Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello, ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to all Things women's health,
where we talk hot flashes, hormones, and everything in between
with zero shame and a whole lot of honesty. Today
we're diving into the world of hormone replacement therapy yep, HRT.
We are ditching the fear mongering, serving up the facts,
(00:23):
and I'll even share my own experiences with it. Spoiler alert.
It's been a game changer in my perimenopause and menopause journey.
So grab your fans, your ice packs, and let's talk hormones. Okay,
ladies and gentlemen that love your ladies, Let's talk HRT,
(00:45):
hormone replacement therapy. I know the very words conjure up
images of terrifying side effects and questionable ethics, possibly fueled
by decades of sense stationalized headlines and not enough research.
But let's ditch the fear mongering and dive into the facts.
(01:09):
Because HRT isn't a one size fits all boogeyman. It
is a complex medical intervention with potential benefits and risks
that need careful consideration. Think of it like choosing a
new pair of shoes, a really, really nice pair of
Louis Viiton, Red Souls and all. You wouldn't just grab
(01:33):
the first pairy s right, You'd consider comfort style and
whether they're actually appropriate for the occasion and for you.
HRT is pretty much the same. So first, let's clarify
what we're talking about, right. HRT isn't a single magic pill,
absolutely not. It encompasses various approaches aimed at replacing hormones
(01:57):
that naturally decline during pairy menial and menopause. These hormones
primarily include estrogen, often progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. The goal
isn't to make you feel like you're twenty five again,
although who wouldn't want that, right? Well, I kind of wouldn't.
I don't want to be twenty five again. No, I
(02:18):
was confused. I wouldn't want to be there. But anyway,
it's rather to alleviate the bothersome symptoms and potentially mitigate
the long term health risks associated with declining hormone levels.
And yes, there are health risks associated with this, so
keep that in mind. The most common type of HRT
(02:41):
involves estrogen, which is often the major player in the
symphony of menopausal discomfort. Symphony. That's a nice way to
put it, right, I'd really talk. It's more like a band,
like a sixth grade band than a symphony if you
ask me. But anyway back to estrogen. Estrogen is crucial
for a whole range of bodily functions, from bone health
(03:05):
to cardiovascular health, to mood regulation and even vaginal health.
Mm hm, I'm gonna say that again, vaginal health. Is
there is such a thing as estrogen levels plummet, we're
left singing a less harmonious tune, sometimes resulting in the
familiar chorus of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse,
(03:29):
and mood swings. Sounds lovely, doesn't it. Gentlemen, if you're listening,
all these things happen to your ladies. So empathy is crucial. Now.
There are different ways to administer estrogen right, each with
its own advantage and disadvantage, and some work for some people,
others don't. Some you know they're interchangeable. One common root
(03:52):
is oral estrogen, conveniently taken as a pill. However, this
method involves first pass metabolism through the liver, potentially impacting
liver function in some individuals. Then there's transdermal estrogen delivered
via patches, gels, or creams. This method bypasses the liver,
(04:14):
leading to potentially fewer liver related side effects and a
more consistent hormone level in the blood. I've tried this method.
I've tried the patch and I've tried the cream. The
patch or the adhesive on the patch made me feel
like crap. It was very itchy and I didn't like it.
(04:34):
So I tried the creams. It worked, but I really
don't think it was being absorbed very well, so I
had to switch delivery methods. And after that, after the
transdermal estrogen, there is the vaginal route for estrogen, appied
directly into the vagina as creams or tablets. This targets
(04:57):
symptoms specifically related to vaginal dry and atrophy, avoiding systemic effects.
Your doctor might actually recommend both methods, so you might
get a patch and a cream and you put that
on one part of your body, and then they might
recommend that you put a little bit inside the vagina
to help with the dryness and the atrophy. It is
(05:19):
crucial to understand that estrogen alone isn't always the answer,
especially for women who still have their uterus unopposed estrogen
or estrogen without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer. Therefore,
for women with a uterus, a combination of the estrogen
m progesterone is typically recommended to protect the uterine lining.
