Menopause Monday: Healthy Alternatives to HRT

Menopause Monday: Healthy Alternatives to HRT
With so many articles relating to the pros and cons of HRT it can be confusing to know what will help you best with your menopause.
Healthy HRT alternatives are something I get asked about a lot. Personally I use healthy alternatives to manage my menopause symptoms. I have nothing against HRT, and indeed have read a lot of reports which suggest its efficacy in helping us prevent various diseases.
In today's video I talk about HRT, the safer options of taking it as well as alternative therapies.
Always remember, even if you take HRT, a healthy lifestyle is a necessity to ensure you live a healthy and fulfilling later life. And beware confirmation bias. It's something we're all guilty of when we're looking for information to support our beliefs.
I'm curious to know your thoughts on hrt and/or alternative therapies.
This is the Tim Spector book I referred to: The Diet Myth
amzn.to/3eWBlNj
#menopause #hrtalternatives #menopausesupport

[@Metaphysics-for-life]

My understanding is that other organs take over hormone production after the ovaries are done doing their job. It makes sense to me that the reason women have difficulty with menopause is because these organs (adrenals, liver, thyroid, etc.) are not properly supported? I would like to see more info on how to create a healthy, normal, natural transition vs looking at menopause as a "disease". Thank you!

[@katehartley7566]

I love looking at menopause as a natural transition too. There are more of us out here doing that now. Menopause is a bit like childbirth - it's become medicalised. I'll do a video around the specifics of how the body organs take up the slack of the ovaries. Thank you for your suggestion.

[@JJmikra]

I'm happily on HRT. It removed all symptoms which is great. HRT or not we are all aging. I'm also trying to change my lifestyle to healthier direction. HRT helps me to have enough energy to do it 😊 I think you covered this topic well and fair 😊

[@katehartley7566]

I'm so glad to hear that HRT is helping you so much. And great point that you raise that hrt helps to give you the energy to start out with healthier lifestyle changes. Changes do take energy, both physically and mentally which I think is a really important aspect to remember. It's hard enough to make a healthy change when you're feeling relatively well, but burdened by the mercurial symptoms that menopause so "kindly" gives us, I hear you completely on the benefits of hrt.

[@passionatesingle]

Tried various natural remedies for menopausal symptoms but nothing worked. Not to mention they were costly too. HRT is what worked for me and I am still happily on it. Sleep well,still slim,not depressed. I still feel like I used to years ago.

[@katehartley7566]

that is great news that hrt is working so well for you. We all have such different experiences of the menopause and it's really important to give hrt the relevance it needs when it can make such a beneficial impact on you.

[@lf9341]

I'm going back on Tuesday despite the melasma!

[@vanitagomes3794]

What exactly are you taking in HRT.

[@vanitagomes3794]

Can you please share your HRT treatment

[@run4cmt]

HRT has not been good for me. It made me gain 28 pounds even though I am a long distance athlete and eat healthy. I am off of HRT and have lost10 lbs so far.

[@clairedonovan3425]

Hrt was great for me, but omg, I've put on 1 stone. So, coming off it, you ve given me hope it will come off x

[@user-gj6xf3xl4u]

Same for me! I walk 2 hours everyday & eat very healthy! HRT made me gain 25 pounds! And only helped heart palpitations & hot flashes for about 6 months. I’ve been on it for 1 year now & I’m going to stop taking it! Thank for for sharing because nobody believes me when I say HRT made me gain weight!

[@katehartley7566]

oh crikey, that's not what you want. I'm glad you were able to come off it and lose 10lbs so far.

[@katehartley7566]

@@clairedonovan3425 wishing you well, Claire!

[@katehartley7566]

@@user-gj6xf3xl4u hrt can definitely make you gain weight and I've heard of other stories of women actually getting palpitations when they started using hrt. I realise it helped your palpitations stop for around 6 months, but for some other women, it can make them feel really strange.

[@DsnyLuv]

HRT was good in the beginning but the estrogen gave me heart problems very bad. Since I stopped I feel better

[@katehartley7566]

I'm glad you're feeling better. That must have been frightening to experience heart problems.

[@setapart27]

Thank you so much for not pushing toxic meds.

[@katehartley7566]

it's my absolute pleasure! I'm all about prevention in the healthiest way possible!

