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HRT over 70 years of age

by Anne
(Hot Springs, AR)

I have recently begun using NatPro with great results. I was very surprised that I would benefit at my advanced age. I informed my physician of the addition of daily progesterone cream during a routine visit and her response gave me pause. She said "ok for now" but "we'll want to stop after 70 years of age." Why? Because "they say" blah, blah, blah (I didn't get it.) So, I've been searching the internet for any info regarding HRT over 70 years of age and can find nothing.

So, my question is:

Do we stop HRT after reaching 70 years of age? And, if so, why?

Thanks to one and all for all you do for all of us. Am looking forward to your responses.



Comments for HRT over 70 years of age

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Apr 17, 2015
 HRT over 70 years of age
by: Wray

Hi Anne Well that gave me a good laugh! Why indeed, I have no idea, if you can get more out of her I'd love to hear it. I'm not sure how old you are, but obviously heading for 70? So am I, I'm now 67, and I'll be using it till I die! I am delighted the Natpro has helped you though. I must admit to not calling progesterone HRT, although strictly speaking it is. You might like to read our other pages on Menopause and How to use Progesterone Cream. Take care Wray
Apr 17, 2015
 Find another doctor
by: Cricket

In my experience, many doctors trained to prescribe traditional medication for menopause are not open-minded enough or qualified to give advice about natural HRT. For years my doctor prescribed synthetic hormones and anti-depressants which were ineffective and I gained a lot of weight. When I wanted to get off of them, she warned that "my skin will look like crap." I went in a year later and she exclaimed how great I looked. When I told her I was taking BHRT, she criticized me and sabotaged me by prescribing a diuretic that blocked some of the hormones (androgen) I was taking, but didn't tell me. Quickly found another doctor.
Apr 18, 2015
 Find another doctor
by: Joy

Hi Cricket

What a terrible thing for your doctor to have done and a good job that you found another doctor too.

All to often doctors either do not want to know about natural products or are pretty clueless! Such a pity, as no person needs to suffer because of it.
Feb 16, 2018
 age
by: Anonymous

I am 72, had my ovaries removed last year because of cysts and family history of ovarian cancer, have now started hot flushes again particularly at night.

Can I use progesterone cream?
Feb 17, 2018
 Age
by: Joy

Yes you can use progesterone, between 100-200mg per day is needed. You may experience some estrogen dominance symptoms while progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. It does take time for progesterone to work, so time and patience is needed.

Vitamin D3 is also important as a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is connected to every single functioning cell in our bodies. Co-factors are also needed namely Magnesium and Vitamin K2 with NO soy.

Please read these pages.

How to use Progesterone Cream

Estrogen Dominance

Vitamin D3

Hot Flushes
Oct 02, 2020
 who knows
by: Anonymous

I am 67 and have been on estrogen for over 17 years. I have tried pills, patches and now the gel. So the doctor now say I need to decrease my amount as I take 4 shot a day, gel four times 2 at night and 2 in the am. My life is 100% better and has been for a long time compared the hell I used to live in. Now a young gynecologist says I take too much and so I stopped taking one gel shot and tried the suppositories. Well lucky my burning, stinging, soreness etc ALL returned. So then I started to take more of the suppositories and my doctor now says you can't do that and refuses another script So if my symptoms get worse I will return to the 4th gel.

Number one, right now it is telephone medicine, I have never met this doctor and I don't want to anyway. She has no info on me, doesn't know me and she sounds 12. Guess what my quality of life out weighs everything else. To go back to years ago is not acceptable . So she dumped to go to a menopause clinic. I am now reading and all info suggests keep sane!!!!
Apr 22, 2021
 Taking HRT for over 27 years, protects joints!
by: Bunty

Diagnosed with osteoarthritis 1985, details to follow - due to late hour!
Jun 17, 2021
 HRT over 70 years of age
by: Anonymous

Do what makes you feel healthy and natural. I will soon be 73 I’ve been taking hormone therapy since I was going through menopause in my late 40s I look younger than my peers I feel better and have more energy than any of my friends and my mind is quick and active. I have a boyfriend 12 years younger than me I’m a widow, and I bodysurfed for the first time last year on a Texas coast! I was taking Premphase for years and because of the outrageous cost I started going to the generic estradiol and half a month supplementing that with progesterone. Can’t stress enough, life is short, as everyone says and it’s so true can’t believe I’m in my 70s but I want to feel good for all my life and the only person that can accomplish that the best for you is YOU. Kind regards friends…
Jun 18, 2021
 HRT over 70 years of age
by: Joy

Hi there

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.  What an amazing person you are, bodysurfing at your age, well done!!  I am delighted that you have found a system that works for you. I am even more delighted to read that you are supplementing estrogen with progesterone. Sounds like your boyfriend is one lucky fella!

