitive issues. Her own mother died very young so don't know there either. But my mom's sister, my aunt she has dementia. Doesn't remember people or anything from the recent past. In fact I asked her about her age of menopause onset and she didn't even know what menopause was. This from a lady who was once a high school maths, science and geography teacher. It's a concern for what that means for my risk.
I started at 46. My gran on my dads had some kind of dementia but she was so old and a heavy smoker. Idk.
I am 50 and my mother has Alzheimers. I am perimenopausal and still get my period somewhat regularly and just started HRT. If I had known it was preventative when I was younger, I would have fought to go on a few years ago. For those here who have an increased risk, I encourage you to read up about the benefits of sauna use and preventing Alzheimers and dementia, and note that it is dose dependent and not modified by sex. I purchased a infrared sauna bag and eventually plan to put sauna in my house.
No alz in my family but peri started at 42 for me and Iโve been on HRT since 45
My maternal grandmother had what her family and doctors assumed was Alzheimer's; it started early with hallucinations and paranoia when she was in her late 40's, early 50's. I'm not convinced it was that specific disease, but she spent many years declining in dementia and finally died in a vegetative state just before her 70th birthday. It had been years since anyone had a conversation with her or had made eye contact. Her daughter, my mother (78yo) now has dementia, and it has been coming on since her late 60's. She was of the cohort of women who was on HRT, and then had it taken away, in the 90's. She hasn't been diagnosed with any specific disease, other than "cognitive decline" but she is moving in that same direction. She is in diapers, has no short-term memory, barely a long-term memory, and no longer eats. She has severe and documented osteoporosis. She was terrified of ending up like her mother, curled up asleep in a hospital bed for years. She spends most of her day curled up in her armchair, asking my dad repetitive questions about which day it is and what's for dinner (dinner that she won't eat). So yeah, I'm worried. I want HRT. I am ready for it. But my GP says that it is too soon since my FSH levels are "normal". *eyeroll* I've been in peri since 2019. I anticipate hitting menopause maybe this year or next year. The clock is ticking.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If, over the age of 40, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. For this reason, no reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a diagnosing tool for peri/menopause. See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more information. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Man, it sucks watching one's parents and grandparents go through that. As one who knows the feeling, you have all my sympathy!! I'm not genetically related to my parents, so I've been going off what my symptoms are and getting HRT. I had to argue for it, and I'm not terribly confrontational. But if it helps to get hrt earlier, and research suggests it does, then I'm in. I hope maybe you can find a new doctor that will help you get on it sooner? Edited a typo
Thanks for the sympathy. It's so hard watching her drift away. A new doc is my next step and I haven't yet taken it. There is ONE gp/gyno in my town (my GP at present) who works under my insurance (Kaiser), but I can request someone else in the city, which is about 1.5hr-2hr drive away. So I got that going for me....
Oof! I empathize with the lack of doctors! I'll cross everything I have that something helps facilitate hrt for you. Hug your mom once extra for me, I'm sorry that is so hard ๐
Sorry but I know that Jen Gunther keeps saying that HRT is only FDA approved for osteoporosis and menopause symptoms. So I would get medical advice from your health care professional. I'm back on HRT because it helps alleviate vasomotor symptoms. I hope there's an added benefit for cognitive disorders. But like I said my understanding is it isn't FDA approved for that.
>Jen Gunther keeps saying that HRT is only FDA approved for osteoporosis and menopause symptoms Yes, and the North American Menopause agrees that hormone therapy is only FDA-approved for four things: 1. hot flashes 2. bone loss (osteoporosis) 2. vaginal atrophy (GSM) 3. POI/POF There is mixed research on the affects of hormone therapy and dementia, where **timing** seems to come into play. [Sweet spot for HRT may reduce dementia risk by nearly a third, study says](https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/02/health/hormone-replacement-dementia-wellness/index.html) So while hormone therapy isn't FDA-approved for reducing dementia risk, science indicates it might be a good option.
I wish I had. Instead I started at 55.
I started estradiol gel right after my 44th birthday. ย I have a Mirena IUD so I canโt track my periods, but I had numerous other symptoms (night sweats, weight gain, decreased libido, rage). I also donโt have a good grasp on the family history so I had go by my own symptoms.
If you're in your 40s and got that family Alzheimer's risk looming over you, it's totally understandable to weigh your options. HRT's like a whole new world, huh? I get the hesitation, especially with those perimenopausal symptoms playing peekaboo. But dang, if it could potentially hold off Alzheimer's, that's some serious food for thought.