A week after I started MHT, I started to notice a problem: wearing my bra hurt!
It was tricky. On the one hand, I wanted to continue with MHT as I had noticed a big improvement in my sleep and hot flushes, but on the other hand it was sore to wear my bra. Any exercise sent that problem to another level!
I’ve noticed that side effects are common for women starting MHT. In my clinic, the most common complaints are of weight gain, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding patterns.
Think of it like an orchestra. Your reproductive system has been playing the same music together for years, then all of a sudden some new instruments (MHT) are introduced. Initially there’s quite a bit of discord and some unexpected notes. With time and patience, all the instruments can learn to play smoothly together again.
It doesn’t mean the orchestra is broken, it just needs to find its new balance and rhythm.
The most common complaint of weight gain, interestingly, has not been shown to be directly caused by MHT in the large research trials (there was no difference in weight gain between the groups taking MHT or placebo tablets). There are some great lifestyle strategies to help with this but they need to be personalised, as everyone has a different body shape and type. This is an area where “one size does not fit all”.
Women worry about breast tenderness, as they are concerned about the risk of breast cancer on MHT. The good news is that, although 20-30% of women starting MHT get some breast symptoms, it usually gets better within the first 3-6 months and is not associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Irregular bleeding is another side effect that concerns women due to the discomfort and inconvenience this causes. It is one of the commonest causes for stopping MHT. It’s important to realise that this side effect is also common in the first 3-6 months of starting MHT (unless you have had a hysterectomy - uterus removed). It is, however, important to get checked out with your doctor with this one, to rule out other causes of the bleeding.
Tip: rather than stopping your MHT if you run into problems, see your health provider to discuss what is going on. Often a change in dose, the type of MHT you are using, and some time will settle these issues. The orchestra can sound amazing again!
How I can help:
If your body is feeling like an orchestra playing out of tune, with:
weight gain that won’t budge no matter what you do
sleep struggles leaving you drained and irritable
hormonal shifts leaving you moody and exhausted
unpredictable energy levels that make it hard to plan anything
You’re not alone. This phase of life doesn’t have to mean losing control. It can be time for your conductor to reclaim charge of the orchestra, improving your strength, confidence and well being.
✨Join my 5 day Women’s Health Reset Challenge (running Sept 22-26 in conjunction with the Precision Health Alliance).
I’m offering free places to the first 5 women who respond.
This is NOT another quick fix. We’re using precision health to work with your body’s unique needs - not against them.
If you’re ready to feel amazing again, email me at [email protected] for more information.
Other upcoming events:
Last chance for tickets to the Oamaru Menopause conference this week - For more information and tickets see https://www.facebook.com/share/16snkvEqry/
Please note there has been a venue change to The Business Hive, 120 Thames St, Oamaru.
And yes - finally I have a link for information and tickets to the Alexandra ½ day Menopause Workshop on Sat 11th October. There’s a great line up of local speakers, a yummy afternoon tea and the ticket numbers are limited to 20 so be in quickly!
I’m looking forward to seeing you all there - feel free to let your friends know and let’s make it a fun afternoon of laughter and learning.
Stay happy and healthy!
Erika.
PS: “One of the ideas we must agree on and continue to forge with individual and collective vigor is that a woman’s life goes uphill at forty.” — Marianne Williamson
