The return of HRT, which way to go?

HEY LADIES!!!.....

The weight gain in the belly..

The sleep disruption

The nervous system fluctuations

The cognition and mood challenges

The Hot flashes

The muscle loss....

As a Gen X, both in the stereotype as well as my current age and the age of my friends, I wanted to write this blog about the recent resurgence of HRT, my feelings, and some research on my thoughts around HRT.

I have already sent less organized versions of this content to friends and sisters.. This blog aims to organize it for a broader audience, as I am passionate about this topic.

As always, I state that this blog, along with any other posts, videos, or content I create, is not intended as medical advice. Refer to your own MD regarding your clinical details.

It is my lifelong journey of medical research, as well as my health history, that informs the information I seek and have access to. I present this information to my clients in my private Holistic Physical Therapy and Nutrition Practice, and I refer them to consult with their primary care physicians and Pharmacists for further suggestions.

All of the following are the foundations for health and vitality, regardless of what you choose to do regarding perimenopause or menopause. The following basics go without saying. I will not be addressing this in this blog:

• Sleep

• Exercise HIIT and safe heavy weight lifting

• Quality calories

• Community (meaning emotional, mental, and Soul level/ relationship spiritual health)

For those who prefer to skip to the summary, here is the answer...

I am not yet on HRT. I do some of my own guided natural supplements ("bioidentical"). Bio-identical means found in nature, not synthetic (like pregnant horse pee..), which I did take during IVF, so you will not find judgment here!!

The Scientific Studies are also provided in links below, supporting what I am doing differently for cardioprotective strategy (which has been claimed to be a positive benefit for starting HRT early).

You do you. Based on your symptoms, finances, and lifestyle goals....

If you are already taking HRT or someone you know is, or is on birth control, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you take care to prevent as best you can blood clots (micro D-dimer ones as well as the ones you can see on ultrasound scans).

Potential benefits of traditional HRT

Estrogen helps with: energy, mood, sleep, cognition, bone density, hot flashes, yoni dryness...

Potential risks:

Blood clots, stroke, breast cancer...

What I say to my clients, regardless of the topic we discuss....

Your body is the one thing that will never lie to you!! My philosophy after many a medical betrayal, ALWAYS start with information I come across has to make intelligent sense to me, and then would be tried FIRST with my body before I recommend or talk about anything medical.

I have a handful of women who come to my clinic who have had significant improvements in their experience of peri and menopause using HRT and are happy that they made that choice. I have the name of an MD whom I will go to if I start having symptoms or to help me translate and run labs for data, but currently I am happy with my health with what I am doing.

For me, my strategy for biohacking as it relates to idealizing hormones is fourfold:

• Improving liver health to help with "already used estrogen breakdown". If your liver is unhealthy, hormones are notoriously difficult to break down and eliminate from the liver.

• Providing an environment of low inflammation and infection residue in the vasculature. Consider viral, mold, and bacterial loads, as well as heavy metals and pesticides.

• Taking a few natural supplements to support estrogen-mimicking substances (not a fan of eating lots of soy here) and adaptogens for modulating stress in the body.

• Metabolism with intermittent fasting, weight lifting, and mitochondrial support. Creatine and amino acids.

The supplements, strategies, medical studies, and books that I recommend regarding peri and menopause and synthetic hormones safety are content that I force into the laps of the women I love the most: my sisters, daughters (birth control pills), my clients, and my friends.

Blood clots.

They used to be rare.

If you read any of my previous blogs, my first medical catastrophe was in 1992 when I was 17 and developed a massive blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) in my right leg after nearly 2 years on birth control pills, which were prescribed for my endometriosis pain.

Over the past 5 years, stories about young people having blood clots and severe vascular events have been much more prevalent than when I had mine in 1992. Research that I link in this blog will show elevated D-dimer levels months after a COVID infection/post-jab, so along with other declining health issues in our generation, it has compounded things.

With more women taking and feeling better from HRT under the usual risks, you must consider what I call vascular "shrapnel" Autoimmunity disorders, blood health and cellular membrane health require consistent "clean up" of the intracellular and extracellular environment.

Here is what I do as a 51-year-old with one ovary, history of: endometriosis, migraines (which I consider to be TIA's), Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, Lupus, and Rheumatoid arthritis (gone now) and as someone who still gets some cycles and have not started blood testing on "where I am peri etc" or prescribed HRT..

IF YOU ARE ON BLOOD THINNERS CURRENTLY, DO NOT DO THESE THINGS. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!!

Even just fish oil will change your thinning values...

What I take for blood "cleaning/ thinning"

• D3 with K2

• nattokinase enzymes

• EPA/ DHA

• garlic

Research on K2, as linked above, has been shown to help improve bone density and reduce calcification in the arteries (carotid and aortic) via ultrasound scans.

Research on Nattokinase enzymes, D-dimers, vascular blood clot effectiveness here... Natto enzymes have been used for decades via IV under emergency suspected stroke diagnoses in Emergency Rooms. I started taking these about 15 years ago, but at that time, the suspicion was that oral low-dose administration of nattokinase did not help with blood clots. The research proved that it is. So if you have elevated risk factors of cardiovascular events with synthetic hormones, COVID infection or jab, or elevated cholesterol etc, then Natto enzymes and K2 should be discussed with your MD. Likely they are your best friends...