[@lizherbst7393]

How are they toxic?

[@goldstar846]

@@lizherbst7393 all synthetic chemicals are toxic. How one reacts and tolerates them depends on their individual toxic threshold. thats why they work for some and not others.

[@katehartley7566]

@@lizherbst7393 most meds have negative side effects.

[@lizherbst7393]

@@katehartley7566 meds have side effects. Some are positive and some are negative. It would be helpful for you to reply with good research, not generalizations. This is tough stuff to navigate and HRT has been life changing for some women. The word toxic triggers fear. Not helpful coming from someone who is trying to help.

[@leerobs1118]

Thanks for your details I testify to ashwaganda its amazing not just for us middle aged women but for everyone Here in South Africa we have a cultured milk called mass. Its way better then yoghurt and no zero sugar Also I have been doing intermittent fasting and it has helped me so much. Also a note about HRT, I saw a comment below, question to ask, how did women do it for thousands of years? They went natural 😂😅

[@jenn1fermeyer468]

Woman had different life styles, many suffered. My gran got fits . Life has changed, and food has changed.

[@janice2532]

I am so glad to have found this. I am watching my first one of your videos. I am really suffering sometimes. I cannot stay awake past 7 or 8 at night. Consequently, I am up between 2 and 3:30 every morning. I cannot stay in bed due to body pain. Neck, shoulders, hips, back. Sex? HAHA. I can not even imagine enjoying sex right now because of my body pain. This is really hard. I am 57. This year I have stopped anti-depressants and I can not believe how much pain it was covering. Im working out, walking and hiking 5 times per week. I could eat less sugar I guess. Anyway, thank you for talking about all of this.

[@katehartley7566]

Hi Janice! I hope it helped you. Is your joint pain down to your menopause or is there underlying inflammation there too? If you can cut out caffeine, sugars, reduce alcohol if you drink and add vitamin E (with the 4 tocopherols and tocotrienols) that should help. Also avoid sodas and fizzy drinks. They are terrible for your joints and bones.

[@gilliandowney5225]

And you need hrt

[@AmandaScarcella]

Just a diff perspective here: ovarian failure cannot be “cured” with herbs, regardless of how healthy one’s diet and lifestyle are. Bioidentical hormones (non synthetic) are not toxic, they are literally exactly physiologically identical to what our body naturally produces. it is a matter of replenishing what the body made at Peak Health to create better quality of life as well as longevity. Women on Bio identical hormones have a 39% decrease in all cause mortality. The symptoms you describe are commensurate with needing hormone replacement therapy. Never let anybody gaslight you into thinking this is normal or that you have to live with this. You deserve a beautiful healthy life.

[@lindase7715]

Thank you so much Kate. Lots of information there. ✅

[@katehartley7566]

My pleasure LInda! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@TrinaSafiya]

"if you're overweight, lose weight." Ma'am, that's one of symptoms!! I can't lose it! 😭😭🤣

[@katehartley7566]

what are you doing specifically to try and lose it?

[@ddmagede]

Thank you!

[@katehartley7566]

My pleasure! Hope you found it helpful.

[@cherievance4019]

Is it too late for me @58, 6 yrs into manapause, had a life of high curosol, and for the pass 2 years I have removed all stress, I sleep heavily 8+ hours, I have lots of food allergies thus last 10yrs and now I have a selected foods that Don't cause inflammation, no alcohol, no pharmaceuticals, no smoking. In Nov 2023 6mths, over night I suddenly lost all motivation, drive it has been such a hard flip as I have been able to change anymore it has been such a hard flip as I have been a happy positive joyful woman now I can't even fake it (6moths). I spoke to the GP and she said 'no' to hormone test as 'it is what it is" I really feel I cannot live like this for the next 20yrs. Where do I start? Could it be no-dopamine levels, what can I do. Thank you in advance Cherie 💖

[@misfitl3]

Very helpful, I will look for Tims book. Can I ask what adaptogen herb mix you use? Is it a pre mixed one or do you make your own?

[@katehartley7566]

It's a pre-mixed blend which contains 8 adaptogen herbs as well as digestive enzymes and gut healthy stuff. Yes, defo get Tim's book. It's a real eye opener and really interesting too.

