Is Hormone Relacement Therapy (HRT) Safe For Menopause?
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
- In this episode of "Talking with Docs," we sit down with Dr. Sharma, an OBGYN, to discuss the topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopause. Menopause can be a challenging phase for many women as it brings about a variety of physical and emotional changes. HRT is a medical treatment that can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and more.
Dr. Sharma provides valuable insight into how HRT works and the different types of treatments available. She also addresses common concerns about the safety and potential risks associated with HRT and explains how patients can work with their doctor to find a treatment plan that's right for them.
Whether you're currently experiencing menopause or want to learn more about HRT, this episode is a must-watch. Dr. Sharma's expertise and compassionate approach will leave you feeling informed and empowered to make informed decisions about your health.
#menopause #perimenopause #womenshealth #menopausesupport #hormones #menopausesymptoms #over #menopauserelief #health #women #womenover #hotflashes #hormonebalance #menopausehealth #wellness #selfcare #pcos #womensupportingwomen #healthylifestyle #endometriosis #midlifewomen #weightloss #pms #hormonehealth #menopauseweightloss #fertility #hrt #menopausematters #fitness #midlifeinfluencer Linktree: linktr.ee/talkingwithdocs
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At 65 I have been on bioidentical testosterone for a two years and I can’t tell you how much better I feel. Joints hurt less, more stamina, less exercise intolerance. Testosterone converts to the most safe estrogen replacement. I also got my sex drive back. I told my husband, if this is what men get to feel like all their lives, it’s truly a crime how women have to feel. I’ve never felt this good.
I agree im 71 love my pump testosterone once a day , more energy , sex drive, love my natural path doctor!
Thanks for sharing
That's interesting. So, you don't take estrogen and progesterone? Did you test your levels beforehand? Was this prescribed specifically due to the older age of commencing hrt? What dose are you on? Pls share any information you can.
Did you face any side effects like facial hair, etc?
I’m researching again getting back on bio-identical hormones!! It stopped working after 5 months and could never get it to work again. That was several years ago. I was never put on testosterone!! I’m in chronic pain and I can feel I’m loosing muscle…What the dose you are taking? Are you also on estrogen and progesterone? How long did it take to start working? And what age did you go into menopause? I feel like if I don’t get on hormones I’m just going to keep wasting away rapidly and I’m only 52….And I’ve always been very healthy but menopause has been destroying my quality of life since I was 44. It’s so hard to know what to do.! But I’m feeling again the risks of not taking hormones might out-way taking them…Thanks for any info!!
I was indoctrinated back when I was in my early 40's to believe that women who complain about menopause are just whiners and they are making it all up in their head. In 2002 when menopause happened to me I started having panic attacks, severe insomnia, hot flashes, fungal infections. I started developing PTSD symptoms and of course had some medical professionals humiliate me when I told them what was happening to me (I do not have a personality disorder). I had to drive 2 hours away to the big city so I could get prescribed Bioidentical HRT. And I didn't care if that WHI study just came out with this warning about HRT causing breast cancer. With what I went through before HRT, I would have rather been dead so I didn't really care about the threats of cancer. And look how long it's taken for the medical community to actually look at the WHI and what really happened!!!! 20 damn years!! I have medical professional friends who are still believing that what they learned in medical school cannot ever be wrong.
So sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing your story
If you need it, you need it! I’m glad you found the bioidenticals as they’re safer.
Finally a study has come out 4/10/24. Debunks all the fear based theories about it all go to menapause journal
Anxiety and depression is an important symptom in Peri menopause. Family doctors should explore hormones at a certain age before jumping to SSRI’s.
I am 80 yrs old and have been on a low dose of premarine since my hysterectomy at 50 yrs old. I feel great and plan on taking it until I die.
Nice
I will be on it for the rest of my life. Transdernal estrodial and oral micronized progesterone. It protects bones, skin, blood vessels, brain. We have estrogen receptors in every part of our body. Just because you don't have symptoms of estrogen deficiency does not mean your organs and bones aren't suffering. They are.
For good teaching videos on HRT in Perimenoapuse and the rest of your life-menopause see Rachel Rubin MD, and Founder of the Harvard Menopause center, Heather Hirsch MD on You Tube. None of my docs had studied the new Last or so of research, and the critiques of the WHI study. How dare they fall so far behind in correction of the myths most people hold about HRT!
Really appreciate this. I am a 54 year old female who has been having symptoms for the last 3 years and finding that the lifestyle and behavioral changes, while helpful, just aren't enough for me. This talk has inspired me to go speak to my family doctor and see if HRT (hormone, not hair) might be an option for me.
Yes Debra that’s the purpose of our videos. To empower you to have the chat and then make an informed decision. Good luck
They will try to convince you not to take hrt but you will have to fight for it
Don’t accept No from the dr. Demand it. But be aware, thanks to men cosplaying women’s gender, there is now a shortage of female HRT.
I like Mary Claire Haver, an M.D. with lots of great informational videos about HRT 😊
How did it go with your doc?
While I don’t like that genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM) was a last minute “oh, by the way” kind of mention, I do thank the gynecologist for remembering to address it, albeit very briefly. There are TONS of menopausal and post-menopausal women out here who suffer greatly and have very poor quality of life due to GSM.