In addition, what I take for the immune system as "clearing / cleaning" the blood, your body has to excrete the residue.. (I am putting this here as infection and inflammation contribute to vascular damage so migraine and stroke risk factors with HRT). We all have "stored" or "latent" infection load (think Lyme, chronic fatigue and herpes)

• Vitamin C with quercetin

• NAC

• green tea

• nicotine gum

• zinc

• biocidin

• lysine

Don't try to do 4 mg nicotine!! 1/2 piece at first of the 2 mg best start during autophagy, best time is am fasting...

What does the COVID jab or infection have to do with blood clots?

Elevated D- dimers (new blood clot evidence) post COVID event here....

What does nicotine gum have to do with the COVID spike protein?

Remember from seventh-grade science, when we learned about the cell membrane, lock-and-key mechanisms, and preferred binding sites? Nicotine, as it turns out, is a more attractive lock and key on the cell membrane than the COVID spike protein is. When the spike protein is present, it dulls the light of your cells, creating an immune burden. Here is the research on Nicotine and COVID spike protein here... I found this in 2021, when, after my first jab, 8 hours later, I developed severe vertigo that lasted for two weeks acutely, then would crop up anytime I had any virus or sleep/ stress disruption after that until I did the nicotine and intermittent fasting along with my other immune supplements...

Why lysine?

Lysine has been shown to have immune-supporting properties against the viral family of Herpes. So, Shingles and Measles would also make sense to consider as relevant, but they have not studied that yet. Viral study here on the benefits of Lysine regarding Herpes.

What do I take / or have I taken, for hormone health?

• DIM -helps your body metabolize estrogen. Think of this one as a detoxifier.

• Silymarin, aka milk thistle - a flavonoid, for liver detox.

• Wild Yam- mimics estrogen

• Fenugreek- converted to DHEA, which then can make other hormones.

• Ashwaganda - an adaptogen for stress, nervous system, and sleep.

• Rhodiola stress response, mood, and cognition

• Black cohosh - mimics estrogen, can help with hot flashes

• Damiana delays the enzyme conversion of testosterone

  
  

Libido support doesn't just mean sex drive, think overall "life force" you need that...

So there it is—my quick take on HRT. Continue the work of informed care for your Self..

For more of my protocols, products, and tools, you can find them on my Fullscript site. This wholesale company allows us to pass on discounts to you. Most brands offer 25% off Amazon prices, plus free fast shipping on high-end supplements, protein bars, and non-toxic beauty items.

A few years ago Fullscript became the leader in allowing us to pass on professional discounts.

Fullscript link here to create your account.

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD- WHERE IS IT WRITTEN?

Now, unlike when you had to subscribe to professional medical journals, we all have access to the full medical journal articles to use our own critical thinking, which is what we should be doing for "fact-checking."

Study cardiovascular health early HRT…. Reports suggest that HRT improves the cardiovascular system's vascular pliability. here

For those interested, here are alternative ways to support cardiovascular pliability, rather than HRT. (If the cardiovascular concerns are part of your Why HRT?

Bonus: these things do not increase your risk of blood clots, strokes, migraines, or cancer...

Study where Vitamin K2 helps with pliability of the vasculature here...

A clinical study showing that EPA/ DHA helps with pliability of the vasculature here..

Garlic and cardiovascular… full study here...

From this study:

“Aged garlic extract 'Kyolic' also significantly inhibited the development of thickened, lipid-filled lesions” (blocked vessels) long-term (2–9 months) feeding of garlic and garlic preparations (2% garlic powder in diet) on experimental atherosclerosis induced by a high-cholesterol diet in rabbits. Most of these studies reported a statistically significant reduction in atheromatous lesions, particularly in the aorta, that averaged about 50%.”

If you found this article helpful, I will continue blogging and updating these posts, improving the content based on the time I have available each day.

Be well!!

J

MORE INFO to have in one place...

First from Google front page...

Benefits of HRT:

Relief from menopausal symptoms:.

HRT effectively reduces or eliminates common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. 

Improved mood and cognitive function:.

By replacing lost hormones, HRT can help stabilize mood swings and reduce brain fog. 

Protection against bone loss:.

HRT can help prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures, particularly for women experiencing early menopause. 

Potential cardiovascular benefits:.

Some studies suggest that HRT, when started close to the onset of menopause, may reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Lower risk of type 2 diabetes:.

Research indicates that women using HRT may have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Potential risks:

HRT can increase the risk of certain conditions, such as blood clots, stroke, and, in some cases, breast cancer (particularly when using combined estrogen and progestin). 

Discuss with a healthcare provider:

Women considering HRT should have a thorough discussion with their doctor about the potential benefits and risks, as well as alternative treatment options. 

Timing is crucial:

The benefits of HRT may be more pronounced when started close to the onset of menopause. 