[@user-mg1no2ux5g]

My mother died from ovarian cancer directly linked to HRT. Many women at the same time ended up with ovarian cancer as well, so the particular HRT she was given no longer is available. Because I knew early on that being my mother's daughter, HRT would never be an option for me, I made specific lifestyle choices a priority years ago. My mother should have been encouraged to try this first before doing HRT at the time. Supposedly I am right on the verge of menopause but don't feel like it and don't look like it.

[@katehartley7566]

If your adrenal health is good, you should manage well through menopause. Our adrenals back up the job of the ovaries. We get duped into thinking we have to experience terrible menopause symptoms. For some people hrt is brilliant and works really well. For others, like me, I'd prefer not to take it. I don't feel a need to take it. I have found that lifestyle factors have helped me get through it relatively unscathed and I know what will set off my symptoms when I'm not making the healthiest choices.

[@vanitagomes3794]

What are the lifestyle choices. I'm struggling with menopause

[@katehartley7566]

@@vanitagomes3794 regular strength training, eating plenty of nutritious food, managing my stress and prioritizing sleep. And drinking lots of water and I also take adaptogen herbs daily and make sure my gut health is on good form by taking pre and probiotics and digestive enzymes. Do you do any of this? What are your problematic symptoms?

[@vanitagomes3794]

@@katehartley7566 I do not get sleep and I keep getting up at night every 2 or 11/2 hrs to pass urine. In the day I am very tired and feel exhausted. I also feel very hot in hot weather and my body is cold in the cold weather. I cannot tolerate heat at all. My libido is very low and I have vaginal dryness. Infact my breast size decreased after menopause. I'm 49 now will be 50 in a month. Got menopause at 46. My bone density scan showed osteopenia in some places and I also have muscle loss. I also have hair loss dry skin and memory problems. Could you please share your diet and exercise routine. And also what adaptogens you take. And what digestive enzymes you take. Pls help me. I need inspiration to do what is right for me as I have a bad environment at home

[@lf9341]

New subscriber! I just turned 57. My period stopped at 54 and the following month I went on HRT. It helped with hot flashes but not depression or anything else. (I have been taking an average dose of celexa for at least 12 years...when I cut down my depression comes back with or without hormones. The HRT helped for hot flashes but nothing else. Same weight, same mood, same skin/ hair. What it did give me was MELASMA! I didn't realize the connection until my dermatologist asked me if I was on HRT so looking for alternative options for hot flashes. Been off it for 6 months and melasma is much better but still there. I also wear 70 sunscreen for years ....

[@katehartley7566]

Do you track your food and drink to see if that triggers your hot flashes? I found that when I tracked mine, it revealed so much useful information for me. I know that when I drink caffeine, alcohol, eat spices, eat anything with refined sugars or get thirsty, I suffer much more with my hot flushes. Sage is a herbal remedy which has been shown to help a lot with hot flashes. Sage, licorice and red clover can all help with hot flashes too.

[@Bolero_Son]

Instead of doing HRT, watch dr. Bobby Price about how to stop the sugars and about toxicity in foods.

[@Bolero_Son]

Parsley, cilantro, lemons, garlic are good for the adrenal glands (that are at the kidneys).

[@AliciasHealingChannel]

That’s usually from an underlying mineral trace rare and raw material deficiency- ie various forms of magnesium. ❤

[@lf9341]

@@AliciasHealingChannel melasma? TY! I just went back on HRT last week because I could not deal with the hot flashes.!

[@annierichards7367]

🍻 They have put out some good non alcoholic beers/ales. I like Athletic Ale, or non alcoholic malts. I think the hops help minus the alcohol. ❤

[@katehartley7566]

Yes! I love that there are no many non-alcoholic options these days. I brew my own kombucha (which has a small amount of alcohol) and use that as my booze replacement on the rare occasions I go teetotal.

[@1Antied77]

I would like the links to those discussions on the study that was done on HRT.

[@katehartley7566]

I'll find them for you and post them below.