GSM is NOT just a bit of vaginal dryness or pain with sex as so many doctors focus on! It is so much more far-reaching than that! There’s thinning-and in some cases disappearance-of tissues (eg, receding labia, protruding urethra and the shortening and thinning of the vaginal wall), itching, severe burning that can be incredibly debilitating, vaginal infections, urine frequency, frequent UTIs or the same symptoms as a UTI yet no bacteria shows up in a urinalysis… I could go on!
This topic deserves a video all to itself. Women need more detail about the treatments available, which not only include low dose vaginal estrogen (he forgot to mention the Imvexxy soft gel inserts as another form), but also vaginal DHEA (Intrarosa) and ospemifene (Osphena). (Perhaps these unmentioned drugs are not available in Canada?) GSM is the truly overlooked and under-discussed part of menopause that the medical community needs to do a much better job of addressing! I hope to see this or another gynecologist featured in a future video of yours giving GSM its proper time in the spotlight.
Thanks for listening.
We can follow up with a video that discusses this specifically. Thanks for the feedback
@@TalkingWithDocs Yes, please, more GSM information. UTI symptoms, yet, repeatedly, no bacteria shows up on urinalysis. Have been concerned for years how this may affect health. Thanks Docs for your forthright content!
Thanks for creating this video Docs. I would also appreciate a follow up discussion that focuses on vaginal dryness, pain, and loss of libido.
🎉 yes this is needed
I knew these problems were not just mine so this video was a confirmation of those issues of my own. Thank you for the presentation. It's a shame there are not more products over the counter a woman has access to to help her.
All I have to say is, “Until you men have walked in my shoes, don’t try to tie my shoelaces!” START by “listening” to the women you treat! Do better!!! 😊
Totally agree. Even the women need to listen to the women better.
The best gynaecologists are the older gynaecologist. 👴👋
These men are obviously trying hard to be informative and helpful. Why are you being so critical?
Anglo Phil’s…point taken…I listened again & I think it’s the way they approached this topic. I immediately thought they weren’t going to take it serious.😢 I’m aware that they try to bring humor into these posts…& I do appreciate that they cover many great topics…But, this time, the joking hit a nerve…as one having dealt with HRT for years it’s not funny…it’s not trivial…the plethora of symptoms are real…it’s not all in our heads…and the “quality of life” outweighs the small risks of HRT!
My comment came from experience with both male & female docs who seemed not to “hear” my mother, my sisters & myself when we tried to explain how our lives were messed up due to hormonal changes. There’s symptom differences between a surgical menopause vs regular menopause. (In my opinion). And when a doc prescribes an HRT that is working…then suddenly refuses to refill due to some damn study that shows up on their desk…😮 well…you know how THAT story played out. 🤦♀️ Docs don’t always get it right, just sayin. Guess who suffers.
I applaud these two for their efforts if it reaches the men in our lives. We women know what we’re fighting…some men not so much…
Okay, meant no disrespect…we’ll all survive❣️ (But, don’t mess with my ‘lil green pill 😂)
Whats wrong with them?
The information is definitely helping me!!!
I had a hysterectomy 11 years ago when I was 45. I went straight into Menopause and was miserable! My doctor prescribed a low dose estrogen patch and I felt like my old self! I love my estrogen patch and never want to go off of it. That said I’m very conscious of my health so I don’t have to go off of it. I exercise 6 days a week, watch my diet and my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are great. Your video and the doctor you had on was so informative and right there with what my doctor believes. Thank you!!
Very welcome
Totally agree the estradiol patch is absolutely the best for me
Menopause can be like hitting a wall. It is horrible.
As someone going through early menopause at 37, I am so excited to watch this vid. Thank you for covering this topic! When I started going through this I was surprised at the paucity of resources. Thank you! 👏🏽
Very welcome Michelle. Best of luck
I was just having this conversation last week with my doctor. She wanted blood work done to rule out other health issues that I know I don't have before considering prescribing me HRT. It does seem like many doctors are weary about putting menopausal women on hormones. Thanks again for another fantastic video!!
Welcome. Hopefully the word gets out there
Dr. Sharma … wish I had you when I went through 13+ years ago. Great chat on such an important topic for women and our families. Talking with Docs? The best UA-cam channel out there!! Can’t say enough. A fan for life 🎉
Thank you so much Cheryl. Doing our best
Much better discussion than I anticipated. Thank you!
I have been on HRT for 15 years. When the “big “ scare happened I chose to keep going because my symptoms were so well managed. I had all the routine testing and following done on a routine basis. I moved 7 years ago and had to get a new MD. She was adamant that I stopped therapy due to the health risk. I refused and she would not prescribe until I had a thorough cardiac work up and assessment by an endocrinologist. She followed me for three years and said she was totally okay with me continuing the therapy. I don’t smoke, not overweight, no co morbidities and exercise regularly. Women, do your research and advocate for your best health.
Agree. That’s why we did this video
Hi. Thanks for sharing. Can I ask how old you are now? Also, in my country doctors don't really prescribe mht, so i have to gain the knowledge on my own. What kind of mht are you on? I find some women swearing by testosterone alone mht. Did your doctor ever mention it?