(05:43):
This combination therapy comes in various forms, mirroring the estrogen
delivery methods mentioned before, oral, transdermal, or even a combination
of both. So who should consider hr Wow, The decisions
shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a conversation that requires a
(06:06):
strong partnership between you and your healthcare provider. When we
talk about healthcare providers here, y'all make sure you're going
to somebody that is proficient in HRT. Many general doctors,
general practitioners, or even just some mainstream OBG y ns
(06:31):
are not proficient in modern day HRT. So find somebody
that specializes in female HRT. Please, it's vital. There's so
much new research out there and a lot of doctors
are not not up on this new research, So find
somebody that is. These doctors will consider your individual circumstances,
(06:55):
including your age, your medical history, which is very care
very very important, family history of certain cancers like breast
or ovarying cancer, and the severity of your symptoms. If
your experience debilitary in hot flashes like I was that
disrupt your sleep and daily life, or if vaginal dryness
(07:19):
is causing significant discomfort and impacting your intimacy, then HRT
is very worth discussing. On the other hand, if your
symptoms are mild and manageable through lifestyle modifications or even
some supplements, then HRT might not be necessary. Let's not
(07:40):
forget the potential risks. Excuse me, although the risks have
been significantly re evaluated. Hear that again, the risks have
been significantly re evaluated in recent years, concerns still exist,
especially regarding long term use. The risks associated with HRT
(08:00):
vary depending on the type of hormone, the doses, dosage,
the duration of treatment, and individual factors. Some potential risks
include blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease. However,
it's important to remember that these risks are not necessarily
higher than the baseline risks of developing these conditions as
(08:24):
women age. Right, so, a lot of the old research
was showing that women were getting blood clot stroke, bread
breast cancer, and glaw bladder disease well these women were aging,
and they were getting those anyway, they weren't. The HRT
was not increasing the risk. Okay, So new research has
come up, sometimes significantly less when comparing to alternative strategies
(08:49):
for mitigating menopausal symptoms. The benefit risk ratio is heavily
influenced by individual factors and the specific clinical situation. Your
doctor will help you navigate this carefully, this careful balancing act.
This leads us to an often overlooked aspect of HRT,
(09:10):
the importance of regular monitoring. If you choose to start
an HRT, you'll need regular checkups with your doctor to
monitor your progress, check for any side effects, and adjust
the treatment plan as needed. This ongoing assessment is vital
to ensure that the benefits outweigh the outweigh the risks,
(09:31):
and to catch any potential problems early. This isn't a
set it and forget it type of medication. It's typically
once a quarter, once every three months kind of thing. Well,
you'll have to get your blood work redone and they
check your levels. It's easy, pasy, but definitely worth the
(09:52):
numerous times, three to four times a year. Now, let's
address some common concerns. Okay, many women worry about weight
gain on HRT. While some studies have indicated a potential
for slight weight gain, this isn't a universal experience. Lifestyle
(10:12):
factors like diet and exercise play a much more significant
role in weight management. Similarly, concerns about mood changes and
cognitive function are often raised. Again, the impact of HRT
on mood and cognition is complex and variable, influenced by
individual factors and the specific type of HRT used. Research
(10:38):
suggests that many women don't experience negative mood or cognitive
side effects, while others might find that their symptoms are improved.
If you've been going through perimenopause or menopause, you are
experiencing mood shifts, hormona imbalances, brain fog, hair loss, all
(11:05):
of that stuff anyway, and I'm telling you now that
HRT can help all of that. So if you're not
on HRT, you're absolutely going to get these things. But
if you do go on HRT, you might not get
them at all. Okay, just think about it. Many alternative
therapies claim to offer relief from menopausal symptoms. These range
(11:29):
from herbal remedies containing phytoestrogens or plant derived compounds. With
estrogen like effects to acupuncture, yoga, and other complementary therapies. Well,
some of these therapies may provide some relief for certain individuals,
it's crucial to approach them with a healthy dose of
(11:51):
skepticism and to consult with your healthcare provider before trying them.