[@katehartley7566]

Sources: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0957584705000508 journals.lww.com/jaanp/Citation/1999/05000/Supplemental_and_Complementary_Alternatives_to.1.aspx www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229905001469 www.ejcancer.com/article/S0959-8049(00)00233-1/abstract jech.bmj.com/content/59/9/740.shortwww.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/menopause-and-later-life/hrt-and-alternatives/ www.themenopausecharity.org/2021/10/20/alternatives-to-hrt/ www.healthline.com/health/menopause/alternatives-to-hrt patient.info/womens-health/menopause/alternatives-to-hrt

[@1Antied77]

@@katehartley7566 thank you!

[@hw462]

Thank you for all the info . I am entering perimenopause , so I am gathering all that knowledge I need . Could you pls talk about synthetic vs bioidentical HRT ?

[@katehartley7566]

That's a great suggestion! Thank you! I'll add it to my list.

[@Angel-qf6if]

Check out menopause barbie, she had a whole series on everything

[@Blueskies7775]

Louise Newson is another good menopause specialist to check out. As well as Dr. Mary Haver from Houston Texas.

[@katehartley7566]

This is the video I did in response to your request: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHLUl6KKrc2Kq6M

[@roberthart897]

What is the smoothie powder you use?

[@ileanamuntean7338]

My doctor would not prescribe HRT for me (she might be right because I still have a massive fibroid although I am 68). Never had hot flushes, no depression but I have brain fog and I don't sleep well. Oh, and I am obese (although strong and active, I can run, go up the steps with no breathlessness).

[@angeliceyeez]

Could you give us a link to the adaptogen blend you use please. I’d like to look into that

[@katehartley7566]

Yes of course. This is the link to the information: drive.google.com/file/d/1OQTYEO5JiE3WQSibPprsgQVkkeq60gBN/view?usp=sharing If you want to chat it over more, can you message me on Instagram or Facebook? I'm @katehartleyuk on both platforms.

[@angeliceyeez]

@@katehartley7566 thank you 😁

[@jenn1fermeyer468]

Sorry, I tried ton of natural alternatives, followed gurus . But Premarin has worked with diet and exercise, ketosis after overdectomy, saved me from severe menopause but Premarin tipped to normality

[@katehartley7566]

That's really great to hear that Premarin has worked so well for you. We are all so different and it's really important to do what works best for you.

[@jenn1fermeyer468]

@katehartley7566 Yes, and it is better than taking anti depressants, which seems to have become the preferred treatment for menopause. I am all for natural, but sometimes it either takes too long for impact. For me, exercise helps keep the mood happy.

[@katehartley7566]

@@jenn1fermeyer468 I'm with you on the exercise for mental health. For me it does the same. I don't think I'd still be here if I hadn't understood the benefits of exercise. It has helped me drag myself through the really tough times. And yes, it drives me nuts that anti Ds are handed out as a cure all for menopause symptoms.

[@TheShumoby]

​@@jenn1fermeyer468I take estradiol sublingually. Works great and bio identical

[@juliecozens8736]

Premarin is from pregnant mares urine. The process is very cruel. This is one of the reasons I haven't gone on hrt. Where the drugs we are prescribed comes from matters to me and is part of assessing whether something is 'healthy'.

[@concioussoul1149]

Ive struggled on for the past year, on a natural path. I take herbal tintures supplements get out in nature good sleep hygiene but im a total mess :( I lost my job and litterally feel like im going crazy . My main symptoms are brain fog and servere mood swings and tirdness . To be honest since covid ive lost my faith in medical services but i feel im at the end of the road now . The reason for holding off is the fear of making my mood worse as im already in a hole i have no capacity to go further. 😢

[@katehartley7566]

I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling so low. You haven't got long Covid have you? Just in case that is something your immune system might be dealing with. I'm sorry, I don't know your name, but you could always message me on instagram (link is in the description of the video) or find me @katehartleyuk - let me know you're concioussoul and we can talk more.

[@sueharrison8818]

What if you are 63 years of age and you had last period at 51 years old, could u still take a small dose of estrogen and progesterone without big risk of breast and heart problem etc?? Or is it too late??? A small dose ???

[@katehartley7566]

Hi Sue, not knowing your medical history, I cannot say, however have you approached your GP and asked? I can't imagine a small dose would create any major risk for you. But I would ask your GP to get his/her recommendation for you. It would also depend on the reason for you wanting to take the extra progesterone and estrogen.

[@naseembutt9222]

Hi I am on antidepressants and they take the edge of things naz london .

