My Personal Story Before Hormone Replacement Therapy
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I honestly thought I wouldn’t even have to think about hormone replacement therapy until my mid-50s. I was wrong.
And when I say I know what hot flashes feel like, I really mean it. My symptoms started quietly in my late 30s, things I didn’t immediately connect at the time. Constantly dry skin (especially my legs), mood shifts I couldn’t explain, restless nights that left me exhausted before the day even started. Then came the hot flashes.
At first, they showed up in waves. They’d start toward the end of my ovulation cycle and last three to four weeks on and off all day, all night. And I’m not exaggerating. It was miserable. Then they got worse. They started happening every twenty minutes…for almost three months straight.
There were nights I’d just lie awake, stuck in my own thoughts, wondering, Is this really how life is going to feel from now on? It felt heavy. Depressing. So lonely.
I’d wake up in the morning feeling completely drained, like I hadn’t slept at all. I remember asking my mom, “Did this happen to you when you were my age?” And she said, “Not like that. I had a few, but nothing like what you’re describing.”
That was the moment I realized something wasn’t right and that I needed to stop brushing it off and start looking for answers.
Infertility, now this? ugh. I felt like I couldn’t catch a break.
My fertility doctor at the time would tell me it’s because my FSH was high and because I had diminished ovarian reserve, ( but my estrogen was dropping significantly, never once was this mentioned as a cause of my symptoms ).
Why are my hormones so bad?
But I still asked myself why? Why freshly into my late 30’s/early 40’s am I dealing with such horrible hormone levels? I mean, I have friends that don’t deal with this sort of thing. Was it the year after year of IVF treatments and constant hormones fluctuation, medications, pregnancy loss, stress, having an auto immune disease? I’m not entirely sure. But it didn’t really matter about wondering why, I just knew I had to get help so I could feel like myself again.
This was during my worst hot flash episode yet, I would have this pink rash across my face that would just sit there, it was terrible, I was such a mess.
Finding as practitioner that cares
I’m not a big self “diagnoser” so I really wanted to find a female practitioner that was also an expert in female health + root cause. I knew there had to be more to this picture and I was feeling horrible. I needed relief, soon and fast.
After our last and final IVF cycle and a transfer that ended up in a positive pregnancy, that unfortunately ended in loss. We had to make a step forward to a lifestyle change and a new health journey.
Thank God, we found a new functional practitioner, got a huge blood panel and more checked. And of course, my hormones along with inflammatory markers were all tanked and high. It all made sense.
Starting HRT
When I found out that my estrogen was almost nonexistent for my age and that my progesterone was also very low, everything finally clicked. The constant exhaustion, the sleepless nights, the feeling of being disconnected from my own body…it all made sense. I kept telling myself to push through it and keep going, but the truth is, my body wasn’t failing me, it was asking for support.
That’s when I began hormone therapy.
I’m currently using bioidentical hormone therapy, not synthetic. I wear an estradiol patch, which I switch out twice a week, and I take 300 mg of progesterone every night. Within about a week or so, my hot flashes started to subside and eventually, they completely stopped. Praise Jesus.
Even more than that, I’m sleeping better, my energy is slowly returning, and I finally feel like I’m moving in the right direction again.
This journey has been incredibly eye-opening. Hormones affect everything, your energy, sleep, mood, mental health, metabolism, and overall well-being. You are not lazy. You are not dramatic. And you are definitely not crazy.
If you’re reading this and something feels off, please advocate for yourself. Ask questions. Find a practitioner who listens. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There is help, there are answers, and there is hope.
Common Menopause Symptoms That May Signal You Need HRT
Wondering if you’re heading into it? Signs of low estrogen include:
- Changes in cycle length
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal discomfort
- Mood changes, brain fog or low energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Irregular periods or missed periods
- Lowered estrogen levels, high FSH levels, confirmed through testing
If you spot these, it’s worth having a chat with your practitioner about your treatment options. Also be sure to ask to check your thyroid levels too!
