Did you miss the HRT window?

[@ccookie7913]

How sad so many women in the US know nothing about this. All I ever heard was it causes cancer. Been overwhelmed, stressed & really struggled to find a doctor of any kind here in CA for years. I'm 54 now, high cholesterol, overweight, stressed & insomnia since 30. Went through menopause 10 years ago, or more precisely 2013. Thinking that was it, I'd gone through it, like clockwork 6 months into 2023, I seemed to go through another level of decline. Vag dryness, NEVER had before. Like, not even trying to pay attn., but discomfort got my attn., at the exact same time extremely noticeable memory loss/brain fog. Also, skin thinning, joint stiffness. Just alarming. And now I've missed my window. Probably unnecessary. If I'd had ANY help before now, I may have slept better, which would have helped me to do everything else I needed to do to make sure my cholesterol & stress levels stayed under control. (among other things, I would've exercised more. Also, when you don't sleep, it's hard to not be in a state of panic a lot of the time.) Still can't seem to find a decent doctor out here. I already went through every doctor in my area on the NAMS website. They either are no longer practicing in the area or are involved in some sort of for-profit organization which I cannot afford, or not accepting new patients. I appreciate this info & it's too bad I didn't see it when it came out, although I still thought it was cancer-causing up until about 5 months ago. My concerns are bone decline, brain decline, skin sag & thinning, vag dryness & just shorter lifespan of lower quality. I haven't had a mate in a really long time but feel sex would no doubt be painful if I did. What a shame women are neglected & ignored in one of the richest countries in the world. I think French women can get help over the counter.

[@et8488]

I am 64 years old and I was finally able to out all the dots together after having two cardiac work ups and three trips to the ER. I eat very healthy but my weight does not seem to budge. I have gained 70 lbs in spite of exercising. Went to my OB last week and asked her why we never discussed hormone replacement and she said I never asked her. I told prescribe them and she did. I’m looking forward to starting them next week

[@luzfernandez-aviles6365]

you may want to look into Anna Cabeca "The girlfriend doctor" she has a cream called Julva, which is supposed to be geat for down there and helps with vag. dryness and more.

[@anneg8319]

Why are doctors so afraid to give HRT to women past this 10 year threshold? Let us decide on our quality of life!!!!!!

[@soonkim8556]

The 10 year window is not set in stones. There are many other resources that debunk that notion. Keep educating yourself.

[@jt8142]

I agree. The majority of women in the WHI study were obese smokers, probably insulin resistant with metabolic disease, and in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. I’m almost 61 years old, have been post-menopausal for 10+ years, have never smoked, low-normal BMI, minimal alcohol consumption, have never been pre-diabetic or diabetic, and my cardiac calcium score is zero. I was just started on HRT 5 weeks ago. I’m taking oral Micronized Progesterone 200 mg, transdermal Estradiol patch 0.075 mg, and vaginal Estradiol cream for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) issues. I’m feeling much better thus far and am hoping this regimen will help my bone density in the near future, besides heart & brain benefits long term.

[@mlbrown1068]

Bc they want us to suffer. Start with not going to male gynecologists.

[@anneg8319]

@@mlbrown1068 Hi. I do not think they want us to suffer. The two gynos I went to who refused me HRT were females. They wanted me to suck it up and one wanted me to see a psychiatrist to help me deal with accepting the aging process and she was listed as a MD with the North American Menopause Society! I have now made an appointment with a male gyno who specializes taking care of women over 65. Two month waiting list.

[@Drd7682]

@@jt8142love it! Consider having them check your testosterone too. I’m pretty healthy like you but had very low testosterone (essentially zero). Adding it to my treatment plan was a total game changer!!

[@CCOREY5]

Everyone says something different. Many say if your have healthy biometrics, it’s not too late for hormones after menopause. Even into your 60s. It’s like no one really knows anything.

[@ddmontg3402]

I am so confused with everything I hear from my doctor to several doctors on Instagram and here.

[@pejisan]

that is because it costs big $$$ to run a study and there is little value is HRT so what doctors mean is there are no studies showing it is safe. The WHI results were poor data science coupled with a poorly designed clinical trial. Get the word out.

