by Jenny Holmes

Created on: December 02, 2009

Is long-term use of HRT ever a good idea? This is very hard to tell because everybody's metabolism is different and every case is different. For instance HRT is sometimes a necessity if someone has had a full hysterectomy as you might need a little help with the hormones in that instance. However, if HRT has been prescribed due to a menopause where the person is suffering from hot flushes, depression, vaginal dryness or lack of sexual appetite then this must be a personal issue of whether to take HRT or not.

The menopause can cause untold grief for some people and no symptoms at all for others although little is known as to whether depression and lack of sexual appetite is due to the menopause or not. However, it does appear that once someone has taken HRT for a few months depression often fades and husbands class HRT as a wonder drug because suddenly sex is back on the scene again. The main reason for lack of sexual appetite either during or after the menopause is vaginal dryness which then causes pain on intercourse which then makes the woman go off sex. It is a never ending circle but if HRT can alleviate some or all of the symptoms then it can be no bad thing.

Whether long-term use of HRT is good or not I do not know. I personally have been taking HRT since 1994 when I had a full hysterectomy. I do not think it has done me any harm and in fact do believe it has kept me feeling and acting young. I have a full and happy sex life and have the energy of a 40 year old although I am now 62 years. Some doctors say I should come off the drug and some just prescribe it each month without saying a thing. Sometimes I wonder what it is doing to my system but all the time I am feeling ok then I shall continue to take it. Whether I would still take it if I had not had a hysterectomy I do not know.

There are many articles written for and against HRT but if you have been prescribed the drug and you feel a hell of a lot better after taking it then what is wrong. All I know is that once I had my hysterectomy and once I had been taking HRT for a few months my husband said he had felt he had got his wife back again to the person he fell in love with and married and that to me is all that matters - happiness.

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