I'm one of those women who would have loved HRT. My menopause transition was relatively easy, but the long-term effects hadn't even crossed my mind. We simply didn't have the information even a decade ago. (I'm 62 -- it's been ten years.) I now have osteopenia, abdominal weight gain (I'm quite active, too!), brain fog, and a myriad of other symptoms you presented. Had I the option of HRT to delay those effects, I absolutely would have taken it. Thanks for an enlightening article.
My story is very similar, and I just started on HRT a little over a month ago and feel so much better already. You might want to see your doctor about whether you can start HRT or some alternative. (Dr. Mary Claire Haver in her newsletter https://thepauselife.com/ talks about those.) You shouldn't have to live like that.
You are still eligible for HRT. It's just that 10 years after your final menstrual period, the risk increases of blood clots, So that's a shared decision that you and your doctor should do together. check out pandiahealth.com/menopause for FDA approved treatment of menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, genitourinary symptoms, and "risk for osteoporosis"
Gen X will be the last generation that suffers this, if it's the last thing I do. Perimenopause was at least 9 years for me. It was hell. Like many others, I burned my life down in that time. I was finally able to get hrt for the last 3.5 yrs of that. Estradiol patch and micronized progesterone pill. I've been using that for 5 years now and have no plan to ever stop. (I'm a month away from my 2 yr menopause anniversary 🎉)
I found this interview w one of the WHI researchers extremely helpful early on. (Her Balance app is also a game changer.)
This article summarizes the burning rage I have for the idiots who f’ed up this study, the medical establishment, insurance, government, men, you name it, I’m most likely pissed off right now. Very early in life menopause in the middle of this desert of information and action has left me with severe osteoporosis, and 12+ years of brain fog, lack of sleep, lack of libido, pain, lethargy, etc. Mentioned these symptoms at every appt, always heard “it’s just normal getting older”. It’s nearly impossible to find a doctor who is literate about HRT. You have to be insistent and if they say no, find another doc. Wash, rinse, repeat until someone listens. The only silver lining to be found is my daughter might not suffer the same.
This absolutely needs to be made mainstream and not taboo to talk about. Menopause impacts every woman, so you are right, we need to advocate for ourselves because thus far men haven’t made it a priority. I am peri and have found an OB that’s certified by the menopausal society. She recommended a couple supplements that have helped with sleep and brain fog. It would be so much easier if we had a road map, but in its absence we just need to make our own!
The lack of knowledge by medical professionals of women’s health at this life stage is truly astounding. I have had a very similar experience as you detail in your thoughtful piece. Thank you for bringing voice to this important issue!
Lots of great information here! Initially I admit to being despondent <another subject to be absolutely and justifiably enraged about> but as usual, info is POWER 🔥 The conversation is late but still critically important. Thank you!
Thank you for highlighting this! I am 41 and premenopausal, but because of advocates like you I felt empowered to bring up some of my symptoms (extra fatigue, mood issues, irregular periods, headaches, etc) to my OB and they were very forward thinking/up to date on current treatment options and started me on HRT. I'm only on day 2- so we'll see how it goes! xo
Don't let anyone dismiss your symptoms. Most Gen Xers are being sandwiched by responsibilities, so even 1 to 2 nocturnal hot flashes or night sweats which disturb sleep, brain fog affecting decision-making, new depressed feelings, barely controlled rage are all likely to lead to suffering, both yours and others'. Find a practitioner who will listen and discuss all options including hormonal therapy. For a menopause specialist, go to www.menopause.org and click on "Finding a Healthcare Practitioner" written in purple at the top right.
Yes! Thank you for highlighting how we need to FUND more menopause research and that for 2 DECADES women were deprived of HRT and now it's coming back. If anyone wants expert 100% doctor asynchronous telemedicine for menopause, check out pandiahealth.com/menopuase the ONLY #WomenFounded #WomenLed #Doctorfounded #DoctorLed birth control + menopause, asynchronous telemedicine + pharmacy company
Shannon, can you talk a bit about testosterone? I have a great menopause doc, but she did not prescribe testosterone. I am on an estrogen patch and progesterone pill. Those have helped with decreasing (not fully eliminating) joint pain. What are testosterone's benefits? Wondering if I should be advocating for it! Thank you!
I found testosterone has helped with libido, brain fog, energy and the ability to build muscle. A total game changer. I just had my levels checked and even with supplementation, I'm barely at normal range.
Amazing. I will advocate for it the next time I see my menopause doc. More muscle = better metabolism, and I'm struggling with losing midsection weight. Thank you!
