Whether or not to be on Prempro

[Sharon1942]

I am age 66.  At age 50 my GYN put me on Prempro.  I had no symptoms of menopause.  He said that it will happen and I can prevent the discomfort of it by starting estrogen therapy.  He was right, I have never had any of the things people talk about.  What I am wondering, would I maybe not even had the symptoms anyway?  I have been on it for 16 years now.  My GYN has now prescribed a low dose, but how do I know if I even need it?  I am basically healthy.  Thanks

[katharine333]

Thanks, this was helpful.  I'm 69 years old and started on HRT at 48 and have been taking Prempro for most of those 21 years, and still on it. Whenever I've tried to stop I dnn't feel right -- aches and pains -- more tired than usual.  2 year ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, so now on Armor Thyroid as well, but still get very exhausted by the end of the work week.    My gynocologist and endocrinologist seem to think all this is fine.  I'm trying to excercise more so the Armor will work better and it seems to be helping to some extent. Any advice is welcomed.
Katharine

[china57]

So you are still taking Prempro at 69. That's great! I'm 63 years old.  I've been taking Prempro since I was 45; I just stop taking it a week and a half ago. In 2014, I had a full hysterotomy but I continue to take it for some of the reasons you mention.  My gynecologists said that it was ok to continue. A week and a half ago, my nurse practitioner  took me off  Prempro and said I didn't need it anymore.  But I don't feel right, my emotion are all over the place, hot flashes,  aches and pains, and more tired than usual.  I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  Did your Doctor say it was OK to continue taking Prempro? I'm look forward to hearing from  you. Thanks, ADT

[old_before_my_time]

Hi. By a "full" hysterectomy, are you saying your ovaries were removed? If so, then you could benefit from HRT since naturally menopausal ovaries continue to produce hormones a woman's whole life. However, since you don't have a uterus, you don't need the progesterone and can take estrogen only (Premarin vs. Prempro or even the very economical generic estradiol tablets). I'm also 63 and have been on estradiol since having a hysterectomy at age 49. I worry about not being able to get a prescription as I get older. :(

[specialmom]

old_before_my_time, why wouldn't you be able to get a prescription?  

[Sharon1942]

Thank you for your info. Grace.  I've heard so many times that without the estrogen replacement you're at risk for heart attacks, you experience sexual dysfunction, bones aren't as strong, and the list goes on.  Its good to hear that your mother is ok being off of it.

[Grace724]

My mom, who is now age 67, was on prempro for over 20 yrs. She had a hysterectomy at age 32 and therefore experienced menopause medically. She was not put on hormones at that time but later her ob/gyn started her on prempro.

Her ob/gyn retired 5 yrs ago and the new doctor she began seeing is quite a bit younger. He flipped when he found out my mom had been on prempro that long. He told her in his opinion it was totally unnecessary and took her off of it.

She's been just fine since that day and wishes she had stopped a lot sooner.

I know that doesn't really answer your question, but it does let you know that someone in your age bracket did stop taking prempro and is functioning perfectly without it.

~Grace