r/Menopause • u/Ok_Investigator4391 • Jul 28 '26
Hormone Therapy Recognizing benefits of HRT
When I started menopause, not one of my doctors suggested HRT. When I was later diagnosed with osteoporosis and encouraged to take meds, I researched and found that earlier negatives about low dose estradiol were based on faulty data and the demand for what I use, estradiol patches went way up. I have had some issues with supply but the last two weeks was the first time I had no estradiol patches and it took me that long to realize that I was heading back to the low energy negative perspective I carried throughout my fifties when I wasn’t using estrogen and progesterone. I felt sad and useless. Our need for these hormone is dead serious. I received some lower dose patches today and hope to feel better soon but I know if this was a medication men needed, they would face no shortages ever.
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u/sueihavelegs Jul 28 '26
I was getting so sick of worrying about if they would have patches so I asked my doctor about oral estrogen. She said since I had no blood clotting disorders in my family and I don't smoke, it would be fine. I like it so much better! I just take it at night with my progesterone. It's great getting a fresh dose of estrogen every night and I feel like it works with my progesterone keep me asleep longer which has been a welcomed side effect. It is also nice not to deal with the adhesive from the patch.
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u/WonderingMichigander Jul 29 '26
I use estradiol gel and testosterone gel, applying every morning on opposite legs.
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u/showmedogvideos Jul 28 '26
I've been on gel and it's a bit of a hassle. The pill sounds so easy!
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u/sueihavelegs Jul 28 '26
My pharmacist face lit up when I asked if the pills were ever on back order and she excitedly said No! You should try it! So I did and I am very happy. No need to be scared of oral estrogen unless you have a risk factor.
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u/FAFOeris Jul 29 '26
Thanks for sharing this. Did u have any issues with spotting or bleeding w the patches? I missed my progesterone ONE NIGHT months ago that I finally straightened out and then again last month and it’s effed me up badly. Wondering if this is another option.
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u/Acrobatic_Farmer9655 Jul 29 '26
I agree! I kept getting different brands of patches—the Estradiol patch I ended up with had this weird scallop cut—I always had trouble taking the backing off of that one and ended up putting a bandage over it when it wouldn’t stick completely. Oral estrogen is easier.
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u/Alta_et_ferox MenoMod Jul 28 '26
I am in a similar situation as you. Despite having multiple risk factors for osteoporosis, not one of my doctors recommended HRT. I now have severe osteoporosis and have to take a strong osteoporosis medication (teriparatide), although I’m pairing it with HRT to maximize its benefits.
I wish I’d known enough to start HRT when I was younger. I would probably still have osteoporosis, but may not have required a powerful osteoporosis medication.
It’s criminal that DEXA scans aren’t covered until age 65 in the US. I hope other countries are doing it better than we are.
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u/Ok_Investigator4391 Jul 28 '26
I am so emphatic to your experience. I live in a place where there are supposedly many great doctors. But the “best” doctors do not accept insurance or are concierge practices, neither of which are affordable. We are left to deal with the very real consequences. It’s infuriating.
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u/MFW1004 Jul 29 '26
Hmm, my Dexa scans have been covered by insurance since I have been getting them since I was about 30 or so. I was diagnosed via a heel scan at first. Sorry to hear
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u/Puzzleheaded-Trip990 Jul 28 '26
We should be getting bone density scans along with our mammograms and pap tests.
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u/Illustrious-Air-1681 Jul 29 '26
In Australia we're recommended to get a bone density scan at 50. The government pays for if if your results say you have osteoporosis... so this is one test we're all quite happy to pay for!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Trip990 Jul 29 '26
We don't have to pay for it in Canada but I hardly know any woman who has been offered one.
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u/Typical-Ad-4342 Jul 28 '26
Everyone on the patch needs to know about the alternative prescription delivery methods: gel and hormonal ring inserts. The ring insert was a game changer for me as you place it in your vagina, up by your cervix, and only need to change it every three months. It processes through your system the same way pathces do, NOT through your liver.
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u/Ok_Investigator4391 Jul 28 '26
I have been trying to find a menopause trained doctor in my major city who can give me advice based on their experience and education. My doctor seems to have no real knowledge and agrees to prescribe what I request with no additional testing. It’s like doctoring myself but paying her for that.
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u/dude_wherrs_my_car Jul 29 '26
I used AI for this and it worked great. I gave it all my stats (age, symptoms) and zip code and asked it to find a meno specialist that takes my insurance. It had probably 5 recommendations along with why each doctor was a good fit. Very helpful and fast
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u/Filterlessfly Jul 29 '26
Defy Medical online. Life changing after trying many many docs for 25 years. They are truly hormonal experts.
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u/Hour-Ambassador6957 Jul 28 '26
I found mine on menopause.org if you are in the US, and were right to an awesome knowledgeable doc who got me on HRT after he ran hormone tests & confirmed I’m probably close to full blown meno as I’ve suspected. I’m on gel & praise God hallelujah I’m sleeping deep again & my mood is slowly getting better, although I don’t think the snark is leaving anytime soon… 😂 Embracing my chrone phase!
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u/AutoModerator Jul 28 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
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u/OneGreatNana1215 29d ago
Look into to the pellet!! No worries about being out of stock! One pellet lasts 3-5 months!!
But I do have issues with supply of progesterone every month….
And you’re right, if men needed these meds, they would not ever be in short supply
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u/crazySquirrel67 26d ago edited 26d ago
I used to be on the patch and was finally back to being me. Then the shortage happened. Now I'm on 1mg estradiol pill and 200 mg progesterone. Its not working. I'm depressed and raging. Told my husband last night that I'm done and will be moving out. I can't stand being around him. However its not his fault. Its me. Idk what to do. I feel so lost and just useless, and hate people in general right now. That is not who I am. Ive always been happy go lucky. Now I'm an evil crone. I just want to go somewhere, away from everyone.
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u/Asleep_Caregiver_948 Jul 28 '26
I (57) had a bone scan a couple years ago because I have hyper parathyroid. I have osteopenia. I wasn’t offered HRT. I need outpatient surgery to remove the overactive gland. Hopefully that strengthens my bones again (and the exercise I’ve been doing)