Heidi Rae Coaching - Menopause & HRT

Beauties!

I started HRT on Friday. (patch)

What is hormone replacement therapy?

HRT is used to boost your hormone levels. Whether you use it or not should be discussed with you and your doctor. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that are produced by a woman's ovaries. ESTROGEN: thickens the lining of your uterus, influences how your body uses calcium, helps maintain healthy cholesterol, keeps your vagina healthy, helps prevent osteoporosis. PROGESTERONE: regulates blood pressure, improves mood and sleep.

Types of HRT:

- Pills

- Creams

- Vaginal Ring

- Vaginal Tablet

- Patch

- Spray

HRT Side Effects (not a complete list):

- If you still have your uterus, you can have irregular spotting

- Breast tenderness

- Mood swings

- Fluid retention

- Headaches

- Skin discoloration

- Increased breast density

- Skin irritation under estrogen patches

I will address my experience with my HRT patch as I wear it. My doctor recommended that we try my patch, and the dosage, for four to six weeks before adjusting it.

Possible Risks of HRT (information copied from the Cleveland Clinic website):

- If you still have your uterus & are taking progestic along with estrogen: increased risk of endometrial cancer

- Increased risk of blood clots and stroke

- Increased risk of gallbladder/gallstone problems

- Increased risk of dementia if HRT is started after midlife

- Increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use

Personally, the benefits of HRT outweighed the risks that were discussed with me. Again, that was a personal decision.