@@Anione111My favorite HRT meds are: 1) oral Micronized Progesterone; 2) transdermal Estradiol patch; and 3) topical vaginal Estradiol cream (for GSM issues)
Great video! So thankful for HRT and Dr. Sharma! Has made a massive difference in my life. No need to suffer ladies.
Glad to hear it Jayna
So happy to see this video! Thanks Dr. Weening, Dr Zalzal and Dr. Dharma. Answered so many of my questions! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Welcome Lorna.
I had a DVT due to surgery at age 35. And menopause at almost 50 yrs old. I’m now 76 yrs old and have been on some sort of HRT (a very long list too) for 26 years. I’m in Canada, 2 children, fairly active, no alcohol or caffeine or sugar past age 30 due to hypoglycaemia (which really affected my hormones and moods). Mom and aunts were prone to osteoporosis, but not cancer, so I hope to never stop HRT. I’ve been lucky to have understanding doctors on my journey❤️ Thanks for your videos, too.
Very welcome Nonie
Can you pls share your mht regimen?
Thanks much for tackling this topic. Learned so much----as always. I hope to see Dr Sharma again as there are probably a few topics he could help with that could affect so many women.
For sure Gregg
This was such an informative video packed with things we never ask! Some women go through tremendous suffering, never getting relief from questions never asked!
I went through menopause at 50 with no significant change. No hot flashes or anything! I'm one of the lucky ones, my sister had all the symptoms!
Thanks for sharing another great and informative video! 👍
Welcome Vickie
You are really lucky. I am at the opposite end of the scale. 5 years postmenopausal and still struggling. There needs to be more research into why there is such a difference from one woman to another, in your case between sisters. What about your mother, how was her experience?
Y'all are very brave to make this video. Thank you. As a cancer survivor, I am not able to have HRT, but I sure would if I could.
Sorry to hear that Ruth. And thanks for the words of encouragement. Here’s to all of the survivors out there !
Watch menopause Taylor.
Hrt can be given to women who had cancer.
@ruthhamilton4882
Look into Ovarian rejuvenation with PRP.
Thank you for this information it was very very helpful. Love watching
Thanks Sheena
Well done and thank you kindly, gentleman. Brilliant, as always. Well-informed decisions are possible when there are health professionals like you teaching us along the way.
I’m so glad that Dr. Zalzal, who previously taught us about AAA with hairy revelations on the ultrasound, learned the truth about HRT for women.
Abdominal hysterectomy, sparing the ovaries just before the age of 30; now, exactly 30 years later, pushing through minor night sweats and possible other (post)menopausal aggravations w/o further treatment. Taking it as it comes. When, and if, the aggravations become issues, you three have set me up for success.
Glad to hear it Debbie
Hey docs thanks for doing this video. There are many great specialized videos out there that helped me over the last 3 years. But they are all USA docs. It’s nice to see you two covering this topic, even briefly. I have to say my GP would not help with HRT and it took over a year to see a GYN, so that meant going the bio identical route for some relief. In my 40s and early 50s several gynaecologists said to get some bamboo pjs, a fan, and to simply use lubricants when I needed vaginal estrogen. Over a decade many issues stemmed from a lack of vaginal estrogen, as others have mentioned. Many GPs don’t have enough training or listen to women and are afraid of HRT. It’s easier for them to prescribe sleeping pills and anti-seizure meds for perimenopause and menopause symptoms than HRT. You have a great channel, and I’m very glad that you’ve addressed this topic.
Thanks so much Janice and thanks for sharing your experience
This was an excellent talk. Much thanks to the visiting doctor, he was extremely informative!
Welcome. Yes Dr Sharma was great
@@TalkingWithDocs at the thumbnail- I was bummed to see a male doctor. So unfair of me! I have an implicit bias (age 56), that men will not “get it” and be dismissive as I’ve personally experienced in the past! The bias is real and I need to be open to be aware and open to cha gong my biases! Thank you Dr Schwarma. You actually have to be more knowledgeable and more prepared to be sensitive because of your gender. Clearly you are up for the challenge.
I’m 46 and facing a partial hysterectomy. I’ve been scared of HRT since the study you mentioned at the beginning of this video. Thank you for explaining that it was a poorly designed study! I feel much more confident in using HRT!
If you have the bandwidth- read the Menopause Manifesto. It may help your knowledge base
Happy Mother's Day everyone! Thank you, Drs. Zalzal, Weening, and Sharma. Dr.Z started things off with the best humor!! Hair Replacement Therapy!!! 🤣🤣 Dr. S. was thinking, Oh no, what have I gotten myself into? And we all love Dr. W just standing there laughing!! Thank you guys!! This video was packed with so much beneficial information!! Much appreciated!! (I'm so thrilled I'm over my menopause!!!) Good luck Ladies!!
Thanks SandiRose
Yeah it's hilarious alright. It's really hilarious to laugh at someone else's misery. It's totally Hilarious when Menopause kills more women from cardiovascular disease, not to mention the not being able to cope and are suicidele because you're living daily with hot flashes, panic attacks, anxiety, no sleep, heart palpitations, night sweats, day sweats, crying spells. And that's just getting started. Yep it's really hilarious alright. No wonder women commit suicide at this time!
