Dr. Jen, question re "We recommend starting menopause hormone therapy (MHT) within ten years of the final period/before age 60, as starting it later is associated with an increased risk for dementia and heart disease. " What does the slash mean? is it "and" or "or"? I am 63, but I went through menopause at 57, so I'm both over 60 but less than 10 years since my final period. I've also had transdermal MHT intermittently (about 2-3 months every 2 years) in the last 10 years, my doctor discourages it generally (WHI fears, old-school) but if I get hot flashes will prescribe, but only "the smallest amount over the shortest period for symptoms." Please, is the slash in that sentence and AND or an OR? THANK YOU for all you do!!
great question Linda. From what I read and understood within 10 years . I was 58 so the window or opportunity should not be closed I would think I am over 60. From what I read NAMS 2022 it is stated "before the age of 60 or <10 years since menopause", also states "osteoathritis prevention" (which I think means if stopped in the 60's that the risk of it resumes) and also saw for quality of life. The list of menopause then into post menopause symptoms such as moods, dry skin, burning mouth (I still have that), joint/ muscle pain, muscle weakness, concentration issues, vaginal dryness will then never be resolved for some women who are impacted more from the loss of estrogen.
Hi Jen. I'm wondering what you think about Dr. Lisa Mosconi's "The Menopause Brain" book, her research and her recommendations. I realize she is a neuroscientist, and I want to prevent Alzheimer's, but I feel like some of what she claims sounds like BS. Thoughts? Thank you.
In Australia we also have the self test HPV screening but I don't think there's the option to do it at home. You are still given a private space to do the test and then leave the specimen with the clinic. It's still a great change and there's the option of having the provider do it for you if you're not sure.
Came here to ask for the same clarification as Linda. If I just turned 60, but had my last period at 54, would it still be beneficial to take HRT for the heart & brain? My mother and all of the women on her side have Alzheimers, so anything I can do to improve my odds, would be very welcome. Thank you for everything!
Hello. I was put into surgical menopause at age 58 1/2 when I had my ovaries and tubes removed. I was still having periods every 3-4 months until that time. The symptoms - hot flashes, dry skin, brain fog from no sleep, etc. - hit me like a truck. I started estrogen patch with progesterone pill and vaginal inserts Feb. 2023 at age 60. I feel so much better on HRT. I now sleep through the night many nights and the hot flashes are almost non-existent. I wish there was a study to rely on. Do I just stay on for awhile and then go off to see if the hot flashes come back? At what point does the risk outweigh the benefits?
A question for a future post: I am 49, still have mostly regular periods, but my time is coming. I most likely cannot take hormones due to a vascular condition. I already have osteopenia. I am just afraid I am suddenly going to age very rapidly and there won’t be anything I can do about it. I am not a great exerciser, but I am working about that. But can you talk about general aging (including but not limited to appearance) as it relates to women who do vs do not do MHT.
Dr. Jen, question re "We recommend starting menopause hormone therapy (MHT) within ten years of the final period/before age 60, as starting it later is associated with an increased risk for dementia and heart disease. " What does the slash mean? is it "and" or "or"? I am 63, but I went through menopause at 57, so I'm both over 60 but less than 10 years since my final period. I've also had transdermal MHT intermittently (about 2-3 months every 2 years) in the last 10 years, my doctor discourages it generally (WHI fears, old-school) but if I get hot flashes will prescribe, but only "the smallest amount over the shortest period for symptoms." Please, is the slash in that sentence and AND or an OR? THANK YOU for all you do!!
Hi Linda, this post covers it in detail. We don't typically recommend starting and stopping hormones based on symptoms. https://vajenda.substack.com/p/age-and-starting-menopausal-hormone
Hi Dr Jen. Does Premarin have the same risks as oral or transdermal options?
Premarin is oral, so the same risks as oral
Thanks!
great question Linda. From what I read and understood within 10 years . I was 58 so the window or opportunity should not be closed I would think I am over 60. From what I read NAMS 2022 it is stated "before the age of 60 or <10 years since menopause", also states "osteoathritis prevention" (which I think means if stopped in the 60's that the risk of it resumes) and also saw for quality of life. The list of menopause then into post menopause symptoms such as moods, dry skin, burning mouth (I still have that), joint/ muscle pain, muscle weakness, concentration issues, vaginal dryness will then never be resolved for some women who are impacted more from the loss of estrogen.
Hi Jen. I'm wondering what you think about Dr. Lisa Mosconi's "The Menopause Brain" book, her research and her recommendations. I realize she is a neuroscientist, and I want to prevent Alzheimer's, but I feel like some of what she claims sounds like BS. Thoughts? Thank you.
Danielle I’m curious and now want to read this. Never heard of it
I just got my letter in the mail with information about the at-home HPV screening tests here in B.C., and I'm super stoked to give it a go!
Awesome!
Are the risks of Premarin cream the same as oral?
In Australia we also have the self test HPV screening but I don't think there's the option to do it at home. You are still given a private space to do the test and then leave the specimen with the clinic. It's still a great change and there's the option of having the provider do it for you if you're not sure.
Came here to ask for the same clarification as Linda. If I just turned 60, but had my last period at 54, would it still be beneficial to take HRT for the heart & brain? My mother and all of the women on her side have Alzheimers, so anything I can do to improve my odds, would be very welcome. Thank you for everything!
The guidelines don't currently recommend MHT for the reduction of the risk of dementia.
Hello. I was put into surgical menopause at age 58 1/2 when I had my ovaries and tubes removed. I was still having periods every 3-4 months until that time. The symptoms - hot flashes, dry skin, brain fog from no sleep, etc. - hit me like a truck. I started estrogen patch with progesterone pill and vaginal inserts Feb. 2023 at age 60. I feel so much better on HRT. I now sleep through the night many nights and the hot flashes are almost non-existent. I wish there was a study to rely on. Do I just stay on for awhile and then go off to see if the hot flashes come back? At what point does the risk outweigh the benefits?
A question for a future post: I am 49, still have mostly regular periods, but my time is coming. I most likely cannot take hormones due to a vascular condition. I already have osteopenia. I am just afraid I am suddenly going to age very rapidly and there won’t be anything I can do about it. I am not a great exerciser, but I am working about that. But can you talk about general aging (including but not limited to appearance) as it relates to women who do vs do not do MHT.