Welcome to our October Newsletter

Welcome to our October Newsletter, and happy World Menopause Day 2024! Every year on the 18th October, we take a moment to raise awareness about menopause, empowering women to embrace this natural transition with confidence and informed choices. This year’s theme is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) — an important and often discussed option for managing your menopause symptoms. Whether you’re currently considering HRT, or just want to stay informed about your health, this month’s newsletter dives into the benefits and risks of HRT, the many different ways you can take HRT, and answers some of your biggest questions, so let’s get going!

What is HRT?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment designed to relieve the symptoms of menopause by replacing the hormones your body no longer produces naturally. HRT typically involves oestrogen, progesterone, and in some case, testosterone, and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

In the UK testosterone is rarely prescribed and only to help women suffering with extremely low sex drive. As there isn’t a female specific testosterone available on licence, it is usually prescribed through a menopause specialist nurse or private GP service.

What are the benefits of HRT?

There has been a lot said about the risks of HRT, which we’ll cover later, but what you may not know is that it can have significant positive benefits for your experience of menopause, and your health and wellbeing beyond.

Relief from Symptoms: One of the most common symptoms of menopause, hot flashes can significantly disrupt daily life. HRT is effective in reducing both the intensity and frequency of these episodes.

?Improvement in Mood and Sleep: It can help reduce mood swings, anxiety, and depression, which are often heightened during menopause. Better sleep quality is another added benefit.

Bone Health Support: Oestrogen helps protect bone density. HRT can lower the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which become more common as oestrogen levels decline post-menopause.

Vaginal Health:It can improve vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary symptoms, making intimate relationships more comfortable and enhancing overall quality of life.

Heart Health: HRT when started in perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause, can have heart-protective benefits.

What about the Risks of HRT?

While HRT has many advantages, it’s not risk free. If there is a history of some of the following conditions in your family, HRT may not be the right option for you, but your GP or menopause specialist nurse will be able to advise you.

?Blood Clots and Stroke: If there is a history of blood clots of stroke in your family, then oral oestrogen may slightly increase your risk of these conditions developing.??

?Breast Cancer: If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, and particularly if this is sensitive to oestrogen, then HRT may not be right for you. Equally our risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, so if you are taking HRT long term then regular reviews with your GP will be important.

Cardiovascular Concerns:For women who start HRT later in life, particularly over the age of 60, there may be a small increase in the risk of heart disease. However, taking HRT within 10 years of menopause can have significant benefits in protecting your heart.

What’s the best way to take HRT?

HRT can be delivered in many ways – oral, transdermal (via the skin) or internal via implants - allowing for personalised treatment depending on your lifestyle, medical history, and personal preferences.

?Tablets: This is the most common form of HRT. It’s easy to take but may increase the risk of blood clots compared to other methods.

?Patches: HRT patches deliver hormones through the skin directly into the bloodstream. They are convenient, and for some women, they carry fewer risks compared to tablets.

?Gels and Creams: These are applied directly to the skin and offer a flexible way to manage hormone levels. Many women appreciate this method for its ease of use and its ability to adjust doses gradually.

Vaginal Rings, Creams, or Tablets: These localised treatments are ideal for women experiencing primarily vaginal or urinary symptoms. They deliver low doses of oestrogen directly to the vaginal tissues and can help with dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

Intra Uterine Devices:Most notable in the UK is the Mirena Coil which releases progesterone gradually and is combined with an oestrogen patch. These devices can be left in place for up to 6 years.

With anything we discuss in this newsletter, you should always consult professional medical advice to ensure you are getting the right support for your circumstances. The information in this newsletter is to help to build your knowledge and give you some discussion options with your GP.

Common Questions About HRT

We know you will have many questions about HRT, and we couldn’t hope to answer them all here, but here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we come across. For all other questions, please seek the advice of your GP or menopause specialist nurse.

?How long should I take HRT? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Many women take HRT for a few years to ease the transition through menopause, while others may continue longer. The decision depends on your symptoms, risk factors, and personal preferences.

?Can HRT help with weight gain? HRT isn’t specifically designed to prevent or reduce weight gain, but by improving symptoms like sleep disturbances and mood swings, it can help you maintain a healthier lifestyle, which may indirectly influence weight management.

?Is HRT safe for everyone? HRT may not be suitable for everyone. Women with a history of certain cancers, liver disease, blood clots, or those at a higher risk of stroke may be advised to explore other treatment options.

When is the best time to start HRT? HRT is typically most effective when started through perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause. Starting HRT after the age of 60 is generally less common due to slightly increased risks. However, the best time depends on your individual symptoms and health risks, which your doctor can evaluate.

Can I stop HRT abruptly? It’s usually best to gradually reduce your dosage of HRT rather than stopping abruptly, as this can help your body adjust and reduce the likelihood of the symptoms returning.

Celebrate with Knowledge

World Menopause Day is about education, awareness, and empowerment. As we focus on HRT this year, it’s crucial to understand that every woman’s menopause experience is unique. If you’re considering HRT or are already taking it, having the right information and professional guidance can make all the difference in your journey.

We encourage you to speak with your GP or menopause specialist nurse about the potential benefits and risks of HRT to make the most informed decision for your health. Whether you choose HRT, alternative therapies, or a combination of approaches, the goal is to ensure that menopause is a manageable and empowering stage of life.

In honour of World Menopause Day, we’d love to hear about your experiences, questions, and thoughts on HRT. Join us on our social media platforms (details below) and participate in the discussion.

Further Resources

We can help you navigate your menopause journey with grace and empowerment.

???? Menopause Café Medway Towns: Come along, have a coffee, grab a cake and chat about menopause, or anything else. You’ll meet new people and have fun. We are offering an online Menopause Café on the 16th October if you can’t join us in person. Learn more or book your place HERE.

???? Navigating Your Menopause: Join our online 6-week programme starting on the 23rd October to learn practical ways to manage your menopause journey. This interactive programme also includes dedicated workbooks and a 30-minute life coaching session. Learn more or book your place HERE.

???? Men-No-Pause: Would you like your partner to learn more about menopause, so you navigate this stage together. On the 29th October we’ll be running our 90-minutes men-only online programme. Learn more or book your place HERE.

???? Facebook Menopause Support Groups: Connect virtually with other women through our? Facebook groups – Phoenix Women’s Wellness and Menopause or ?Menopause Cafe Medway Towns

???? Seasons of Wisdom: Re-engage with your passions and creativity through our programme of self-discovery with monthly workshops embracing chakra energy. Learn more here

???? 1-2-1 Life Coaching: We hold a space for you to explore your challenges, find your goals and achieve them. Email me to book a connection call.

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For more info

Feel free to email me direct with any questions that have arisen after reading our newsletter or go to www.phoenixwellness.co.uk to learn more ways we can help – we have blogs, vlogs and podcasts that you’ll love.

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