If men suffered menopause there would be a 'cure' by now....
I think for many years women suffered terrible symptoms and were sent home to take an aspirin... take up smoking, or maybe given lithium...
It's soo debilitating for many... kills off relationships and makes you think you are losing your mind...
Hugs to everyone going through it.. I can't help but feel HRT saved my sanity...
Glad you are ok Rose
Excellent education & conversation. Thank you!
I’m from Alberta, Canada and not many physicians know about this treatment or don’t have the current info. I researched and found my own supports and MHT a game changer for me. I had multiple extreme symptoms and all have improved or been eliminated. Thank you for helping to spread the word.
I just had a total hysterectomy, at two week check up he gave me estradiol. Still waiting to get back to normal as this Wednesday will be three weeks post surgery. Thanks for a timely video. Going to see orthopedic doc for shoulder the 26th. I love y’all’s videos.
Good luck Mindy!
I wish Dr. Sharma practiced in Southern California in 2012 - 2014 !!!!! Too late for me, but so glad you published this vid with Dr. Sharma - I'm certain many, many women will appreciate this information very much! (Still waiting for hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis followup vid, pretty please.)
Yes so many on the list. Haven’t forgot about you
This video was so informative. Thank you doctors for taking the time to share this important information. I loved listening to Dr. Sharma and I wish he was my doctor.
Love your channel. It's a great help in everyway. On every topic. Thank you! 😊👍🇨🇦
Thank you for doing this video. I am 59 yrs old and I WISH my doctor(s) had been perhaps better informed about menopause symptoms OR would have been MORE BLUNT with me when I kept coming to them with issues that I now realize were most likely menopause related. Never once was the word menopause uttered when I came in with heart palpitations, breast and muscle tenderness, memory and sleep issues, anxiety, lack of libido/vaginal dryness etc. I kept getting sent for tests to see if I had serious health issues (which ended up not existing) and I eventually felt like a hypochondriac. I have suffered for almost 10 years and even retired from a career I loved early because I was a wreck. Given my age at the time I don’t know why it never occurred to anyone to suggest to me that the symptoms I was experiencing were typical of menopause. By the way, the doctor I was seeing when I started menopause (who has since retired) was female and the young doctor who took over her practice is also female. I’m disappointed in both of them.
Sorry to hear this. Hope you are ok now
Same. Unbelievable.
This upsets me.
Informative and he is right about GP knowledge or studies that need the reader to dive a bit deeper.
The real problem in our system is women don't have access to a gyn unless the GP is willing to refer. Often women are stuck in a baseline and lack of knowledge to support. Being your own advocate helps but for some not enough to get the help needed.
Thanks for sharing and happy mother's day to viewers.
Very welcome and yes happy Mother’s Day to all moms
Don't need to Wait until you have gone a year without a period to start HRT and start benefitting
Where did this come from?? They say menopause is 12 months after the last period so if she has one at month 11…. You have to start all over again. That is 2 years of suffering! Thank you for saying this outloud!!
THANK YOU for posting this video. I've been trying to get my doctor to put me on HRT for about a year due to a variety of symptoms, but he's very reluctant. After watching this video, I wonder if he ready that early study that was flawed. I also had DCIS in my left breast but was not officially labeled "cancer". He calls it my history of cancer that precludes him from prescribing HRT. I feel stuck, but this video has educated me and inspires me to seek additional answers from my doctor or another doctor to get what I need for my health. Thank you docs.
You’re welcome. It’s a very important topic where there seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the doctors and the information
Very good to know. Thanks All Doctors.
Welcome Jenny
My menopause experience has been horrendous. It has been ten years and I still have symptoms. I don’t know if my being hypothyroid has had anything to do with it but since I turned 55, ten years ago, I have felt like I was living in an incinerator 24/7. It was no hot flash, but a constant state of sweating profusely, red faced, feeling absolutely grungy constantly. Besides that I had weight gain, insomnia, and my sex drive was 100% non existent. Finally a year and a half ago I told my GYN she had to do something. She told me I was a risk for a stroke and blood clots if she put me on hormones, but agreed to do it when she saw how much I was suffering. I would say the transdermal patch helped with my symptoms about 50-60%, which was truly life altering.
I had to stop taking the hormones about 3 months ago because I had a TKR 7 weeks ago, and I’m actually doing okay, not great, but okay without them. Additionally, this past year I lost about 60 lbs, and started walking three miles daily to prepare for this knee replacement so that may have helped too. PS: thanks for all the TKR, and PT videos dealing with TKR. I watched them all, prehabbed like crazy, and was walking without a cane, or walker one week post op. At week six post op I got 130 degrees flexion, and except for first week needed no pain meds. Whooooo hoooo.
The first 5-6 sentences could be my story, except I don't have thyroid issues. I kept waiting for the symptoms to settle down and now am 60, 5 years post menopause. Doctors here simply don't care and HRT is not a thing.