Unfortunately for most females, taking extra estrogen is causing major issues.

Take care and happy bodysurfing!
Aug 24, 2021
 Hormones for women over 70
by: Anonymous

I have been on HRT since I was 38 years old.
Today I’m 70 years old and I have an OBGYN doctor who wants to wean me off my hormones. My original OBGYN doctor retired last year so this is why I had to find another doctor. Now I’m looking for a doctor that believes in hormones for older women. I feel better when I’m on my hormones.

How do you find the right doctor that will keep you on your hormones? I’m talking about HRT. I understand HRT does not work for everyone but it does work for me.

If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Thank you!
Aug 25, 2021
 Hormones for women over 70
by: Joy

Hi there

I am so pleased that your doctor wants to wean you off HRT. To my mind this should have been done years ago. You have been on HRT for too long. All drug based HRT's have a potential to cause harm.

Whilst I can't recommend any doctor who will help you, I can say that I doubt if you will find one to help you at your age. Perhaps someone else can suggest something.

I wish you well.
Aug 27, 2021
 Q about timing
by: Anonymous

Hi- My Doc says the risk of taking hormone is way less than the breakdown of the body, bones etc from not taking them. I get concerned about cancer. I am 58 and haVe been taking them a year or less. All is good now, but I wonder if I should stop by 60 or 62? And if I do will all the symptoms come back? (Mainly hot flashes)
Aug 28, 2021
 About Timing
by: Joy

Hi there

Unfortunately I don't agree with your doctor. I am 65 and have been using natural progesterone only for 17 years now and will continue to use it until the day I die. All drug based HRT's have a potential to cause harm. Cancer is a concern and I would seriously think about continuing.

If you stop taking HRT all your symptoms will return. Please consider using a good organic progesterone cream such as Natpro while you wean off HRT or even before. You will need support once you discontinue HRT. I suggest stopping now. It is far kinder on your body if you wean off HRT.

We do have a page on Hot Flushes if you care to read that and how progesterone helps them. You might also like to read the How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance pages.

Take care.
Oct 06, 2021
 Confused
by: Anonymous

I have been on natural compounded estrogen (biest) since my mid 40's when I had a complete hysterectomy. I am currently 77. About a year ago my doctor decided to increase the estrogen and add testosterone and progesterone plus DHEA. I have serious osteoporosis (even in my jaw) despite all of this hrt. I a!so have Hashimotos and leaky gut. My blood test from last week showed, for the first time, high levels of bilirubin, testosterone, and cholesterol. I guess what I am wondering is why a women my age needs hrt. Our bodies were designed to naturally stop producing these hormones at some point. Just confused!
Oct 08, 2021
 Confused
by: Joy

Hi there

If you read this thread and this website you will see that we do not believe that any woman needs to take extra estrogen. Please read the Estrogen Dominance page already posted. You went straight into Menopause once you had your hysterectomy.

Your doctor should actually be decreasing your hormones and weaning off them, not increasing them! Testosterone is a male hormone! It also causes Insulin Resistance and and cardio issues see here. here. DHEA is awful, it comes with a cancer risk. Now you have just proved a point. You are still battling with Osteoporosis despite the HRT. Vitamin D3 and magnesium actually builds bones. A D3 deficiency also affects the thyroid. Try eating more fermented veg, kefir milk/water for your leaky gut. Please read this submission on bilirubin.

Even though you are in your 70's, you still need support. You will always suffer from Estrogen Dominance because of the estrogen mimics in our Environment. Progesterone is needed to counter at that, to balance things.

If you feel that you can cope without any added hormones then that would be wonderful and you would be extremely lucky! I am 66 and I would never be without progesterone.

Go well.
Oct 08, 2021
 confused
by: Anonymous

Thank you Joy for your prompt reply. You have banished some of my confusion. I am appalled at the side effects of what I have been taking. My daughter asked her fiancée who is a doctor about my problem and he is wondering why a woman of my age is on hrt and why I have been kept on it for such a long time!
Oct 09, 2021
 Confused
by: Joy

All drug based HRT's have a potential to cause harm. One thing that all doctors should know is the cancer risk that comes with it not to mention the other side effects. Please consider going the natural route as you will need some support. Please also make sure that your D3 level is optimal. It will help you.