I have tried, excuse me, the phyto estrogen supplements, herbal remedies,
and they helped my hot flashes. I'm going to say
about forty percent, so they helped a little bit, but
didn't completely take them away. Excuse me. Many of these
(12:15):
lack robust scientific evidence to support their efficacy, and some
may even interact negatively with other medications or underlying health conditions. Remember,
your doctor is your best resource for determining the most
appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. Making the decision
(12:36):
about HRT is a deeply personal journey. There's no one
size fit all answer. What works for one woman might
not work for another. It requires a careful evaluation of
your symptoms, your risk factors, your overall health, and your
personal preferences. Above all, it's a conversation that requires open
(12:58):
and honest communication with your health care provider and your partner.
Don't hesitate to ask questions, express your concerns, and advocate
for yourself. I cannot stress this enough, y'all. You've got
to advocate your free yourself. You know yourself the best.
(13:19):
You spend the most amount of time with yourself, not
your doctor. Your doctor should be your partner in this process,
helping you make the most informed decision for your health
and well being. The goal is to find a solution
that helps you manage your menopausal symptoms effectively while minimizing
potential risks. Remember this is your journey and you are
(13:42):
in the driver's seat. Embrace the stage of life, equipped
with knowledge, support, and this is so important. A touch
of humor. Thank you for tuning in today to all
things women's health. I hope today's chat on HRT gave
you insight, confidence, and maybe even a little laugh. There's
(14:03):
so much great info out there now on menopause and perimenopause,
so dig in, do the research, and keep the conversation
going for yourself and for the women around you. On
the next episode, we'll explore non HRT alternatives, because this
isn't one size fits all and you've got options. See
(14:24):
then Hormone Warriors
Hello, ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to all Things women's health,
where we talk hot flashes, hormones, and everything in between
with zero shame and a whole lot of honesty. Today
we're diving into the world of hormone replacement therapy yep, HRT.
We are ditching the fear mongering, serving up the facts,
(00:23):
and I'll even share my own experiences with it. Spoiler alert.
It's been a game changer in my perimenopause and menopause journey.
So grab your fans, your ice packs, and let's talk hormones. Okay,
ladies and gentlemen that love your ladies, Let's talk HRT,
(00:45):
hormone replacement therapy. I know the very words conjure up
images of terrifying side effects and questionable ethics, possibly fueled
by decades of sense stationalized headlines and not enough research.
But let's ditch the fear mongering and dive into the facts.
(01:09):
Because HRT isn't a one size fits all boogeyman. It
is a complex medical intervention with potential benefits and risks
that need careful consideration. Think of it like choosing a
new pair of shoes, a really, really nice pair of
Louis Viiton, Red Souls and all. You wouldn't just grab
(01:33):
the first pairy s right, You'd consider comfort style and
whether they're actually appropriate for the occasion and for you.
HRT is pretty much the same. So first, let's clarify
what we're talking about, right. HRT isn't a single magic pill,
absolutely not. It encompasses various approaches aimed at replacing hormones
(01:57):
that naturally decline during pairy menial and menopause. These hormones
primarily include estrogen, often progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. The goal
isn't to make you feel like you're twenty five again,
although who wouldn't want that, right? Well, I kind of wouldn't.
I don't want to be twenty five again. No, I
(02:18):
was confused. I wouldn't want to be there. But anyway,
it's rather to alleviate the bothersome symptoms and potentially mitigate
the long term health risks associated with declining hormone levels.
