Taking control of your hormone health
Midlife: it’s a rollercoaster, to put it mildly, and no one is exempt. It’s the perfect storm of pressures, from the daily grind of raising teenagers (need we say more?) to the often-fraught care of ageing, shall we say, demanding parents. On top of that, many are juggling ever-increasing responsibilities at work, leading to even more stress. And for some, this already challenging period is compounded by relationship breakdowns and the heartache of divorce.
And if the pressures of midlife weren’t enough, this is also a time when women face a cascade of debilitating symptoms linked to plummeting hormone levels. Far beyond the familiar hot flushes, we’re talking about a spectrum of struggles: from crushing low mood and aching joints to unexplained weight gain and a host of other challenges that can significantly impact quality of life, both at home and at work.
Luckily, there is growing scientific evidence that the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) far outweigh any risks. In this article, we’re going to explore why we believe easy access to advice and HRT medication should be the norm, not the exception.
Let’s dive into the latest research and thinking on HRT and how it can help both women and men. Because, yes, while the solution has very much centred on helping women who are struggling with perimenopause and menopause symptoms, there is also an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that men may also need hormonal support as they get older.
A new perspective on HRT
For years, HRT was shrouded in misconception and fear. Outdated studies painted a picture of significant risks, leaving many women – and even some healthcare professionals – hesitant. But the narrative has changed. And thank goodness for that.
We’re in the midst of an HRT revolution, driven by updated research and a growing understanding of its benefits. At Being Well Pharmacy, we believe in empowering women (and men) with easy access to HRT information, hormone testing and prescriptions to make informed choices about their hormone health. This includes understanding when to consider HRT and when to consider taking testosterone (TRT).
Understanding the shift
Older studies on HRT often focused solely on potential risks, neglecting the significant benefits. This led to widespread reluctance to both prescribe and use HRT. However, modern research presents a more balanced perspective. The consensus now is that for many women, particularly those under 60 experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms, the benefits of HRT significantly outweigh the risks.
What’s more, the types of HRT being prescribed has changed. The safest form of HRT — and the kind prescribed by us at Being Well — is known as body identical HRT. This typically involves oestrogen delivered through your skin via patch, gel or spray and micronised progesterone (often known as Utrogestan here in the UK).
Body identical HRT is derived from yams and, crucially, has the exact same molecular structure as the hormones your ovaries naturally produce. This type of HRT is rigorously regulated, thoroughly tested and backed by solid research. It’s also the type recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. It’s the gold standard for a reason.
More than just symptom relief
As argued by medical journal The Lancet in its series on menopause, truly supporting women through this transition requires more than just medication. It calls for a holistic approach; one that empowers women with evidence-based information, gives them the tools to make informed decisions, provides compassionate clinical care and even considers workplace adjustments where necessary.
Crucially, it emphasises the need for targeted support for women experiencing early perimenopause or menopause, and for those at increased risk of mental health struggles. Because menopause isn’t one-size-fits-all, and our support shouldn’t be either.
HRT is a powerful tool for managing the often-debilitating symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including:
- Mood-related symptoms
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Poor mental focus and concentration
- “Brain fog”, feeling distracted and memory lapses (does forgetting words mid-sentence sound familiar?)
- Headaches, including more frequent migraines
- Joint and muscle pains
- Reduced sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary and bladder problems, including urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Beyond symptom management, HRT plays a vital role in long-term health:
- Osteoporosis prevention: oestrogen is crucial for bone health. HRT helps prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of fractures, especially important for women experiencing early menopause.
- Muscle strength: HRT can help maintain muscle strength, combating the muscle loss often associated with menopause.
- Mental wellbeing: restoring hormone balance can improve mood and sleep. HRT can also help with anxiety and depression.
Navigating HRT: prioritising personal benefits over minimal risks
Concerns about breast cancer and blood clots, often cited, are frequently overstated. Menopause experts, like Dr. Louise Newson, emphasise that the actual cancer risk associated with HRT is small and influenced by various factors. When discussing contraindications, the only clear instance where HRT is typically deemed inappropriate is in cases of active hormone-sensitive breast cancer, highlighting how remarkably safe it is for the vast majority.
It’s vital to clarify that oestrogen-only HRT, which carries a significantly lower breast cancer risk, is specifically prescribed for women who have undergone a hysterectomy. For women with a uterus, combined HRT, which includes progesterone, is the standard. It’s also important to note that progesterone itself is a beneficial hormone, often misrepresented in the discussion of HRT risks.
The key takeaway is that an individualised approach is paramount. By considering your specific health profile, dosage and duration of use, you and your pharmacist or GP can effectively minimise any potential risks.
Access to information and testing: taking control of your hormone health
Understanding your hormone levels is the first step towards informed decision-making. Being Well Pharmacy offers convenient hormone testing services, providing valuable insights into your hormonal balance and identifying any hormone imbalance.
Our experienced pharmacists are available to discuss your results, explain treatment options, including HRT, and discuss when to consider testosterone. We believe that easy access to expert advice and prescriptions, including finding an HRT specialist, is crucial for empowering women (and men) to take control of their hormone health.
HRT for men: the testosterone conversation
While often associated with women, hormone health is equally important for men. Low testosterone can lead to a range of symptoms, including low libido, fatigue, muscle loss and mood changes. Calling it the “male menopause” is misleading, however. It implies a sudden testosterone crash in middle age, mirroring the female menopause, which isn’t the case.
While it’s true that testosterone levels decline as men age, it’s a slow and steady dip of about 1% a year, starting somewhere around 30 or 40. What is more important to acknowledge is that lifestyle and mental wellbeing play a huge role in many of the “male menopause” symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction, low sex drive and mood swings can often be traced back to issues like stress, depression or anxiety. It’s not always a hormonal issue, which is why testing is a must.
Being Well Pharmacy also offers testing and advice for men concerned about low testosterone, providing access to appropriate treatments and support.
Being Well Pharmacy: your partner in holistic hormone health
At Being Well Pharmacy, we’re committed to providing holistic care. We understand that hormone health is interconnected with overall wellbeing. Whether you’re exploring HRT options, concerned about low testosterone or simply seeking advice on maintaining a healthy hormone balance, our team is here to support you.
We offer a range of services, including hormone testing, expert consultations and convenient prescription fulfilment. We believe that everyone deserves easy access to the information and resources they need to thrive.
If you’re craving a modern, convenient approach to healthcare that empowers you to take control, we get it. And we’re here to help.
Being Well — personalised, proactive healthcare for everyone. We’re making it happen, through your local pharmacy.
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Ready to discover a better healthcare experience? Book a hormone test today or visit your local Being Well pharmacy in Brighton and Hove.