Thanks for writing this article. I'm 52 and not on HRT, though considering it. I'm warming up to the idea of it, the more I read. I see this article is from April. Any updates? Are you taking it now, or still studying it?
I’m on all the HRT, including testosterone, coming up to three years now. I had all the symptoms and was not coping with them well at all. Now I have no symptoms and life is great.
That doesn’t mean I think everyone should rush out and get on HRT though. It’s such an individual thing and we are all different. What we do need to do is know what we’re talking about, and balanced posts like this one contribute towards that, thank you!
One thing I think often gets overlooked is that you have to be super consistent about taking HRT. So if you’re a person who doesn’t do well remembering to take medication for example, you might not do too well with some kinds of HRT either (e.g. gels you have to apply every morning). I haven’t heard that addressed anywhere yet.
That's a good point. I haven't heard of that being talked about. I would think that when women aren't feeling well, they are motivated to take it, but maybe they forget or are inconsistent over time.
I’m 55 and feel great. My periods stopped completely 3 years ago thank goodness as I had worsening PMT previously. I’m not taking any hormone replacement but often wonder if I should. Thank you for this information. I’m currently running with the principle: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Very well balanced overview of recent findings. On a personal note, I am 63, and have no intention of discontinuing MHT in the near future. We need to stop using the terms “progestin” and “progesterone” interchangeably, and we need to get the black box warning off of vaginal estrogen
Excellent post with much needed information for perimenopausal and menopausal women when considering MHT. Often I hear that women don't know how to make informed decisions for themselves when it comes to taking MHT, or who to turn to for reliable information as clearly not all medical professionals are up to date with current research. It should be common knowledge at this point that vaginal estrogen is not systemic and how beneficial it is in treating GSM. Your post clearly lays out what women need to consider as they contemplate taking MHT or not, and reminds women that MHT is only one tool to consider. May I cross post this article on my Substack?
Yes to estrogen plus progesterone plus vaginal estrogen. After essentially 5 years without stringing together two restful nights of sleep, the hormones are a game changer. I also share the vaginal estrogen with the thinner skinned areas of my face a couple of times a week. Thank you for a data-based, nuanced discussion of MHT backed up with studies.
Thanks for writing this article. I'm 52 and not on HRT, though considering it. I'm warming up to the idea of it, the more I read. I see this article is from April. Any updates? Are you taking it now, or still studying it?
I hit menopause in November and still haven't decided. I'm currently looking for provider to consult my options. Good luck!
I’m on all the HRT, including testosterone, coming up to three years now. I had all the symptoms and was not coping with them well at all. Now I have no symptoms and life is great.
That doesn’t mean I think everyone should rush out and get on HRT though. It’s such an individual thing and we are all different. What we do need to do is know what we’re talking about, and balanced posts like this one contribute towards that, thank you!
One thing I think often gets overlooked is that you have to be super consistent about taking HRT. So if you’re a person who doesn’t do well remembering to take medication for example, you might not do too well with some kinds of HRT either (e.g. gels you have to apply every morning). I haven’t heard that addressed anywhere yet.
That's a good point. I haven't heard of that being talked about. I would think that when women aren't feeling well, they are motivated to take it, but maybe they forget or are inconsistent over time.
I’m 55 and feel great. My periods stopped completely 3 years ago thank goodness as I had worsening PMT previously. I’m not taking any hormone replacement but often wonder if I should. Thank you for this information. I’m currently running with the principle: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Ha ha. Sounds great. Everyone is so different and I'm glad you're feeling good.
Very well balanced overview of recent findings. On a personal note, I am 63, and have no intention of discontinuing MHT in the near future. We need to stop using the terms “progestin” and “progesterone” interchangeably, and we need to get the black box warning off of vaginal estrogen
Completely agree. I also think vaginal estrogen should be over the counter.
Excellent post with much needed information for perimenopausal and menopausal women when considering MHT. Often I hear that women don't know how to make informed decisions for themselves when it comes to taking MHT, or who to turn to for reliable information as clearly not all medical professionals are up to date with current research. It should be common knowledge at this point that vaginal estrogen is not systemic and how beneficial it is in treating GSM. Your post clearly lays out what women need to consider as they contemplate taking MHT or not, and reminds women that MHT is only one tool to consider. May I cross post this article on my Substack?
Thank you Susan. Yes, feel free to crosspost!
Thank you!
Yes to estrogen plus progesterone plus vaginal estrogen. After essentially 5 years without stringing together two restful nights of sleep, the hormones are a game changer. I also share the vaginal estrogen with the thinner skinned areas of my face a couple of times a week. Thank you for a data-based, nuanced discussion of MHT backed up with studies.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm so glad we have hormone therapy as an option for women!