And yes, there are health risks associated with this, so
keep that in mind. The most common type of HRT
(02:41):
involves estrogen, which is often the major player in the
symphony of menopausal discomfort. Symphony. That's a nice way to
put it, right, I'd really talk. It's more like a band,
like a sixth grade band than a symphony if you
ask me. But anyway back to estrogen. Estrogen is crucial
for a whole range of bodily functions, from bone health
(03:05):
to cardiovascular health, to mood regulation and even vaginal health.
Mm hm, I'm gonna say that again, vaginal health. Is
there is such a thing as estrogen levels plummet, we're
left singing a less harmonious tune, sometimes resulting in the
familiar chorus of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse,
(03:29):
and mood swings. Sounds lovely, doesn't it. Gentlemen, if you're listening,
all these things happen to your ladies. So empathy is crucial. Now.
There are different ways to administer estrogen right, each with
its own advantage and disadvantage, and some work for some people,
others don't. Some you know they're interchangeable. One common root
(03:52):
is oral estrogen, conveniently taken as a pill. However, this
method involves first pass metabolism through the liver, potentially impacting
liver function in some individuals. Then there's transdermal estrogen delivered
via patches, gels, or creams. This method bypasses the liver,
(04:14):
leading to potentially fewer liver related side effects and a
more consistent hormone level in the blood. I've tried this method.
I've tried the patch and I've tried the cream. The
patch or the adhesive on the patch made me feel
like crap. It was very itchy and I didn't like it.
(04:34):
So I tried the creams. It worked, but I really
don't think it was being absorbed very well, so I
had to switch delivery methods. And after that, after the
transdermal estrogen, there is the vaginal route for estrogen, appied
directly into the vagina as creams or tablets. This targets
(04:57):
symptoms specifically related to vaginal dry and atrophy, avoiding systemic effects.
Your doctor might actually recommend both methods, so you might
get a patch and a cream and you put that
on one part of your body, and then they might
recommend that you put a little bit inside the vagina
to help with the dryness and the atrophy. It is
(05:19):
crucial to understand that estrogen alone isn't always the answer,
especially for women who still have their uterus unopposed estrogen
or estrogen without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer. Therefore,
for women with a uterus, a combination of the estrogen
m progesterone is typically recommended to protect the uterine lining.
(05:43):
This combination therapy comes in various forms, mirroring the estrogen
delivery methods mentioned before, oral, transdermal, or even a combination
of both. So who should consider hr Wow, The decisions
shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a conversation that requires a
(06:06):
strong partnership between you and your healthcare provider. When we
talk about healthcare providers here, y'all make sure you're going
to somebody that is proficient in HRT. Many general doctors,
general practitioners, or even just some mainstream OBG y ns
(06:31):
are not proficient in modern day HRT. So find somebody
that specializes in female HRT. Please, it's vital. There's so
much new research out there and a lot of doctors
are not not up on this new research, So find
somebody that is. These doctors will consider your individual circumstances,
(06:55):
including your age, your medical history, which is very care
very very important, family history of certain cancers like breast
or ovarying cancer, and the severity of your symptoms. If
your experience debilitary in hot flashes like I was that
disrupt your sleep and daily life, or if vaginal dryness
(07:19):
is causing significant discomfort and impacting your intimacy, then HRT
is very worth discussing. On the other hand, if your
symptoms are mild and manageable through lifestyle modifications or even
some supplements, then HRT might not be necessary. Let's not
(07:40):
forget the potential risks. Excuse me, although the risks have
been significantly re evaluated. Hear that again, the risks have
been significantly re evaluated in recent years, concerns still exist,
especially regarding long term use. The risks associated with HRT
(08:00):
vary depending on the type of hormone, the doses, dosage,
the duration of treatment, and individual factors. Some potential risks
include blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease. However,
it's important to remember that these risks are not necessarily
higher than the baseline risks of developing these conditions as
(08:24):
women age. Right, so, a lot of the old research
was showing that women were getting blood clot stroke, bread
breast cancer, and glaw bladder disease well these women were aging,
and they were getting those anyway, they weren't. The HRT
was not increasing the risk. Okay, So new research has
come up, sometimes significantly less when comparing to alternative strategies
(08:49):
for mitigating menopausal symptoms. The benefit risk ratio is heavily
influenced by individual factors and the specific clinical situation. Your
doctor will help you navigate this carefully, this careful balancing act.