As mentioned, I will never stop using progesterone, even if I live to be 100, I will be applying it religiously.
Nov 05, 2021
 Progesterone 200 mg. capsules
by: LLeman

Hello, what an impressive group! I am 66 years young and stopped bio identical pellets about 2 years ago because my endocrinologist wanted to get a better read of what my thyroid was doing.

I was having panic attacks and anxiety in addition to the hypothyroidism -- and my hair was coming out in gobs.

Now, estrogen, DHEA levels have dropped so low that I am appalled she is happy with that. I took matters into my own hands and found a well-respected holistic gynecologist who uses pellet therapy (with estradiol and small amount of testosterone) and took blood just a few days ago, and I'm going back in a couple of days to have the pellets implanted.

He also prescribed to his compounding pharmacy a 200 mg. progesterone capsule at night to help me get some sleep.

Can you explain or point me to the findings about why the estradiol and testosterone are not needed and, in fact, somehow bad for a woman my age:

Most appreciated!
Nov 07, 2021
 Progesterone 200mg capsules
by: Joy

​Hi LLeman

From one 66 year old to another, welcome to Progesterone T​herapy website​. You have come to the right place!

I am so pleased that you stopped the pellets​ and I wish that you would reconsider having more inserted.​ If you have the time, read this page, it's concerning! Hair Loss is one of the side effects of the pellets.​ ​I totally agree with your endocrinologist regarding your low estrogen and DHEA. I do not believe that any woman needs to take extra estrogen. There are well over 100 estrogen mimics in our Environmental Toxins as it is. Unfortunately you don't give your test results. While​ each hormone result is important, it is the ratio between progesterone and estrogen that is very important. Excess estrogen creates Estrogen Dominance which needs to be avoided. Progesterone needs to be the dominant hormone at all times. ​I only use progesterone, no other hormone. I take Lugol's iodine drop to support my thyroid as I do not have an issue with my thyroid. If I did, then that would be the one drug that I would take. ​

DHEA has a dark side. It increases the risk of ovarian cyst and cancer, because it increases testosterone see here, here, here and here. I don't believe testosterone should ever be given to a woman either, it increases the risk of cancer and heart disease, see here, here, here and here.

Oral progesterone is not the best Delivery Method as ar​o​un​d​ 96% gets destroyed by the gut and liver. This means that the 200mg will not be giving you enough progesterone. This will aggravate estrogen receptors. ​However, many women find that oral does help with sleep, others don't. If it works for you then great. However, progesterone should be used no less than twice a day. This helps to keep progesterone levels stable otherwise it spikes as progesterone levels start to drop after 12/13 hours. May I suggest that you use a good organic cream such as Natpro which is a 3.33% cream in the morning and oral at night. See how you get on with that. Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream page.

Vitamin D3 and the co-factors are also very important. A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone. It is also vital for the thyroid see here and here.

To answer your question​ and to re-cap​. No matter your age, I do not believe that any woman needs to take extra estrogen and testosterone for reasons given above.

​Best wishes.
Jan 21, 2022
 HRT ?
by: Anonymous

hi there i am a lady of 74, i still suffer from time to time from night sweats, i was wondering if i could start HRT ? not sure what my DR would say ? any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Jan 22, 2022
 HRT
by: Joy

Hi there

I certainly wouldn't recommend HRT at all, not for you at your age or for all women. HRT has a potential to cause harm see here.

You will however benefit from using a good organic progesterone cream such as Natpro which is a 3.33% cream. Doctors don't agree with natural products so he may object, but then I think that he would also object to you going on HRT too.

Progesterone helps with all modern day illnesses. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory and helps with mild insomnia and depression to mention but a few.

If you do consider using progesterone cream please read the How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance pages. The Hot Flushes page will also benefit you.

What is your vitamin D3 level. A deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is connected to every single function cell in our bodies making it vital.
Apr 29, 2022
 Ugggg. Period is back. 😥
by: Anonymous

Good morning. My Dr started me on progesterone and estradiol cream from a compounding pharmacy. I have gone 2 years with no period. I am 60 years old. I’ve been on the cream 2 months just started my second period right on time like the old days. Ugh.
The reason she put me on is my blood work shows that I have no hormones whatsoever. I can’t seem to loose weight she’s treating me in other ways for underlying viruses. I guess my question is
Why did my period start back up and if hormones are bill do I need them? Thanks.
May 03, 2022
 HRT at 75
by: Mags

