WTF Is A Hot Flash?
Isn’t it so rude when you’re sitting there minding your business and suddenly, out of nowhere, the surge of heat comes from your inner core!? Like…how? And why? You’re not alone. Studies estimate that over 70% of women going through the menopausal journey experience what’s called “vasomotor symptoms.” This is a fancy term for hot flashes and/or night sweats. In fact, some women experience these symptoms for YEARS - the average being 7.4 years depending on the woman. In this article, I cover…
When Is HRT Actually Indicated?
PHEW! There is some serious controversy around this especially as there are the guidelines and then there are clinical experiences or new research articles not yet included in the guidelines. When it comes to estrogen in particular, I want to outline what is recommended and what is FDA approved. Do keep in mind that a guideline is not a law - this piece of advice was given to me by an oncologist (believe it or not). However, it’s a solid place to start if you’re considering hormones. Right now, the Menopause Society...
Explaining Your Progesterone Options
Whether it’s time to start progesterone, you’re considering it, or just wondering about your options, you’re in the right place! Progesterone is a hormone made predominantly in your ovaries after ovulation. It does a lot in the body but it’s primarily known for its positive effects on your uterus and the calming effects on your brain. If you’re not ovulating anymore, or if you’re not ovulating as strongly as you once did, your progesterone levels can decline. Generally speaking, most hormone societies and laboratories say…
What Hormones Am I Taking?
You asked and I’m answering - “Dr. Carrie, are you taking hormones and if so, what ones?” The short answer is YES! I’m taking progesterone. I’m not yet taking estrogens or testosterone. I’m probably going to start DHEA. The long answer is…I am in my mid-40’s pushing into late 40’s. About 2-3 years ago, my sleep started to suck as did my mood prior to my periods. Given all my hormone training, I figured it was time for progesterone. My labs indicated that I did ovulate (release the egg), however the resulting progesterone production was not that great anymore. I began taking…
What Exactly Are Bio (Body) Identical Hormones?
I recently received a great DM on instagram asking me to explain what bio (body) identical hormones are and how they are different from what is the birth control pill or what was looked at in the Women’s Health Initiative study. Bio or body identical are hormone preparations such as estradiol (an estrogen) or progesterone that look exactly like the hormones you have in your body. These are commercially available at your local pharmacy such as the popular estradiol patches or Prometrium (the progesterone pill). Estradiol and progesterone can also be compounded at compounding pharmacies. Progesterone cream is often available over-the-counter as well that is bio (body) identical.
At What Age Should You Stop Your Hormones?
Years ago, I was taught in medical school that women should be on the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest amount of time. For many women, this was a period of 5-10 years then they would stop. I couldn’t understand why they had to stop as many of their symptoms would return! Imagine starting hormones at 45 years old and by 55 years old, giving them up. No surprise when they called reporting insomnia, weight gain, hot flashes, brain fog, mood changes, and more. Plus, increasing the risk for cardiometabolic disease, bone loss, and dementia…
Your Mental Health and Perimenopause
Feeling moody? Irritable? Depressed? Less interested? More anxious? Less connected? Less confident or lower self worth? And has all of this been happening or worsening since you’ve entered into perimenopause or menopause (even surgical menopause)? In November 2023, Cambridge University Press published an articled titled, “Severe mental illness and the perimenopause.” I’m so grateful that more write-ups like this are happening to educate women! In perimenopause, hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone start changing for the worse leaving us with changes in our brain hormones like DHEA, serotonin, oxytocin, GABA, and dopamine. While you might not have heard of some of these hormones before, they play a huge role in your mood!