I’m Dr. Diane Strachowski, a licensed psychologist and a woman navigating the complexities of midlife. My mission is to share my personal and professional experiences to help you cut through the overwhelming information about menopause and midlife. In this series, I’ll be discussing real-life experiences with products and medical treatments that I’ve used to cope with menopause and aging. Today, I want to dive into the controversial topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
My Hormonal Journey
Let me start by saying that I’m not here to tell you what to do regarding HRT. Every woman’s experience is unique, and you should discuss your options with your healthcare provider. All I can offer is my personal journey, which includes both being on hormones and off them, making me my own little scientific study, albeit with an N of 1. Here’s what I’ve learned and experienced along the way.
The Early Years
I first got my period at 14 and had heavy periods until they stopped when I was 51. I also underwent fertility treatment at 43, which may have influenced my menopausal timeline. My perimenopausal symptoms likely began in my late thirties or early forties when my once-solid sleep patterns started to crumble. I would fall asleep easily but wake up at 3 or 4 am, unable to go back to sleep. This led to a prescription for Ambien, which helped but was hard to quit.
The Menopausal Onset
When menopause hit, my sleep issues returned with a vengeance. I also experienced frequent night sweats. My new gynecologist offered little empathy or solutions, leaving me feeling defeated. A friend recommended a boutique clinic specializing in bio-identical hormones, and I signed up with hopes of addressing my sleep issues, hot flashes, and painful intercourse.
The Hormone Replacement Experience
After comprehensive blood work, I started on compounded hormones from a specialty pharmacy. However, the lack of transparency about the exact hormone dosages concerned me. I felt dizzy from the hormones and, despite benefiting from the estrogen, was uneasy about the potential risks. I decided to use hormones for five years and then reassess.
During this time, I noticed my breasts growing significantly, which no doctor warned me about. I went from a C-D cup to a DDD cup, causing shoulder pain and discomfort. Despite my concerns, my doctors advised increasing my hormone dosage based on my lab results, not my symptoms. Feeling unheard and gaslit, I went off the hormones as planned.
Life Off Hormones
For the first two years off HRT, I slept well and felt relatively normal, even undergoing a necessary breast reduction to alleviate shoulder pain. However, by age 58.5, stress reignited my sleep problems. Despite my hesitation, I tried the hormone patch, which led to swollen, aching breasts and no improvement in sleep.
Reflections and Insights
Having experienced both sides, I can say that HRT has its benefits and drawbacks. While hormones helped manage hot flashes and sleep issues initially, the side effects and lack of consistent medical guidance made me reconsider. If HRT works for you and the benefits outweigh the risks, that’s wonderful. Each woman’s body reacts differently, and what works for one may not work for another.
Moving Forward
My journey with HRT has been complex, filled with trial and error. I encourage you to be persistent, ask the right questions, and find a healthcare provider who listens and understands your unique needs. Midlife and menopause can be challenging, but with the right support and information, we can navigate these waters together.
Stay tuned for more insights and experiences as I continue to explore the best ways to manage menopause and midlife.