[@JohnMcAfee-se9ms]

Try looking at scientific research. Why would a doctor know anything about some specialty endocrinology subject? They don't even know about nutrition or exercise (they take zero classes on this for their MD) so why would they be up on all the endocrinology literature. Doctors are not "seers" or "oracles".

[@CCOREY5]

@@JohnMcAfee-se9ms I’m talking about all the menopause experts…not any run of the mill gp.

[@jt8142]

There are no definitive studies to prove/disprove the “window of opportunity” hypothesis

[@nccrchurchunusual]

Cant believe there are not more comments. Great concise info. Thank you!

[@GladBurgio]

Average 5 to 7 years of symptoms? Its been 13 for me and no end in sight.

[@iss8504]

My mom too except for her it's closer to 20 years

[@GladBurgio]

@@iss8504 oh my, I feel for her! I found a doctor a month ago, who prescribed me a vaginal cream with testosterone & estriol. My hot flashes have decreased by 60 - 70% and I'm sleeping better. Hope this info helps you or someone else.

[@gillianmillington7735]

me to

[@paulalaird272]

This may sound crazy but when I cut out sugar, wine and other simple carbohydrates my hot flashes almost completely disappeared.

[@user-ov4yb7oo1q]

I started at 57 and ten years on still having flushes,aching, anxiety etc. I tried HRT in the beginning but with no relief!

[@kimwood8311]

I just saw a nams gyn and she gave me a flat no. Im 68 and missd the window. It would increase chances of heart attack and stroke. But, im completely healthy, no meds and she gave me a flat NO. im going online.

[@anneg8319]

That's what happened to me too! With a name gyno!

[@kimwood8311]

@@anneg8319 what are you going to do?

[@Aki-wq6xh]

I feel so conflicted too 😢

[@shelleykapp9637]

Same here.

[@jt8142]

If you’re healthy, no metabolic issues, and don’t have pre-existing cardiovascular disease, you’re still a potential candidate for HRT.

[@ddmontg3402]

I’m so confused with everything out there information wise. Recently met with my gyn to discuss health concerns since I am just now learning all this about MHT and the benefits. I am almost 10 years out from menopause at age 60. Since my grandfather died at my age from a heart attack and my mom recently of dementia, my GYN didn’t think it was a good idea to start hormones. Then when I share this with some OBGYNs online, they state this is old way of thinking and could start them and especially because of the history of heart attack it would be protective for me? Who do we believe? Loads and loads of info and I am following and listening to a lot.

[@tnprincess888]

The online OBGYN's are correct. Your doctor is misinterpreting the Women's Health Initiative study, or he/she is still saying the same thing they have heard for decades. I recommend Dr. Peter Attia's video "Menstruation, Menopause, and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women". He discusses the horribly flawed WHI study and why they got it so wrong.

[@jt8142]

Find a new doctor, quickly

[@suzee2]

I missed my window. Menopause at 53, have used Premarin in tiny amounts off & on. I used bio identical hormones, (Suzanne Somers system) for 2-3 years until I ran out of money. Was off hormones for 5 years but had dryness and low libido, so used some of my husband’s testosterone, VERY low dose, felt like I was as 20. Now I use Premarin or estradiol in very tiny doses just to be able to have sex. Without hormones, I hurt and bleed and with hormones, my vagina works. That’s it. I’m 70 and still enjoy sex when it happens. Too bad I missed the window because now I feel I’m choosing sex over health…but is life even worth living without sex? What a dilemma. I expected better from medicine as I traveled down this road from my 40s to 50s & on to old age. Sex still makes me FEEL alive…even if it kills me… sad…😢

[@patriciagaines3231]

Im so mad, i missed my so call window. I did try hrt but couldnt put up with the spotting. I wished i had hung in there. Now im thinking about getting testosterone for my libido.

[@dgeistlinger]

Wow! I watched soooo many videos and this one was the best and most informative! Thank you! You really know your stuff and explained it all so well! Wish you were my doctor! Thanks again! Answered all my questions.

[@luzfernandez-aviles6365]

It's so frustrating to hear all this info and then go to your GYN and they are not on board with what you are saying. Then you try to look into a gyn that is on board, and they don't accept health insurance, and if by chance you do find one that is on board and takes insurance, you have to wait six months to get an appointment. uggg

[@mellocello187]

It’s like your doctor missed running you over the first time, so he put the car in reverse and backs over you. Thanks, medical community! (Men.).

