HRT Update - Stroke Risk & Migraine

Today I'm giving you an update on my HRT journey and its end!
What equipment do I use?
Canon DSLR - amzn.to/2ySYNR5
Ring Light - amzn.to/2vzwr0j
Tabletop studio lights - amzn.to/2vzcM0C
**Please note - if you see "Buy it here" links, they are most likely affiliate links - I currently only affiliate with Magic Links & Amazon. It doesn't cost you anymore of course :0) What it means is that I get a few pence of any product that you buy from that site (the site will put cookies on your computer as per any website, but you can of course block cookies). x

[@ClaireMcD]

Karen I’ve been taking daily collagen for the last 2 years. It’s thickened my hair. I take vital proteins x

[@michsand]

I had the same problem it took me a few years to find the right combination to help with my chronic migraines. I was determined to find that right balance with the help of my menopause specialist and neurologist. I am from Australia. I found like you the progesterone patch would aggravate my migraines/headaches. I had a Mirena IUD and twice weekly continuous estradot 75 and I have also just started testosterone. I have been on Emgality CGRP for 7 months and Topiramate. I have been able to go back to work after years of daily migraines and then the hangover headache. Wishing you the best of luck.

[@EJ-gi9ib]

I have or am going through the menopause. I havn't had a test but I came off the mini pill in 2019 and haven't had a monthly since. I remember having bad hair loss. My hair is normal now. I researched it and pure coconut oil was recommended and also Matrix shampoo. I still use Matrix shampoo now. It's not vegan but hey it's your hair. Bumble and bumble do a coconut shampoo. It is expensive but lasts ages. I hope this helps.

[@pam164]

I have patch on and 2 tablets a week, was on tablet every day for 6 years had no problems but being 61 now Dr said tablets are a bit risky every day. But great on what I'm on now. Such a shame you can't take it.

[@gillbrown3523]

If it’s any consolation Karen I have Migraines too so didn’t go on HR, I am 70 now and always had thick hair but since going through the menopause my hair has consistently been falling out but it’s still as thick as it always was and I too like to look after my hair so maybe that’s kept it’s thickness. Thought that might make you less worried. 🥰

[@megcormack681]

💙💙

[@simonebourque1061]

I am 59, living in Canada and I know no one on HRT. The Canadian Cancer society says that the risks outweigh the benefits. I know HRT is popular in the US and the UK, but here its just not a topic of conversation. A reduction in foods with sugar and carbs have reduced my hot flashes tremendously. Each woman has to choose whats best for her, sorry you are having worries about your health. XO

[@jpintero6330]

My experience, too. I eat tofu, drink high IPA beer, dried prunes, (all with good science to back them up) and lots of exercise. It is working great!

[@littlevoice_11]

Dr Neal Barnard has wone great videos and published clinical studies on specific dietary changes that helped with side effects as much as (or in some cases more than) HRT or placebo

[@jh9912]

I live in Canada and I am on HRT. CBC News did a whole series on menopause, debunking those myths surrounding. The patch is tolerated well and studied to show less chance of stroke, blood clot, and migraine.

[@christimayes6173]

Thank you for sharing. I’m struggling with trying to find affordable HRT and a doctor to help with management of it. Been worried about stroke, as well, as I’m prone to getting migraines. Rapid aging has set in. Hope you find relief from your migraines. Been curious about the physiology of the neck as I believe I’ve heard you mention.

[@LifeasaZebra]

Oh I'm guessing you are in the US when you say affordable? I don't pay for medication as we have the NHS thank goodness. My Neurologist said that neck pain and cervicogenic headaches are related to migraine. x

[@susannataylor5101]

Red Light Therapy is supposed to help hair loss. Hope your migranes lessen whe the HRT wears off.

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi Karen I'm sorry it isn't for you, but it's not suitable for every woman and really depends on medical history/symptoms/risk factors. I couldn't take HRT in perimenopause due to fairly severe endometriosis. In fact I waited more than a year after my last period, before starting a really low dose combined pill form. Although I did have hormonal migraines just before my period most months prior to menopause, I haven't had more than two since starting HRT two years ago. Prior to the HRT I had all the perimenopause symptoms and dealt with them via other means. Hot flushes/night sweats/cold flushes were one of my most problematic symptoms and for that I was given clonidine in a low dose (a documented side effect is a lessening of flushing). This cut the temperature fluctuations down to a much more manageable amount and interestingly I'm still on it, as it really helps with the rosacea I also developed during peri menopause. The dose I'm on isn't high enough to affect my very normal BP and I don't have any cardiac issues I'm aware of (cholesterol is normal). There are many medications out there (known as SERM's) that can help with menopause for those not able to take HRT - this may well be something to investigate further and can help with the symptoms without some of the risks. SERM's are a fairly extensive range of meds and whilst not every one of them is either needed or suitable for everyone, perhaps some of them might be suitable for you. I was lucky the nurse prescriber I saw way back then had an interest in menopause research and was able to prescribe the clonidine for me, but there are other things that are prescribed on the NHS (I'm also in Scotland). Otherwise I take marine collagen tablets which I find help my hair and nails, as well as a multivitamin to make sure i'm getting enough nutrients. I'm very cautious with taking too many supplements (especially fat soluble nutrients), as it can be dangerous in high amounts (plus some can interfere with your other medications and I discussed what I take with my local pharmacist, to ensure there were no contraindications). I hope some of that helps Karen and I too was really frustrated about not being able to take the HRT, when the symptoms were so severe. I was really miserable for quite a while and had numerous issues not discussed here to deal with. I hope you find something to help with your own issues. x

