From Walking Through Mud to Running a 5K!

It's getting cozy here in Northern California, but I'm not snuggling up by the fireplace because I'm low on energy. Nope! Thanks to HRT, I have more energy than ever!

If you've been following my perimenopause journey, you know I've been sharing my experiences to help others navigate this often-confusing time. Today, I want to dive deep into my experience with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

What Exactly is HRT?

HRT involves supplementing the hormones your body gradually loses during perimenopause.

Think of your cells as having little "mailboxes" called hormone receptors. These receptors receive messages from hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When your hormone levels decline, those mailboxes don't get their mail, and your body starts to malfunction!

HRT reintroduces those hormones, waking up the receptors and allowing them to function properly again. This can lead to a significant improvement in symptoms, but it's a gradual process.

My Personal HRT Transformation

I started noticing the benefits of HRT within a few weeks. It was like a fog lifted, and I slowly started feeling like myself again. Here are some of the biggest changes I've experienced:

• Increased Energy: Remember how I described feeling like I was walking through mud? That's completely gone! I'm active, I jump off the couch, and I even ran a 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! This is a HUGE change for me.

• Improved Sleep:  Before HRT, I was constantly waking up in the middle of the night, leaving me feeling exhausted. Now, I sleep much better, although I'm still working with my doctor to further optimize this.

• Reduced Insecurity: Perimenopause brought a wave of insecurity, especially at work. I constantly doubted myself and felt anxious. HRT has helped me regain my confidence and feel more like my old self.

• Better Focus: I can read again! Before, I couldn't remember what I read from one page to the next. Now, I'm devouring books and enjoying them again.

• Unexpected Benefits: I even got rid of a painful heel spur that I'd been dealing with for a year! Turns out, estrogen plays a role in connective tissue health. Who knew?

Exploring Testosterone

I've also recently started supplementing my testosterone. It's a hormone that's often misunderstood when it comes to women's health, but it can offer incredible benefits, including improved mood, libido, and cognitive function. I'm still early in my testosterone journey, but I'll keep you updated on my progress.

HRT has been a lifesaver for me. I feel so much better physically and emotionally. If you're struggling with perimenopause symptoms, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about whether HRT might be right for you.