More from Google:

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), primarily estrogen, can positively impact cardiovascular health in menopausal women by improving arterial function, lowering harmful cholesterol levels, and potentially reducing blood pressure. HRT can also increase blood vessel elasticity and reduce inflammation, further contributing to heart health. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Estrogen's Role:

Improved Arterial Function:

Estrogen helps maintain the elasticity and health of blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow. 

Reduced Harmful Cholesterol:

Estrogen can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, both of which are important for cardiovascular health. 

Lower Blood Pressure:

Some studies suggest that HRT may contribute to lowering blood pressure, which can reduce strain on the heart. 

Reduced Inflammation:

Estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries, a key factor in heart disease. 

Impact of HRT on Heart Disease:

Prevention:.

HRT, particularly when started early in menopause, may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

Not a one-size-fits-all solution:

HRT is not recommended for all women, especially those with certain medical conditions or a history of specific cancers. 

That was Google....

Here is more info from Google on the topics covered..

D-dimers are protein fragments produced when a blood clot breaks down. They are a byproduct of fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting. Measuring D-dimer levels in the blood can help doctors assess if there is abnormal blood clotting activity, particularly in conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Clot Formation and Breakdown:

  When a blood clot forms (thrombus), it's made of fibrin, a protein that helps stabilize the clot. When the clot is no longer needed, it's broken down by an enzyme called plasmin, a process called fibrinolysis. 

• D-Dimer Production:

  As the clot breaks down, fragments of fibrin are released, including D-dimers. 

• D-Dimer Test:

  A D-dimer blood test measures the amount of these fragments in the blood. 

• Clinical Significance:

  Elevated D-dimer levels can indicate that there's been clotting and subsequent breakdown of clots in the body, though it doesn't specify the location or cause of the clot. It's a useful test for ruling out conditions like DVT or PE, especially when the pre-test probability is low. 

• Conditions Associated with Elevated D-dimers:

  Besides DVT and PE, other conditions can also cause elevated D-dimer levels, including pregnancy, heart disease, recent surgery, trauma, infection, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

IF ANY OF YOU READING HAVE RESOURCES FOR ONLINE MD'S LEADING THE CHARGE IN BIOIDENTICAL OR OTHER HRT TESTING VIRTUALLY, PLEASE SHARE THEM WITH ME SO I CAN PASS THEM ON

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced in the body. It is used to treat hormone imbalances, often associated with menopause, and aims to relieve related symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. While some bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved, others are compounded by pharmacies, and there is ongoing debate about their safety and efficacy compared to conventional hormone therapies. 

Key aspects of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: 

• Definition:

  BHRT involves using hormones that have the same chemical structure as those produced naturally in the body. 

• Purpose:

  It is used to address hormone imbalances, particularly in women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, and can also be used in men. 

• Symptoms:

  BHRT can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and decreased libido. 

• Types of Hormones:

  Commonly used bioidentical hormones include estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). 

• FDA Approval:

  Some bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved, like certain estradiol and progesterone products. 

• Compounding:

  Many bioidentical hormones are compounded, meaning they are custom-mixed by a pharmacist based on a doctor's prescription. 

• Safety and Efficacy:

  The safety and efficacy of compounded BHRT are debated, with some studies suggesting that they may not be as safe or effective as FDA-approved therapies. 

• FDA-approved vs. Compounded:

  FDA-approved bioidentical hormones are rigorously tested for purity, safety, and efficacy, while compounded preparations may not undergo the same level of scrutiny. 

• Administration:

  Bioidentical hormones can be administered through various routes, including oral, transdermal (patches or creams), injections, and implants. 

• Considerations:

  Before starting BHRT, it's crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional, considering individual health history and preferences. 

• Monitoring:

  Regular monitoring of hormone levels and symptom response is recommended during BHRT. 

• Biote Method:

  The Biote Method is a specific approach to BHRT that utilizes hormone pellets for sustained release. 

To naturally increase estrogen levels, focus on a balanced diet rich in phytoestrogens, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, get enough sleep, and consider certain vitamins and minerals. 

Dietary Strategies:

Phytoestrogen-rich foods:.

Include soy products (tofu, edamame), flax seeds, sesame seeds, dried fruits (apricots, prunes), and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) in your diet. 

Healthy fats:.

Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish (salmon, tuna), and nuts and seeds. 

B vitamins:.

Ensure adequate intake of B vitamins, particularly B2 and B6, which are crucial for estrogen production. 

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Healthy weight:.

Being underweight or overweight can affect estrogen levels. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. 

Stress management:.

Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and prioritize self-care. 

Adequate sleep:.

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, as sleep is vital for hormone regulation. 

Regular exercise:.

Moderate exercise is beneficial, but avoid overexertion, which can negatively impact hormone levels. 

Consider Supplements:

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in estrogen production. 

  
  

• Magnesium: Magnesium supports hormone regulation and can be helpful for sleep and mood. 

  
  

• Boron: Boron helps the body absorb estrogen. 

  
  

• Vitamin E: Some studies suggest vitamin E may help reduce symptoms of low estrogen like hot flashes and insomnia.