Hormone Reboot: The HRT Journey through Menopause

Podcast Episode 3 transcript.

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Hello, and welcome to "Radio Menopause." I'm Ruth, and today we're discussing Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT. 

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but its symptoms can be challenging. From hot flashes to mood swings, it's a journey that many of us navigate with strength and resilience. Today, we're exploring the positive impact HRT can have on the menopausal experience.

HRT involves supplementing the body with hormones like estrogen and progesterone to alleviate menopausal symptoms. It's a personalised approach that balances hormonal levels and improves overall well-being.

It's important to note that HRT isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Each woman's journey through menopause is unique, and so is the approach to HRT. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to tailor the treatment to individual needs and health history.

One of the primary benefits of HRT is the relief it provides from common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. These symptoms can disrupt daily life, impacting work, relationships, and overall quality of life. HRT aims to restore balance, offering a smoother transition through this natural phase.

Now, let's address some common misconceptions. There has been much debate around the safety of HRT, especially regarding its association with certain health risks. It's crucial to stay informed and discuss openly with a healthcare provider to make well-informed decisions.

Beyond relieving symptoms like hot flushes, HRT has been evidenced to have additional health benefits. Studies suggest it could help maintain bone density, improve cardiovascular health, and even support cognitive function. However, as with any medical intervention, weighing the potential benefits against individual health considerations is essential.

The decision to start Hormone Replacement Therapy is a personal one, and it's important to approach it with an empowered mindset. Education, open communication with healthcare professionals, and a supportive network can make a significant difference in navigating the complexities of menopause and HRT.

In conclusion, HRT offers a promising path for many women experiencing the challenges of menopause. It's about embracing a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and reclaiming control over one's well-being.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of "Radio Menopause." Remember, knowledge is power, and together, we can foster a community that embraces and supports the diverse experiences of women. Until next time, stay well and be kind to yourselves.

#radiomenopause

Blood Tests

Podcast Episode 2 transcript.

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Welcome to Radio Menopause. I'm your host, and in today's episode, we will explore the subject of blood tests during menopause.

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles end. During this time, hormonal changes occur, leading to various symptoms.

In the UK, the diagnosis of menopause in women over 45 years old is based on clinical symptoms and the absence of a menstrual period for 12 months. If you bleed or even slightly spot, you need to start counting again, as you are technically still ovulating and can still fall pregnant. My suggestion is to keep a diary of your symptoms and bleeding.

One of the main hormones affected during menopause is estrogen. Estrogen levels are very low AFTER menopause. However, during perimenopause, oestrogen levels swing up and down, so blood tests are not suitable at this stage.

Women younger than 45 having perimenopausal symptoms are offered a blood test to measure a hormone called FSH (follicle‑stimulating hormone). FSH is found in higher levels in menopause. In younger women, it may indicate premature ovarian insufficiency (or early menopause), which should be treated by HRT. Early menopause is diagnosed when a woman has two blood tests six weeks apart showing abnormal hormone levels.

Blood tests are not accurate in women taking some hormone-based contraceptives.

So, to test or not to test? That’s the question. 

Over the age of 45, most women do not need hormone tests. 

If you feel you have having menopausal symptoms, I would recommend that you speak to your doctors to book some other routine blood tests.

The first test is called a TSH test that checks Thyroid Function. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Changes in thyroid hormone levels can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, mood changes and hot flushes. Thyroid symptoms are very commonly mistaken for menopause symptoms. Blood tests can assess thyroid function and help identify any imbalances that may require treatment. 

A lipid profile test can assess your cholesterol levels, which tend to increase during menopause. High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease, so monitoring them through blood tests is crucial for early intervention and preventive lifestyle changes.

We also suggest measuring Calcium, which indicates bone health. Vit D, as a deficiency, is known to give people aches and pains, and Vit B & iron levels, as a deficiency, can make people feel fatigued - supplements in the form of tablets or sprays to bump up your levels if needed.

So the list would be:

Thyroid

Cholesterol

Lipids

Calcium

Iron

Vitamin D

Vitamin B

Blood tests are valuable tools for understanding your health during menopause. They can provide insights into potential health risks and guide treatment decisions. If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your hormonal health during menopause, don't hesitate to discuss the possibility of blood tests with your healthcare provider.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Radio Menopause. We hope you found this discussion informative. Stay tuned for more episodes on women's health and well-being. Until next time, take care and stay healthy.

#radiomenopause

Radio Menopause - Introduction

Episode 1 transcript.

Listen on: Apple, Spotify, Website

Welcome to ‘Radio Menopause’, a brand-new podcast that discusses various issues surrounding Menopause. I'm Ruth, owner & founder of Chemist & Co Skin Clinic, and I’m excited to start this journey with all of you.

You might wonder what Radio Menopause is about. We plan to explore and discuss various aspects of menopause based on scientific evidence. Menopause is a journey that every woman goes through, yet the information around it is often surrounded by misconceptions.

Before we dive deep into the world of menopause, let's start with the basics. What is menopause? Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. This means that her ovaries have completely stopped releasing eggs. So menopause is really just one day in the whole life of a woman

The stage leading up to menopause is called Perimenopause. During this phase, hormones are unpredictable and annoyingly fluctuate daily. This roller coaster of hormones causes a lot of the best-known symptoms like hot flushes, irregular periods and the famous mood swings. Many women find they can trace these early symptoms into their 30s.

After menopause, a woman will live the rest of her life in post-menopause. In this phase, symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats might diminish but research shows that postmenopausal women develop a higher risk of developing chronic problems like osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Our goal with this podcast is to provide evidence-based information, support, and a sense of community for women navigating through menopause and for those who want to understand and support the women in their lives. Menopause is a natural process that we cannot control. However, learning more about how menopause affects our bodies, what replacement therapies are best, and how diet and exercise are powerful tools - will enable us to make informed decisions and age actively. 

Each episode of Radio Menopause will feature some information and practical tips covering various aspects of menopause, from nutrition and fitness to mental health and relationships and more.

Whether you're a woman experiencing menopause, a friend or a partner supporting someone through it, or just curious, we are here for you. Together, we'll navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and build a supportive community that embraces the power and wisdom that comes with menopause.

Are you ready to join us? Hit the subscribe or follow button to make sure you get every episode. I'm Ruth, signing off for now, but remember, the conversation continues on Radio Menopause!

#radiomenopause