Hi ladies. I am an old poster (in more ways than one haha), but I am back with this new user name because I am so confused and ashamed of this issue. I feel anonymity will help me.
I had early menopause...around age 45, due to the fact that my ovaries were removed (due to tumors). I have been average to thin all my life. During my teens, I did struggle with body image and disordered eating patterns, but I pretty much worked it out on my own. My BMI never really went super low. I had some irregular periods but definitely did not have low BMI.
Now, I have been menopausal for a few years. It came early; I am not yet 50. My doctor has been pushing me to do HRT. I feel fine so I never really wanted to do HRT. Coping with the symptoms thru lifestyle adjustment. I am very active, with running, tri, boot camp, and even play flag football (semi contact sport), have not had a problem.
However bone density is an issue. My bone scan reveals osteopenia. 2.2 in some areas. (2.4 is the borderline to osteoporosis). My doctor strongly suggests the HRT. I am reluctant, partially because my past history I have been on hormones, it is not pleasant. However, I do not want to crumple like a snowflake by the time I'm 55.
I imagine being on HRT, a lifetime sentence of feeling bloated, PMS-y, draggy, moody....I am no elite athlete but workouts/races are a source of joy for me, I imagine that being taken away. My doctor is useless with these questions, she says 'running is bad for women' flat-out, so her credibilty takes a hit, obviously. But the bone scan doesn't lie.
If anyone is older and has dealt with this, good or bad opinion toward the HRT , please share. I'd so appreciate it.
I had early menopause...around age 45, due to the fact that my ovaries were removed (due to tumors). I have been average to thin all my life. During my teens, I did struggle with body image and disordered eating patterns, but I pretty much worked it out on my own. My BMI never really went super low. I had some irregular periods but definitely did not have low BMI.
Now, I have been menopausal for a few years. It came early; I am not yet 50. My doctor has been pushing me to do HRT. I feel fine so I never really wanted to do HRT. Coping with the symptoms thru lifestyle adjustment. I am very active, with running, tri, boot camp, and even play flag football (semi contact sport), have not had a problem.
However bone density is an issue. My bone scan reveals osteopenia. 2.2 in some areas. (2.4 is the borderline to osteoporosis). My doctor strongly suggests the HRT. I am reluctant, partially because my past history I have been on hormones, it is not pleasant. However, I do not want to crumple like a snowflake by the time I'm 55.
I imagine being on HRT, a lifetime sentence of feeling bloated, PMS-y, draggy, moody....I am no elite athlete but workouts/races are a source of joy for me, I imagine that being taken away. My doctor is useless with these questions, she says 'running is bad for women' flat-out, so her credibilty takes a hit, obviously. But the bone scan doesn't lie.
If anyone is older and has dealt with this, good or bad opinion toward the HRT , please share. I'd so appreciate it.