I'm one of those women who would have loved HRT. My menopause transition was relatively easy, but the long-term effects hadn't even crossed my mind. We simply didn't have the information even a decade ago. (I'm 62 -- it's been ten years.) I now have osteopenia, abdominal weight gain (I'm quite active, too!), brain fog, and a myriad of other symptoms you presented. Had I the option of HRT to delay those effects, I absolutely would have taken it. Thanks for an enlightening article.
My story is very similar, and I just started on HRT a little over a month ago and feel so much better already. You might want to see your doctor about whether you can start HRT or some alternative. (Dr. Mary Claire Haver in her newsletter https://thepauselife.com/ talks about those.) You shouldn't have to live like that.
Me too!!
You are still eligible for HRT. It's just that 10 years after your final menstrual period, the risk increases of blood clots, So that's a shared decision that you and your doctor should do together. check out pandiahealth.com/menopause for FDA approved treatment of menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, genitourinary symptoms, and "risk for osteoporosis"
Gen X will be the last generation that suffers this, if it's the last thing I do. Perimenopause was at least 9 years for me. It was hell. Like many others, I burned my life down in that time. I was finally able to get hrt for the last 3.5 yrs of that. Estradiol patch and micronized progesterone pill. I've been using that for 5 years now and have no plan to ever stop. (I'm a month away from my 2 yr menopause anniversary 🎉)
I found this interview w one of the WHI researchers extremely helpful early on. (Her Balance app is also a game changer.)
https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/097-trying-to-right-20-years-of-misinformation-and-hysteria-about-hrt-professor-rob-langer-and-dr-louise-newson/
This article summarizes the burning rage I have for the idiots who f’ed up this study, the medical establishment, insurance, government, men, you name it, I’m most likely pissed off right now. Very early in life menopause in the middle of this desert of information and action has left me with severe osteoporosis, and 12+ years of brain fog, lack of sleep, lack of libido, pain, lethargy, etc. Mentioned these symptoms at every appt, always heard “it’s just normal getting older”. It’s nearly impossible to find a doctor who is literate about HRT. You have to be insistent and if they say no, find another doc. Wash, rinse, repeat until someone listens. The only silver lining to be found is my daughter might not suffer the same.
This absolutely needs to be made mainstream and not taboo to talk about. Menopause impacts every woman, so you are right, we need to advocate for ourselves because thus far men haven’t made it a priority. I am peri and have found an OB that’s certified by the menopausal society. She recommended a couple supplements that have helped with sleep and brain fog. It would be so much easier if we had a road map, but in its absence we just need to make our own!
The lack of knowledge by medical professionals of women’s health at this life stage is truly astounding. I have had a very similar experience as you detail in your thoughtful piece. Thank you for bringing voice to this important issue!
Going on hormone therapy was life changing. Unfortunately, it took quitting 3 jobs and possibly blowing up my career to find it.
Lots of great information here! Initially I admit to being despondent <another subject to be absolutely and justifiably enraged about> but as usual, info is POWER 🔥 The conversation is late but still critically important. Thank you!
Thank you for highlighting this! I am 41 and premenopausal, but because of advocates like you I felt empowered to bring up some of my symptoms (extra fatigue, mood issues, irregular periods, headaches, etc) to my OB and they were very forward thinking/up to date on current treatment options and started me on HRT. I'm only on day 2- so we'll see how it goes! xo
Don't let anyone dismiss your symptoms. Most Gen Xers are being sandwiched by responsibilities, so even 1 to 2 nocturnal hot flashes or night sweats which disturb sleep, brain fog affecting decision-making, new depressed feelings, barely controlled rage are all likely to lead to suffering, both yours and others'. Find a practitioner who will listen and discuss all options including hormonal therapy. For a menopause specialist, go to www.menopause.org and click on "Finding a Healthcare Practitioner" written in purple at the top right.
Yes! Thank you for highlighting how we need to FUND more menopause research and that for 2 DECADES women were deprived of HRT and now it's coming back. If anyone wants expert 100% doctor asynchronous telemedicine for menopause, check out pandiahealth.com/menopuase the ONLY #WomenFounded #WomenLed #Doctorfounded #DoctorLed birth control + menopause, asynchronous telemedicine + pharmacy company
One of the very best menopause fire starters? @zcedwards! Check out her Substack and her incredible work at Pausitivity.
Shannon, can you talk a bit about testosterone? I have a great menopause doc, but she did not prescribe testosterone. I am on an estrogen patch and progesterone pill. Those have helped with decreasing (not fully eliminating) joint pain. What are testosterone's benefits? Wondering if I should be advocating for it! Thank you!
I found testosterone has helped with libido, brain fog, energy and the ability to build muscle. A total game changer. I just had my levels checked and even with supplementation, I'm barely at normal range.
Amazing. I will advocate for it the next time I see my menopause doc. More muscle = better metabolism, and I'm struggling with losing midsection weight. Thank you!
Can I ask a question