This leads us to an often overlooked aspect of HRT,
(09:10):
the importance of regular monitoring. If you choose to start
an HRT, you'll need regular checkups with your doctor to
monitor your progress, check for any side effects, and adjust
the treatment plan as needed. This ongoing assessment is vital
to ensure that the benefits outweigh the outweigh the risks,
(09:31):
and to catch any potential problems early. This isn't a
set it and forget it type of medication. It's typically
once a quarter, once every three months kind of thing. Well,
you'll have to get your blood work redone and they
check your levels. It's easy, pasy, but definitely worth the
(09:52):
numerous times, three to four times a year. Now, let's
address some common concerns. Okay, many women worry about weight
gain on HRT. While some studies have indicated a potential
for slight weight gain, this isn't a universal experience. Lifestyle
(10:12):
factors like diet and exercise play a much more significant
role in weight management. Similarly, concerns about mood changes and
cognitive function are often raised. Again, the impact of HRT
on mood and cognition is complex and variable, influenced by
individual factors and the specific type of HRT used. Research
(10:38):
suggests that many women don't experience negative mood or cognitive
side effects, while others might find that their symptoms are improved.
If you've been going through perimenopause or menopause, you are
experiencing mood shifts, hormona imbalances, brain fog, hair loss, all
(11:05):
of that stuff anyway, and I'm telling you now that
HRT can help all of that. So if you're not
on HRT, you're absolutely going to get these things. But
if you do go on HRT, you might not get
them at all. Okay, just think about it. Many alternative
therapies claim to offer relief from menopausal symptoms. These range
(11:29):
from herbal remedies containing phytoestrogens or plant derived compounds. With
estrogen like effects to acupuncture, yoga, and other complementary therapies. Well,
some of these therapies may provide some relief for certain individuals,
it's crucial to approach them with a healthy dose of
(11:51):
skepticism and to consult with your healthcare provider before trying them.
I have tried, excuse me, the phyto estrogen supplements, herbal remedies,
and they helped my hot flashes. I'm going to say
about forty percent, so they helped a little bit, but
didn't completely take them away. Excuse me. Many of these
(12:15):
lack robust scientific evidence to support their efficacy, and some
may even interact negatively with other medications or underlying health conditions. Remember,
your doctor is your best resource for determining the most
appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. Making the decision
(12:36):
about HRT is a deeply personal journey. There's no one
size fit all answer. What works for one woman might
not work for another. It requires a careful evaluation of
your symptoms, your risk factors, your overall health, and your
personal preferences. Above all, it's a conversation that requires open
(12:58):
and honest communication with your health care provider and your partner.
Don't hesitate to ask questions, express your concerns, and advocate
for yourself. I cannot stress this enough, y'all. You've got
to advocate your free yourself. You know yourself the best.
(13:19):
You spend the most amount of time with yourself, not
your doctor. Your doctor should be your partner in this process,
helping you make the most informed decision for your health
and well being. The goal is to find a solution
that helps you manage your menopausal symptoms effectively while minimizing
potential risks. Remember this is your journey and you are
(13:42):
in the driver's seat. Embrace the stage of life, equipped
with knowledge, support, and this is so important. A touch
of humor. Thank you for tuning in today to all
things women's health. I hope today's chat on HRT gave
you insight, confidence, and maybe even a little laugh. There's
(14:03):
so much great info out there now on menopause and perimenopause,
so dig in, do the research, and keep the conversation
going for yourself and for the women around you. On
the next episode, we'll explore non HRT alternatives, because this
isn't one size fits all and you've got options. See
(14:24):
then Hormone Warriors
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