@@Anione111you need to find an obgyn that does menopause care. I found one right away on zocdoc that takes my insurance. He's a recent grad and very knowledgeable. He couldn't believe I was post menopausal since I was only 46, but I told him my mom was 47 when she had hers. No need for blood work and immediately prescribed me estradiol and cyclical progesterone. I'm very healthy with no metabolic issues and don't take any prescription medication for anything except of course hormones now.
I went thru menopause when I turned 41. I was incredibly sick. Finally found a specialist who did extensive bloodwork. The phlebotomist could not believe how many tests the doc ordered. Said she never saw that. (I went to a different province for this.) The results were rushed and the doctor asked how I was alive an functioning. She put me on HRT and I can say she saved my life. She had an unbelievable understanding of the intricacies of systems in the whole body and how they affected each other.
Stay positive ladies. Be diligent bc there are some doctors who understand this natural occurrence.
Thank you for sharing
Menopause is depressing 😢 After hitting 48, its just been downhill. Men don't know how good they have it!
Full of information! Thanks for discussing the misinterpretation of the old HRT studies. I feel awesome being on HRT - it made a tremendous impact in a positive way. Love ur jokes.
Thanks Concerned
I was on Depo until I was 47, got off, never resumed my period, and never experienced any problems associated with menopause. I am now almost 61 🤷♀️
Thanks for sharing Zoe
Great discussion. Thank you for doing this. It would have been good to address that the menopausal symptoms start years before being on menopause. I’m 42 and I have been having symptoms for at least 2-3 years without know what was wrong with me. I finally have a good doctor and I have been doing my own research on perimenopause. I had no idea there was such a thing as perimenopause.
I’m finally using vagina cream and it has helped a lot with my symptoms.
Thank you for sharing
Well that's good!
Came here to say this. Perimenopause is when symptoms can start. Some doctors are saying no HRT until menopause. Causing years of needless suffering. UGH
I had to do loads of research before I started on HRT. I have Essential Thrombocytaemia and initially thought that I wouldn`t be able to have HRT. As the doctor confirms I was able to use patches. I`ve been on HRT patches for 2 years now and I am so thankful that I started the treatment. Why should we have to suffer!
That’s why we did this video
@@TalkingWithDocsNo it want. If you're honest doctors don't care about women's health past a certain age. You don't care if we suffer badly due to low hormones. To the medical field we could die and it would absolve you of having to bother and focus on treating the young fertile. The thing is you fail to understand is that women are suffering very very badly and women themselves won't talk about it because we've been conditioned to feel shame. I just don't trust or can rely on doctors for my health and longevity.
You guys rock! Thanks for another great video!
Our pleasure!
Very informative. Thanks.
Welcome Suzanne
Menopause is kicking my butt! The latest treatment recommended SSRI's. I'm hesitant because of side effects. I'm not having anxiety or depression. So frustrated. I really believe if men had to deal with menopause, there would be a far better treatment.
We hope that’s not true. Talk to your doctor about the options including HRT
A doctor tried to prescribe SSRI for me as well. I refused to get the Rx filled and fired him. Found a woman OB/GYN who LISTENED and have been on a low dose estradiol tablet and a progesterone capsule for years now. Switching medical care providers got me into trouble as they wanted to take me off the HRT. I said the quality of life is so much better without the menopausal symptoms, that I am perfectly willing to take the limited risks to be able to sleep through the night and not fall asleep at the wheel, not be drenched in sweat at the most inopportune moments, etc. Never had the mood swings or others, but the inability to sleep and the hot flashes coupled with the severe drenching were simply not bearable.
You are so right about if men had to deal with this, a cure would be found so much quicker! I look at least 20 years younger than my current age of 70, people literally drop their jaws when I confess my real age. Keep your weight down, eat simple foods (NOT processed!), drink sufficient water throughout the day, and get at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Hope you can find a doctor who will listen and treat you like your symptoms matter. They do.
Prescriptions for toxic SSRIs are handed out like candy to perimenopausal women the world over, when what they actually need is HRT to rebalance their hormones! Lower oestrogen levels have a correlation & direct impact on serotonin levels & studies are emerging to show lower serotonin levels do not cause depression 🤷🏻♀️
@@ThinkPinkThinkLife12 Exactly! There was no way the SSRI Rx would stop the drenching sweats. That doc never asked me about menopause, either. Just got out his Rx pad and said 'take these'. I said why, and no way. He gave me the 'I'm the doctor' look and I basically told him I would find another doctor. I later found out he had a reputation for not listening, and writing Rx for anything. Imagine getting your mind altered with SSRIs when all you need was a bit more estrogen back in your body! Just amazing! Ladies, let your feet do the walking and find a good doctor!