When I was 50 my GP put me on HRT, weekend I was having no menopause symptoms at all, just losing some weight which I now put down to having a new enthusiastic lover. I read the erroneous report about HRT and asked the GP about coming out it, should I warn myself off gradually? " No just so talking them". Boom! Menopause work a vengeance. Tried all natural methods to reduce flushes, mood swings, lack of sleep and energy etc. Nothing worked. At 70 I went to a female GP who said I had no quality of life and prescribed HRT for me. Instant relief of all symptoms. She left 3 years later and next 2young female GPs wouldnt give out to me. Back to symptoms but worse. Flushes every 3hours, day and night, worse mood swings, bag sleep patterns. Finally last month, a sympathetic male GP put me back on it.I am 75. All symptoms gone again ! No need to use a neck can cos I felt my head was going to explode etc. That GP now retired and I feel I am in for another battle to find another sympathetic GP to keep me well and happy. I feel I am living again, not just existing
May 04, 2022
 HRT at 75
by: Joy

​Hi Mags

I totally agree with the 2 young female GP's who refused to give you HRT. In fact, no women should be on HRT as the​y​ all have a potential to cause harm as mentioned many times in this​​ post. Please read the links already given and consider using a good organic natural progesterone cream such as Natpro which is a 3% cream. Doctors do not give credit to the benefits of natural progesterone choosing synthetic products instead which is very sad.

Take care.
May 06, 2022
 On my Own
by: BarbS

I am apoe 3/4 as for possible alzheimer's - one of the "helpers" is to supplement with progesterone. In the past, I have been after any and all mds to assist. Nothing. Zip.

At 66, I am reconsidering a bit of progesterone to help with cognition. (Bredesen protocol)

Of course all one hears is dangers of HRT. But I feel there are more meds given like candy to folks that become dangerous as well.

I am placing an order now - and gonna give it a go.
May 07, 2022
 On my own
by: Joy

​Hi Barbs

There is no need for you to feel on your own, we are here to help you. I do however, understand exactly what you mean. It's sad that so many people, including the medical professionals, underestimate the importance of natural progesterone and its tremendous​​ benefits, opting for HRT which is synthetic (drugs). Progesterone is most beneficial when it comes to Alzheimer's. As Inflammation is the key to understanding the relationship of progesterone and Alzheimer's those agents for reducing inflammation are of great importance in preventing its occurrence. If you are considering using progesterone please use a good organic one such as Natpro which is a 3% cream and was formulated nearly 30 years ago. May I also suggest that you do some research on the Bredesen Protocol, perhaps you have already.

You are also in Menopause where progesterone is needed to help you through. Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream and Estrogen Dominance pages already mentioned on this thread.

Vitamin D3 is very important, a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone and is connected to every single functioning cell in our bodies including the brain.
May 18, 2022
 Breast Cancer Risk
by: Anonymous

I am a sixty year old woman. I started HRT when I was 54. Right now I'm on 0.6mg. of estradiol gel which I apply once a day and a progesterone pill which is 100mg which I take once a day.

My gynecologist suggested that I stop when I turned 60 because of the usual reasons and also cause my mom had breast cancer in her early forties. I have read that the risks are small and I feel so much better when I'm taking it. I sleep better etc. Also my mother had very bad osteoporosis due to having her ovaries removed when she had cancer. She had a dowagers hump and frequent fractures. I don't want to end up like that.

I have three sisters who never took HRT because they worry about the breast cancer risk so I wonder if I'm taking an unnecessary risk or are the statistics I'm worrying about not applicable anymore.
May 18, 2022
 Breast Cancer Risk
by: Joy

Hi there.  The answers to your question have already been addressed on this thread.  Your doctor is absolutely correct in stopping the HRT, in fact you shouldn't be taking it for reasons explained here and on the website.  Please read the Cancer page.  Any form of oral progesterone is not the best delivery method as explain on the page. I am happy to hear that your sisters refused HRT.  

Take care.
Jun 02, 2022
 HRT
by: Anonymous

I have been on HRT for 20 years and loved them. I am 70 years old now.I feel young. I am active, very energetic, , hardly ever sick.. I have beautiful skin,, and hair.And built like a young girl. My gyn dr told me my bone density is that of a 25 year old. I had a gi bleed 5 months ago and almost died due to nsaids and arthritis meds such as dyclofenac. None of this was caused by HRT. and hospital dr's took me off everything. I started hot flashes, severe arthritis and osteo arthritis in my hands and extreme fatigue. I have gained 20 lbs and just very depressed. I have never felt so bad in my life. I had a talk with my gyn Dr who put me on them 20 years ago, and she is starting me back on them due to the quality of life now that I am experiencing all these physical and mental changes. I can't wait. I loved being on them. If HRT is that great that it can change your life and body for the better and it's proven that it helps with weight gain, arthritis, bone density and alzheimers and many more health, issues, then why don't dr's want to keep you on them or put you on them. Doesn't make sense. Thanks
Feb 01, 2023
 Hot Flushes - cured!
by: Anonymous

Hot Flushes - cured!
Weleda Cimifuga comp, 20 drops twice a day
Get a prescription by your doc. It really helped me immediately.
Aug 02, 2023
 total hysterectomy last week - need advice
by: Susie

Hello,

I found Dr. John Lee 20 yrs ago when I was using ProGest? cream for heavy periods, prescribed by my N.D.