[@theKWoman009]

I don’t think your GP is up to date. I have chronic migraine with also hemiplegic migraine (even a higher risk of stroke). However, I’ve seen three top neurologists and I have a Gyno-epidemiologist who deals with women who have HRT risk factors. Even though I have hemiplegic migraine I am still okay to have HRT! Please see a specialist, not a GP! The risks are far higher for women that aren’t on HRT then those that are, the risks are far higher for women who don’t take HRT then women that do. And don’t trust doctor google, you need to see a specialist. Note: even though oestrogen “can” make migraine worse, in my case it has dramatically lessened the severity and amount of migraines I get per month now that I’m on HRT. Also, I don’t handle the patch nor pill forms of HRT - I use Estrogel on my arms and promethium suppository for the progesterone, both are bio identical. This is the same that your body naturally produces. Remember, oestrogen impacts every regulatory system in a woman’s body. Please don’t give up!! Hugs 🤗

[@LifeasaZebra]

Oh goodness, I'd love to think it was possible to be on HRT but with my current research I'm afraid I don't think it is, I think the risks are too great. My background is in medical research so I certainly don't take the GP advice as the be all end all, but I do my own research of the actual research papers (as opposed to random Dr Google lol). The evidence shows that there is a link between HRT that increases migraine and stroke. I'd really like to do more of my own research and will do when I have a non migraine day lol but I don't think its as simple as "the risks are higher for women not on HRT" - it depends on the woman and her genetics and lifestyle and there ARE some risks that are slightly higher on HRT and some that are lower. I'm afraid I'm not a believer in "bio identical" hormones specifically either after research and lots of learning from the specialists - this is a great video explaining it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZu5qX2PhK2Dl5I - I'm guessing you may be in the USA as here in the UK you take what you are given and don't actually have a choice anyway. I can't just decide to see a specialist, or get a specific type of hormone unless it's on a list approved by the NHS. I totally understand why its ok for YOU to have HRT despite the migraines, because for you the migraines are lessened. For me, they worsened and that's the issue of risk. Hope that makes sense! x

[@LifeasaZebra]

Something else to note is that on HRT I did not have any less migraines at all, even during the Estrogen only phase - I still had them daily. That was originally why I tried it as I thought it might help the migraines! Its ironic really as it may increase my risk of stroke but reduce my risk of heart attack. x

[@theKWoman009]

I’m from Australia, not the USA. I do understand each woman is different and there are risk factors that need to be carefully considered. I wasn’t allowed to go near HRT for almost 8 months before seeing all of the specialists and getting their okay. I’m interested in your information on bio identical HRT, I will definitely have a look at that. I guess we are very lucky in Australia, I am able to drive my own treatment plan and medication, sorry to hear you’re so restricted in the UK. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in the public, not private system too. My main specialist for HRT is Prof John Eden (gynaecologist of reproductive endocrinology). He’s the guy who developed testosterone for women that’s used all over the world. I also have stage 4 endometriosis which makes taking oestrogen problematic. May I ask, when did your migraines start to become an issue? For me it was when I entered peri menopause, and than after on op I went into complete menopause and they became acute, and had three hemiplegic migraines where I lost my left side and speech. It took a good three months for the HRT to settle and help, I’m not throwing up everyday in excruciating migraine pain. Yes, I do have migraines daily but mild and I haven’t had another hemiplegic episode since my hormones become stable. As I said, I couldn’t tolerate pill forms at all nor the patch, but the gel has been a godsend, as has the promethium taken three times a week (it only gets to the uterus so you sidestep all the side effects the oral form can give you). I know how debilitating migraines are and pray you find the help and treatment that works for you. Sending lots of positive healing energy your way. Hugs 🤗

[@theKWoman009]

Okay, just watched your link on Bio identical. When I said bio identical I just meant the structure of the chemical. Mine is solely estradiol!! It doesn’t have the other two oestrogens and it’s not made in a chemist. Estrogel was FDA approved in 2004! It just happens to be bio identical in structure as well as being the only hormone required after menopause. You worried there for a sec but glad I could watch and confirm the product I use Estrogel contains (as hemihydrate) 0.06% w/w, 0.75mg in 1.25g gel = estradiol per one pump. I started with one pump, then two and have now found three pumps is the perfect amount for my body. Note: It does take your body a period of time to adjust (I had super sore breasts initially, now I just feel better and wouldn’t know I’m on anything. Of course, every women is different, what works for me may not work for others, it’s such a personal journey and only you knows what is right for you. I just thought if I shared how much this has helped me, perhaps it could help you too. Hugs 🤗

[@bunnyvenom888]

Hi! I hope this is not too forward, but I am going through some similar issues and cannot find anyone to talk to about them. I noticed you don't have any Instagram links anymore- Do you think there is a way that I could message or talk to you? If you have the time. Thanks so much.

[@LifeasaZebra]

All social media links are listed on the Beauty Maverick but I can't really type on my phone much as I have arthritis in my hands :0( I also now have covid! Feel free to message me on IG (the beauty maverick) but it might take me a while to reply. x

[@jpintero6330]

Have you seen Beauty101byLisa? She hasn't had a period in 5 years and she takes no HRT and she has the thickest hair! She is a vegan. Still super sexy at 53! The ladies I have known all have kept their hair without HRT.

[@sandrabruce7819]

Hi Karen you have been very quiet on here I know you have a lot going on with the kitchen I hope all is ok xx

[@LifeasaZebra]

Thanks Sandra, been feeling rough and turns out its covid!x