@@kathymcfarland5516 well said!!! I had a similar journey of years of dismissal & gas lighting with endometriosis that went undiagnosed for decades in spite of raging symptoms. The disease has ravaged my body from my lungs to my pelvis & caused devastating collateral damage because it was never considered by the many specialists I saw over the years. Contrary to popular belief it is not a uterine disease but a whole body disease that causes systemic collateral damage all over the body & to the immune system when it is ignored, but as long as it remains confined to gynaecology millions of women the world over will continue to suffer with often agonising pain & debilitating symptoms that come with flare ups. Perimenopause often brings things to a fresh level of hell because of the wild fluctuations on our hormones & oestrogen dominance that aggravates the disease greatly & this cohort of women will often be dismissed with umbrella diagnoses of CFS/IBS/Fibromyalgia/Depression/Irritable bladder syndrome etc etc when it actually endometriosis lesions burying into tissue, nerves & organs causing all their issues. It does not end in menopause either as the lesions generate their own supply of oestrogen. We have got to do our own extensive research to become advocates for ourselves, given the wider medical community in general are still practicing outdated medicine from the last century when it comes to women’s health & often clueless when it comes to looking at the bigger picture & holistically diagnosing a patient based on their lived symptoms. Menopause is no different, there is still so much ignorance on this too. Make sure you get body identical hormones for your HRT if you can x
Omg 19 yrs. of hot flashes and i am still trying to push through it
Wow what a trooper
Please redo this video and allow your Gynecologist Dr to lead this discussion. He has a lot to offer, but I almost completely dismissed him because of how you conducted the interview.
Thanks for your feedback Kim.
16:38 thank you for discussing this, very helpful. Very difficult for some women to discuss. Also thank you for explaining the details, earlier in the video of what the 2000 WHI data was missing.
Thanks for the information. I got lucky and have no issues ! So far anyway !
Welcome Ann
I have been on Estradiol for 15 years and no problems. Even tried going off of it and No thanks all the hot flashes came back among the other things. I have no health issues related to this medication either. Thanks for getting this out there.
That is so good to hear
Soon to be 80 and I’ve been on HRT for 20 years…the lowest dose of Prem-Pro by Pfizer. Feel good, walk 15,000-16,000 steps daily and at the gym twice weekly. Talk to my PCP annually about this, bone density test two years ago revealed slight bone loss and started on Fosamax, once weekly. Suggestions?
Sounds about right Susan. Most people at 80 will be losing some. We are all in a battle to lose less
it’s funny the test showed i wasn’t going through menopause yet the dr said i had all the symptoms i have endometriosis and didn’t want to but where trying progesterone such a great video very informative
Glad you liked it. We have a video on endometriosis coming soon
Thank you for advocated for women. Women don't have to wait until after menopause, you can start this at in perimenopause (40 or so).
Thank you gentlemen for this video. HRT literally saved me. I have been telling all my friends, coworkers, neighbours and anybody else who will listen about the benefits of HRT. What about testosterone for women in Canada? I can’t seem to get a prescription here but I have read that they’re giving a testosterone patch to women in England.
That will have to be a topic for a future video. We will look into it
Thank you for covering this topic. I am hopeful the trend will encourage more physicians to become NAMS certified and for universities to include updated training and information on this topic for up and coming physicians. I hope the individuals necessary to effect change will educate those making the rules for Medicare rx coverage, so our older sisters can remain on hrt as long as they choose with the drugs being covered. Currently, after a certain age, Medicare will no longer cover hrt. This seems lopsided as the same is not true of say thyroid hormones. Estrogen is currently not seen as necessary, but how can a hormone specific to women not be necessary throughout our lifespan? So, so hopeful the zeitgeist changes in our favor.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Guys, thanks for covering this topic BUT pls treat it less jokingly. This affects all women at some point in their lives and can be debilitating for some.. It deserve being treated as seriously as men experiencing ED (or mamflu). If men went through menopause, it would be ttaken a lot more seriously.
I concur… it’s very serious for women.
I’m currently going through it but thank god I haven’t loss my sense of humour. When did this happen for you?
I'm almost 56 been on HRT for almost 6 months. It's been a game changer!!! It fixed hot flashes, brain fog, libido, made my skin look better; smaller pores less sagging. I tried the the plant based for 2 years prior to this. It did not work for me. I love this form of treatment. Mad I didn't start sooner. I'm on the patch, progesterone pill at night. And the vag. Creme. The results have been amazing.
My symptoms were so aggressive it was difficult to function.... Thank goodness for HRT...Gave me such relief....(used them for about 6 years) I have been off of HRT now for four years and only have the odd hot flash that lasts about two minutes, so much easier to deal with... I do feel for all those women who are dealing with Difficult symptoms of menopause...Take courage it does get better.
Thanks for sharing Sharon
Thank you for rhe info. It is nice to see people that know so much about this subject since conversations among women turn out to be in most cases confusing if not plan ridiculous. I am in the last case you mentioned. Mainly tanking care of my precious vagina with just occasional hot flashes or sweats. The rest very good although ot seems it bothers some of my girlfriends the fact that I don.t gain weight...women against women...the usual stuff. Thank you doctors❤
Blimey, boys. You were brave entering that arena with no ammo or flak jackets. 😊
Yes Clare. Going in blind without backup
Menopause is no joke, ugh! Hot flashes, No sleep team, and agitated with everyone and everything off and on like a light switch along with my emotions 🤦♀️ My primary doctor Is NO help whatsoever 💯😔
I started HRT 3 months ago at 55 and life for me is so much better. Energy levels are amazing and fatigue wasn't even in my top 10 symptoms. I am having migraine issues where I didn't before. I'm thinking CoQ10 might help and am starting this today. Menopause is horrid and it's time it becomes a major topic of discussion. The whole family can suffer. I finally feel "normal" again. Thanks for taking on this subject.
