My Journey with Hormone Therapy
Perimenopause hit me (Jenn here!) like a tidal wave. For months, I found myself waking every night at 2 or 3 am, unable to fall back asleep. Anxiety crept in and my emotions became unpredictable…I used to call it my “crazy lady syndrome” because I could go from calm to uncontrollable in seconds. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating made even simple tasks feel daunting.
Like many women, I tried to manage these symptoms with lifestyle changes like nutrition, exercise, mindfulness. These helped, but they didn’t touch the intensity of what I was going through. Eventually, I made the personal decision to start hormone therapy.
A controversial topic
Hormone therapy (HT or also referred to as HRT) has been debated for decades. Many of us grew up hearing warnings about risks, especially around breast cancer. It’s still a controversial choice, and I want to be clear: as a registered dietitian, this is not within my scope, but I feel it’s important to share and bring light to this important topic. This is me being transparent about my journey and what has helped me.
For me, hormone therapy (specifically estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) has been life-changing to say the least. My sleep improved, my anxiety calmed, and I felt like myself again. Much clearer, steadier, and more in control.
Looking at the bigger picture
What ultimately gave me confidence was the research. Studies show that estrogen therapy can support:
- Brain health: Lowering the risk of dementia and supporting cognitive function.
- Heart health: Offering protection against heart disease, the leading cause of death for women.
- Bone health: Reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Diabetes & colon cancer: Decreasing the likelihood of developing certain chronic conditions.
Of course, hormone therapy isn’t for everyone. Some risks exist, and the decision is deeply personal. But for me, the benefits outweighed the concerns, and the improvements in my quality of life have been undeniable.
Why I’m sharing this
Talking openly about menopause and perimenopause is important. Too often, women suffer in silence or dismiss their symptoms as “just getting older.” My hope in sharing my story is not to give medical advice but to reduce the stigma, to let other women know they’re not alone, and to encourage you to explore your options…whether that’s nutrition, lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or a combination.
Perimenopause can feel like losing control of your body, but there are paths to feeling like yourself again. This has been mine.
If you’re navigating perimenopause and want nutrition strategies to support your journey, I’d love to connect. Book a consultation today.
Disclaimer: This blog reflects my personal experience with hormone therapy and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.