Im 68, and had a total hysterectomy last week, (robotic) when a huge fibroid on uterus, and a huge ovarian growth were found.

Thank God, both BENIGN, and I credit taking apricot pits (B-17) daily for 40 yrs to prevent cancer.

I went into menopause 11 yrs ago, at 57, after uterine polyps (benign) were removed. I never took hormones after that, and have not had problems.

I need a DEXA bone test to know my bone status.

My weight has fluctuated since menopause, I've been 175lbs 2 yrs ago ((i'm 5'5") and now I am 148 lbs, almost my ideal weight.

I had extreme STRESS 4 months ago, when I had an overly tight facelift and necklift I think that may have had an effect. All this info. on this site is overwhelming.

I don't want to go to a hormone specialist. Seems like people here all have individual responses to the natural progesterone.

I have avoided cancer and heart disease (so far) so I'm cautious about trying new things, however I know that this totally hysterectomy will have an effect. How long do you wait post hysterectomy before doing saliva testing? I'm confused since it seems that progesterone can increase estrogen levels ? Do you know any alternative doctors
or naturopath who do phone consults and are carrying on Dr. Lee's work ?
I need to do more reading here.
Thank you
Aug 04, 2023
 total hysterectomy last week - need advice
by: Joy

Hi Susie

We know the late Dr Lee very well.  The late Wray Whyte who formulated Natpro Progesterone Cream and set up this website over 30 years ago actually met Dr Lee as well as the Late Dr Kittie Dalton, the queen of progesterone.  While Dr Lee was extremely knowledgeable about progesterone he was a little way off when it came to the amount of progesterone to be used.  The cream that you used, didn't or doesn't contain the required amount of progesterone concentration. Many of the pages that you should read have already been listed a few times on this post.

Fibroids are usually caused by excess estrogen and oxidative stress and whilst you had yours removed you need to deal with the Inflammation that caused them.  Progesterone, if used correctly, helps the body to absorb smaller fibroids, larger ones require surgery.  I suspect that had you used the correct amount of progesterone, your fibroid wouldn't have grown and progesterone would have helped clear it up. Most cysts are again caused by excess estrogen.  I used to be riddled with both breast and ovarian cysts.  Since I started using Natpro Progesterone Cream, my cysts have never returned.  It has been about 18 years now since I had my last cyst.

Read the Menopause page, it can be a monster if not treated correctly.  Again, excess estrogen and inflammation resulted in your polyps.  You will continually have this problem unless your inflammation is dealt with.  I suggest eating as much fermented foods as possible  i.e. sauerkraut and other fermented vegetables, kefir milk/water and kombucha.  These are the best probiotics that one can get, better than any OTC ones and delicious too.  I make my own, much cheaper. Most women suffer from weight problems once they reach peri-menopause and menopause.  If you are concerned, try the keto diet or the Mediterranean diet.  Have you been tested for Insulin Resistance which also causes weight gain as well at the thyroid. Are you supporting your thyroid?  Iodine and selenium are needed to support the thyroid.

Stress destroys so many nutrients and well as progesterone levels.

Please consider trying Natpro. Usually between 100-200mg per day every day is required.  More if symptoms are severe and make sure that your D3 level is optimal.  Never use less than 100mg per day.  Use half the amount in the morning and the other half at night.  Please read the How to use Progesterone Cream page.  

If I were you, I would have all tests done at the same time.  There is no need to wait for any length of time to have your hormones tested.  You will be suffering from Estrogen Dominance anyway.  Progesterone is good for the young and old, male and female.  We all need to supplement due to the estrogen mimics in our Environment today.

If you want to see a doctor, rather look in your area for a good and reliable naturopath.  Doctors tend to favour going the drug route.  Also you will find all that you need to know about the benefits of progesterone on this website.

Please read the Osteoporosis and Vitamin D3 pages. Progesterone, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2 and Magnesium help to build bones.

Best wishes.

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