The Pros and Cons of Different Menopause Treatments
Besides HRT, women try:
- Non-hormonal medications for hot flashes like Estrovera, this was give me to start by a previous doctor to stop hot flashes, it’s natural and won’t hurt you to take it. It’s worth a try.
- Lifestyle shifts ( cutting out alcohol, diet, strength training, stress reduction)
- Supplements and alternative remedies
Every woman’s journey is unique, and what works for one may not for another.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy and How Does It Work?
Hormone replacement simply means giving your body back the estrogen (and sometimes progesterone) that it’s no longer making in the same amounts. You might hear terms like oral estrogen therapy, bioidentical hormones, or even replacement therapy in general.
The goal is simple: balance your hormone levels so those frustrating menopausal symptoms ease up and you feel more like yourself again.
What Factors Should Women Consider Before Starting Hormone Replacement Therapy?
According to the North American Menopause Society and the American Menopause Society, HRT isn’t one-size-fits-all. Things to consider:
- Your age and how long it’s been since symptoms began
- What dose and form of therapy makes sense (patches, pills, gels, vaginal creams, etc.)
- How much your symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life
My Everyday Supplements I swear by
Along with exploring hormone replacement therapy, I’ve found that the right supplements make a huge difference in how I feel day-to-day. Think of them as little daily boosters that support your body while you’re navigating the ups and downs and beyond. Here are some I personally love:
Magnesium
This one’s a game-changer for sleep and stress. It helps calm the nervous system, supports muscle recovery, and can even reduce those pesky night sweats.
Vitamin D3 & K2
Most women are low in Vitamin D, and it’s super important for bone health, especially when estrogen levels drop during menopause. Plus, it gives me a mood lift when the sun isn’t shining.
Omega-3s
Omega-3s are amazing for heart health, lowering inflammation, and even keeping skin supple. It’s one of those staples that just makes me feel “steady.”
Probiotics
Gut health is everything. Probiotics help with digestion, bloating, and even vaginal health, which can be extra helpful if you’re dealing with vaginal dryness.
B-Complex
When my energy dips, B vitamins give me that extra support. They help with metabolism, brain fog, and mood, basically the things we all complain about in this season of life.
Collagen Peptides
For skin, hair, and joints! I toss collagen powder into my coffee or smoothie, and it helps keep everything strong and glowing.
Creatine
Creatine supports energy, muscle strength, brain function, and overall recovery especially for women as hormones shift. It can help improve workouts, support mental clarity, and aid muscle preservation, even when energy feels low.
Before You Add Another Supplement…Read This
These aren’t a replacement for hormone therapy, but they’ve been a helpful complement to my overall wellness routine. I always recommend checking with your doctor or clinic before adding anything new, especially if you’re considering hormone therapy or are already on a specific treatment plan.
Routine bloodwork is so important. It helps ensure you’re not taking too much or too little of anything, because a cabinet full of supplements can sometimes do more harm than good. Bloodwork shows you what your body actually needs, not what’s trending or working for someone else.
Every body is different. Some of us metabolize supplements well, and some of us don’t. That’s why it’s never helpful to compare yourself to a friend or even a family member. Don’t assume you know what your body needs without having it properly checked by a professional.
Can you still get pregnant while on HRT?
For ladies who trying to conceive still, you can still get pregnant on HRT. Your cycles may change and you may not be able to track it like you used to but you still can try. I purchased the MIRA Ultra4 Fertility Monitor + app to help me with this, otherwise I would be guessing of when I’m ovulating, when to “try” etc…totally worth it so you’re not stressing!
One thing I didn’t realize at first is that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is meant to support symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, it isn’t birth control. If you’re in peri-menopause, your hormones are shifting, but your body can still release eggs, which means pregnancy is still possible.
I hope this helps clear up some confusion. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments, I’m an open book and happy to share what I’ve learned. You can also follow me on instagram and carry the convo over there!
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Ready for more real-talk on health and lifestyle? Don’t stop here, check out more of my Wellness posts for everyday tips, personal stories, and inspiration to help you feel your best. And of course, come hang out with me on instagram for daily behind-the-scenes and wellness chats!