It felt like my healthy body all of a sudden betrayed me…People really need to stop laughing at menopause symptoms. So many people laugh at hot flashes…but honestly it’s no joking manner. I was having breathing issues and one day a friend pointed out that right before a big hot flash I started complaining about not being able to breath and heart racing and then boom! Hot flash…I could take a deep breath but felt like I wasn’t absorbing oxygen…That gave me even more anxiety for a long time until I realized it was part of menopause disease symptoms. The more I read the more I’m convinced I should try hormones again…they only worked for 5 months and stopped working and I’ve been afraid to get in them again…but now I’m getting afraid to not be in them! So hard to know what to do.
@jamiesouza I think I'm at about 5 months now. Migraines have stopped but hot flashes are back. Talking to my Dr. About increasing my patch dose.
3 men…so weird!! But not a lot of information out there!! We are basically on our own and each other. Apparently, most doctors don’t have any classes in menopause, so a lot of times their information Can be decades old or even wrong! Great!!
Glad to hear this as perimenopause is killing me. I've never felt so bad in so many different ways at once. This makes pregnancy feel like a cake walk.
Definitely talk to your doctor
I concur. 🙏🏾Going to the endocrinologist tomorrow.
I had surgery and chemotherapy for stage 1c ovarian cancer. I have been using Compounded BHRT for almost 20 years. It’s not the big-pharma version. The day after surgery I was thrown into immense menopause. My Gynecologist/oncologist has been writing the scripts and I feel normal.
Thank you Docs. I took HRT for 20 years. I tried getting off of it and no longer have symptoms.
Hello Barb, thank you for your comment.
Just went on estradiol + progesterone at the age of 54 .. just now entered menopause. And my question was if I'd have symptoms coming off.. I know everyone is different but good to know of your experience.
That’s great news Barb
Thank you for this info.
It is very confusing.
I want to stay on HRT my doctor doesn’t like it.
I feel lost a bit.
I believe my wishes should be respected.
I was just reading yesterday, in Greece, they’re doing clinical trials on “ovarian rejuvenation”. Injecting prp (platelet rich plasma) from your own blood (It holds your own stem cells), back into your ovaries. Right now I believe they’re focusing on women with early menopause/hysterectomy get pregnant. But It’s also showing great promise for post menopausal women as well, for example, in older mice, restoring hormone levels back to their youth and restoring their ability to conceive!!!
Hrt needs to be more available and less costly. It is a life changer.
We agree Kate
Menopause affects everything system that has estrogen receptors. Cardiovascular being one of them. So menopause is more than hot flashes and dryness. HRT is very much needed to have a better quality of life. Also some of these symptoms start showing up in our mid 30’s
I am 46, and I began experiencing all these symptoms. I went to see a doctor, and as soon as I mentioned hot flashes, she began second-guessing my symptoms. She even suggested that i should consider treatment for depression instead 😢 Worst consultation I have ever had!!! It was dehumanizing. Now I will have to shop around for a doctor who can listen.
Hormone replacement therapy is definitely necessary for a balanced life. I’m speaking from experience had a hysterectomy at 32 my ovaries out at 34. I’ve been on hormone replacement ever since and I’m 68 without it. I get hot flashes all day long if you’re a guy, you have no idea what this is like, it’s painful it’s embarrassing. It’s extremely uncomfortable doctors of been trying to get me off at my whole life for the past 30 years it could cause cancer so my body my choice if this was happening to a man, they be on it right away finding a solution doesn’t affect them directly then, why bother
Great topic, ty! Why is testosterone replacement not discussed when it comes to menopause? Women do make small amounts of testosterone, so why not replace all hormones lost? The small bit of testosterone could address low libido, weight gain and muscle loss. And why does exogenous estrogen increase the risk for cancer anymore than when it was solely endogenous?
I am now on HRT gel after I had my TABSO 2 years ago. I can’t believe I did not start my HRT after I had the surgery. I had insomnia, depression, palpitations, anxiety, night flushes, feeling of impending doom, overwhelming fatigue, weight gain, unable to focus, brain fog etc. I am starting to feel better just after a week of taking the HRT gel ❤All my bone pain are getting lesser and lesser as well
Menopause makes you feel like garbage but it’s protective effect to heart, bones and brain that should nearly require MHT.
Hey Docs, I knew a woman who was very different whether she was taking vaginal hormones or not receiving hormones. Everyone around her would know something was very differnet about her attitude, within days of her self medicating choices. Only she could not recognize something dramatic was happening in her life.
Yes it works for sure
I started heat flashes and mood changes at 30, was told it wasn’t menopause, at 33 had hysterectomy due to endometriosis, which was found under vagina( still have ovaries and tubes) OBGYN had me try birth control for the pain, but caused migraines..so HRT was not a fit for me..now 66, and the hot flashes are still there, but definitely slowing down.
Sorry about that Nancy
You mentioned a slow release ring and not needing to take progesterone. I wear the Femring and have for years. It controls my over the top hot flashes . I've tried to wean myself off but without the Femring the misery goes on and on. With this product one doctor says take progesterone because of the cancer risk while another says not really necessary. So should I take the progesterone or not? The cost is small to add the progesterone (while the Femring is $$$) but is it really necessary?