[@annehathaway2107]

If you go on hrt surely you have to take them for life as the hormones they replace are gone?

[@ApacheMagic]

1. If you’ve had 5 years of menopause then go on hrt, how long can you stay on it if you don’t have risk factors? 2. She. You go off hrt after 10 years of menopause will you go straight back into the hot flushes etc? I had last period 5 years before starting estradot and progesterone, which immediately saved me from my very extreme symptoms (everything bad except vaginal dryness) I’m terrified of going through anything like that 5 years again

[@jt8142]

You should never go off HRT, otherwise, the benefits you gain from it will go away

[@Veramelzo]

I am 53 years old. I have a severe headache during menopause and it does not respond to any treatment. Would Bhrt be helpful? Greetings to all my sisters from Istanbul❤

[@pejisan]

WAIT!!! you are ignoring all the covert symptoms of menopause!! Osteoporosis is the best known, but brain fog, dementia, cardiovascular disease, insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc. etc. are also menopausal just helping a few overt symptoms is a tiny piece of the problem.

[@nccrchurchunusual]

Thank you. Where are you located? I need Help finding a dr...I just moved every obgyn I call is not accepting patients, never mind if they will even give me hrt.

[@truewomenshealth]

We are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

[@annehathaway2107]

Its very difficult to work with these constant symptoms no wonder over 10% of women quit because of it wish i could probably will have to in tbe end with no rwal undetstanding from work or famiy as tbey dont know how much i suffer.

[@jspyrogram]

Surgical menopause at 40 and I’m learning about this at 69.

[@darrylwhitesall4565]

Thank you

[@crazy_tee]

I am.lost... had a partial hysterectomy about 10 years ago... then a year later went back and took one of the ovaries... I still have one ovary left... i have ZERO sex drive but had a low sex drive anyways and it does not bother me at all to have ZERO drive...lol... but do not know that I have any hotflashes...or anything menopause relatd... but now my blood work is horrible... triglyceride through the roof... cholesterol too high and low... pre diabetic...and hormones out of wack..Dr is puutting me on HRTs...and other meds to address the other issues... I DO NOT THINK IT IS SAFE...i think i have missed the window... but...have not experienced menopause symptoms that I know of..I am 54...going on 55

[@Purify123]

Thank you so much for your vide😄s!!

[@probiotic1]

If i take bcp during my 40s, can i transition to hrt in my 50s?

[@yogaexercise9637]

What can I do if I live in a small/mid-sized town and can't find a well-trained provider? Is there a reliable tele-medicine provider one could go to?

[@truewomenshealth]

You can look for a Certified Menopause Practitioner on menopause.org. We are able to do telehealth in a few states -- Dr. Diana Bitner is licensed in the State of Michigan and the State of Florida. Dr. Celia Egan is licensed in the states of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, Colorado, and Alabama.

[@jt8142]

Check out Alloy or Midi Health for telemedicine care

[@ddmontg3402]

Are you part of NAMs?

[@truewomenshealth]

Yes! All of our providers are Menopause Society Certified Practitioners.

[@monik8209]

How can Mona Lisa treatment be as effective as oestrogen. Does it treat dryness (I don’t understand how) or does it just make the tissues resilient?

[@truewomenshealth]

Sorry, we missed this question! The MonaLisa Touch laser stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and improves the production of elastin and collagen to restore vaginal tissues.

[@jt8142]

The Mona Lisa device doesn’t resolve all genitourinary issues so vaginal Estradiol cream can still be very useful

[@homedogtwo8820]

This woman doesn't answer any comments at all,

[@Aki-wq6xh]

Thsi makes me angry. I have found all these talk about the ‘window’ extremely disempowering /( Should i just give up now post ten years menopause even my cardiovascular system is healthy!?

[@jt8142]

There is no definitive study that confirms the “window of opportunity” hypothesis, especially for healthy women that have no pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Reminder: the women in the WHI study were not a healthy cohort; the majority were obese women that smoked, and were in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

[@aprilepp74]

How long does the monalisa touch last?

[@truewomenshealth]

Usually, after a series of 3 treatments 6 weeks apart, you will need one annual treatment.

[@user-be5rt8xj9i]

@drmaryclairehaver