A GP might not prescribe HRT due to outdated fears from older studies (like the WHI) linking it to cancer/clots, a lack of specialist knowledge, concerns about your personal medical history (e.g., past clots, certain cancers, liver issues), or time constraints, though modern evidence supports HRT for many, especially with body-identical options and transdermal delivery, so asking for a second opinion or specialist referral is often a good next step.
You can ask to see another doctor (or nurse) within your practice – ask who has an interest in menopause or women's health. If there is no one, consider changing practices or consider having an appointment with a private menopause specialist.
But sometimes, they think not prescribing hormone replacement therapy is the right decision, due to outdated research. “The most common reason doctors are hesitant to prescribe HRT is that in 2002, the Women's Health Initiative released a study citing a link between HRT and breast cancer,” says Dr. Carothers.
Unfortunately, some doctors and healthcare professionals still believe outdated reports that HRT is linked to cancer, blood clots and heart problems, so they may be reluctant to prescribe HRT.
have or recently had a condition caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina. have a rare inherited condition called porphyria. are pregnant or breastfeeding. have high blood pressure (hypertension)
Managing menopause symptoms without HRT
Cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, and quitting smoking, can minimize your hot flashes. Exercising regularly can reduce your risk of weight gain, as well as symptoms of hot flashes and disrupted sleep.
Signs you might need Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) often relate to menopause disrupting your life, including severe hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood swings (irritability, depression, anxiety), brain fog, low libido, fatigue, joint aches, and bladder issues, with HRT helping manage these symptoms and potentially protecting against osteoporosis and heart disease, though a doctor must determine if risks outweigh benefits.
Overview Menopause
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.
As women age, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, a hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle and ends the reproductive years. Once you have gone through menopause and have not had your period for 12 consecutive months, the postmenopause stage begins, and you are in this stage for the rest of your life.
What are the symptoms of low estrogen levels?
Side effects of taking oestrogen can include: headaches. breast pain or tenderness. unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting.
The '3 month pill' is not a pill that lasts for 3 months at a time, but rather, a dosage cycle where pills are taken every day for 3 straight months, followed by a week of inactive pills.
Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. Shifting hormone levels and night sweats may disrupt your sleep. This can cause fatigue, which may make mood swings worse.
Lies you should never tell your doctor
Some prescription medicines could help to relieve your menopausal symptoms. Certain types of antidepressants, the high blood pressure medication clonidine, and the epilepsy medication gabapentin, may help with symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, anxiety and vaginal dryness.
Jennifer Aniston is known for her vigorous wellness routine, which involves compression boots, collagen supplements and infrared saunas. Now, she's hit the headlines with her favourite fitness regime, Pvolve, which has been shown to be particularly beneficial for menopausal women.
I know my children will never have to say, 'Mom died of ovarian cancer. '” To curb the symptoms of menopause, Jolie says she wears a “clear patch” that delivers bio-identical estrogen. She also has a progesterone IUD to help prevent uterine cancer.
In Japan, Kampo medicine (Kampo) therapy is often used for patients with general malaise. Patients with menopausal symptoms arising from the loss of ovarian function are often prescribed tailor-made Kampo [4, 5].
Changes to your period
In addition to each period becoming further apart, you may also notice other variations in your menstrual bleeding that signal your final period is close including: Missed periods. Heavier or lighter periods. Longer or shorter periods.
Many people notice they're gaining weight more easily in the years before and after menopause. Typical gains range from 8 to 12 pounds. Any extra weight tends to accumulate around the belly (abdomen).
This study has demonstrated women with older age at last delivery were associated with younger age at menopause and showed increased number of pregnancy was related with older age at menopause.
Weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, temperature regulation, and irregular periods if you have an autoimmune disease or family history of thyroid problems. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can mimic the symptoms of perimenopause.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
You can take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you have menopause symptoms, including during perimenopause and after your periods stop (post-menopause).