[@katehartley7566]

that's good news that they're helping to support you, Naz. Out of interest, have you explored your gut health?

[@geyoh2551]

What bioidentical HRT and dosage is suggest to a women who is 54 and only 100 lbs?

[@katehartley7566]

You would have to ask your doctor about dosages.

[@sabotaj4460]

if a doctor is subscribing anti depressant that will be dealing with symptoms and not the cause, and providing lots of negative side effects, also i found iodine helped with so many of my symptoms and allowed me to continue drinking my morning coffee

[@katehartley7566]

that's really helpful to hear that Iodine helped so much. Is that an iodine supplement or do you focus on eating iodine rich foods?

[@sabotaj4460]

yes, its a supplement, I take nascent iodine in water everyday @@katehartley7566

[@pejisan]

Have you read all the studies???? HRT deficiency affects the whole body, not just the visible symptoms.

[@katehartley7566]

I can't say I have read all the studies, but I can say I have read a lot. Yes, falling hormone levels do affect the entire body, not just the visible symptoms, however not everyone wants to take hrt or indeed can take hrt. I'm living proof that I'm doing well without hrt. Bone mass is that of a youngster, muscle tone is good, brain fog is getting better, still have the odd hot flush but those went completely when I healed my gut.

[@vanitagomes3794]

@@katehartley7566 How do you increase bone mass and heal your gut. What about muscle tone

[@katehartley7566]

@@vanitagomes3794 strength training is a sure fire way of increasing bone mass. Healing your gut might involve using a food journal to find out what foods work for you and which foods work against you: seeing what makes you bloat, get constipated, feel lacking in energy etc. Eating plenty of pre and probiotics to keep a healthy gut microbiome. Muscle tone is strength training again. If you need any help getting started, let me know.

[@vanitagomes3794]

@@katehartley7566 Yes I need help getting started.

[@vanitagomes3794]

@@katehartley7566 I thought strength training was only for muscles not for bones . How do I get started

[@deirdrewalsh1134]

Doesn’t begin till about half way in.

[@katehartley7566]

Really? It worked fine for me.

[@patriciajump9511]

HRT IS HEALTHY!!!! It is one solution of many, and YES, it is healthy. Look it up, please. Discuss the science with your own doctor. It is not "mostly wrong unless absolutely necessary." It is an available healthy solution out of many available today.

[@aqueen13]

I’m pretty sure this is what she said… HRT is a good option when you need it, but alongside that there are other lifestyle choices that help. Also if you don’t want to use HRT then these lifestyle options are even more important to know about. I don’t see anything wrong with what she said.

[@siwpriscilla]

Because I have Migraines with aura, I can’t take HRT due to higher stroke risk with HRT. So calling it healthy…

[@felicepatel4875]

I so wanted hrt to work for me but I put on water weight which would not go away until I stopped it and extreme fatigue while being on it. Not sure why it works for some women and others it doesn't

[@jennraaravelle8617]

I looked it up and saw that it contains titanium dioxide E171. Nothing healthy about that. I work in the food industry. Food scientists in the EU were trying to ban titanium dioxide for years because it's, amongst other things, a carcinogen that can build up in the body. The fact that Utrogestan contains this and calls itself body identical is laughable.

[@katehartley7566]

I have never said that hrt is not healthy. If you need it, use it. And whether you take hrt or not, lifestyle changes will always help too.

[@jennraaravelle8617]

I would happily take HRT if the progesterone utrogestan capsules didn't contain Titanium Dioxide.

[@katehartley7566]

Yes, it doesn't have many positive write ups, that's for sure.

[@gilliandowney5225]

😮You are 100 per cent wrong hrt is the only thing that helps its that simple the rest is garbage

[@katehartley7566]

clearly hrt doesn't improve your mood ..... lifestyle changes make a huge difference whether you take hrt or not. We have to be open to trying all sorts of things to help our situation. I'm glad you feel it's having such a positive effect on your life though.

[@AliciasHealingChannel]

@@katehartley7566Dr felice Gersh and Dr Robert Mathis have great videos explaining how and why mood is improved w HRT. I think blood donation and no gluten/glyphosates in diet, and supplementing w raw materials multi minerals and omega 3s works beautifully to heal the menopausal body. ❤