This is a conversation worth having with your prescribing physician for sure
also it isn't just bone "density" it is bone quality! Also HRT has been shown reduce those risks he talks about.
HRT for life
I am 74 years old and went through eatly menopause at 45. Asked to be tested. Dr just laughed. Put on bc pills for many years. Changed in late 50s or 70s to vivelle patch and oral progesterone. Mother and sister eith osteoporosis, me with ostopenia. Eorked hatd all my life to keep bones strong. Side note: I am a pharmacist of 40 years. Male drs never took me seriousl, study done with premarin a joke. Developed breast cancer in 2021amd have had 2 surgeries, a ensisional biopsy and partial madtectomy. No lump, just swirling micrcalcifications. Dx invasive lobular carcinoma. No chemo needed. Dr wants me on anti estrogen x 5 yrs after 21 radiation treatments. Now anti estrogen x 5 yrs. Crazy!!! If I say yes my life will be over. Wonder your general impression. Thank you. 5/14/23 6pm HST.
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Hard to give advice about specific cases. Sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. We wish you the best.
Dr. Sharma, I find some older women being prescribed testosterone only MHT. What are your thoughts on this?
I wish insurance in the US would cover bioidentical HRT, like Biote. They consider it "experimental" even though it has been used for years in Europe and now in the US. It is expensive to pay for on your own. The oral medicine like Prefest (or whatever they are giving now) didn't work that well.
Not on the subject but I am bone on bone both knee joints. Told to lose Wt before I’d be a candidate, so I did lose 50 lbs but still have 20 to go. Went to see orthopedic dr again and told “good work, lose 20 more and then I’ll put u on the surgical list. I’m now 9 months out on the surgery schedule”. Is this reasonable to be so far out on the waitlist?
Hi Teri. First congrats. That is an amazing accomplishment. All surgeons have different criteria for a host of reasons. We hope you are able to get your surgery
Blood clots are only a risk with oral oestrogen. Look into body identical oestrogen (oestrodiol) which is absorbed straight into the blood stream through the skin via a patch therefore avoiding the liver. Body identical oestrodiol is much safer!
I sometimes think that there's something wrong because I never had a hot flash in my life. Not even after having a hysterectomy at 54 for endometrial cancer.
Me neither, although, side effects of the hysterectomy are not nice
@@ruthhamilton4882 I didn't really have side effects from the hysterectomy either. It took longer to heal than I wanted but that's not really a side effect. I've had a few side effects from the radiation though. Anyway, I am glad to hear that you didn't have hot flashes either.
Consider yourself lucky!
@@TalkingWithDocs I probably should feel glad but really it worried me never to have had a hot flash. Every one carries on so much about them and how terrible they are, I keep thinking aren't you supposed to have hot flashes.
I have a question on HRT, in regards to breast cancer, on the actual leaflet itself clearly highlighted possibilities of the side effects like breast cancer and which is showing significantly high. So are we not meant be worried?
I'm on my 2nd hrt method and now an double dose for weeks and still suffering hell. Hrt is almost worse than the original symptoms of menopause. I had hot flashes which were torment but now I'm in a deeper level of hell. . So many symptoms that nobody even believes
I had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy in my 20s -- still on transdermal ERT (by patch) 50 years later with no issues. Great bone density, lipid profile, and healthy vaginal mucosa. Would love to try adding a bit of testosterone, but am afraid of facial hair and acne...
You never need testosterone as a woman
Bilateral surgical oophorectomy sucks ! Damaged my eyes ,lost most of my scalp hair and lots of other issues .took HRT for 15 years .never really helped .had side effects from HRT. Thanks 😢
So sorry to hear this Caroline
Ladies you DO NOT have to suffer. Find doctors who care enough to inform you early on HRT. Early is better than late.
I must have asked this question about 40 times by now but yet to receive a response...maybe someone here can answer...Here in UK we get body identical...what i dont understand is why there is an increase risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer etc if they are body identical...im 49 and nearing the end of perimenopause, the only symptoms i feel now is fatigue, weight gain in tummy area, joint pain and stiffness and i had 7 days of hot flushes...but i feel so calm, i have not felt as calm as this for about a decade! Its 2 months of near enough the same mood...i dont drink, ex smoker...not sure if its worth the risk to start or not. Our experts here say it is neuroprotective and protects against heart disease and yet the leaflets state different...that there is no protection from heart disease...gee, why cant all experts agree...🤔
Where is this doctor located? I wish he was my doctor. Thank you.
Greater Toronto
Any comments as to safety after endometrial cancer and status post hysterectomy?
Best to review with your doctor but safe generally speaking
I had menopause 22 years ago and still get frequent severe hot flushes. I'm 65. Urinary frequency was fixed with local low dose estradiol as you said. But sleep has been terrible and in the past year, catastrophic. Little is known about women my age starting HRT but if I can get it I will. I can barely function without adequate sleep.
The hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog are horrendous! I’m trying vitamin E & other natural medicines, but aam wondering if I should pursuing this…🇨🇦
Worth a chat with your doctor