Viewers questions on HRT and menopause answered and myths busted! 

All women deserve a wonderful Dr. And guide like you! Thank you so much.

Gosh, your vlogs are so useful. I lost my mother as a child and have no other female relatives (or older friends) to discuss menopause/HRT with, so your advice is invaluable. Thank you, Dr Renee! 💜

Just to let you know I am sharing this video to my group now. 👍 I will probably put a link to it under our video on HRT, too.

The best thank you, please do more.

Thank you this has been most helpful. I've just started HRT low dose as have completed my early menopause. I have been struggling all week feeling fatigue and generally unwell. My Menopause doctor has advised to use my Oestrogen gel x 1/2 pump am then pm instead of 2x pumps once a day. Im to try this for 2 weeks so fingers crossed. I didnt realise you could insert the Progesterone capsules into vaginally to prevent side effects. But you have answered so many questions I have not thought about yet lol. Thanks again! 🙂

Thank you. That was so helpful

Wow, a very informative video. Thank you.

Exactly what I was looking for

Love your work madam blessings

THANK YOU!!! This video SAVED my life! May God bless you, your heart, and your GUTS!!! Feel free to contact me if I can help in any way! (Given the advanced technological society in which we live it is incomprehensible how "Menopause" is still so misunderstood and taboo ... even by medical professionals here in San Diego, California!!! Where are the Women's Rights advocates, the feminists, the Progressives!!?? Menopause is the real LAST FRONTIER. The TRANS-community is elevated and defended while us real Women are debilitated, dismissed, and suffering in private. ❤️

O my god your such a beautiful caring doctor 🙏 great help thank you bless you 🙏

Many thanks. Really great and informative advice and answers to our many questions.

Thank you. Great, informative vlog! I started the gel 4 weeks ago and almost immediately saw some relief in symptoms (mood/depression/anxiety). However, i do feel like I am heading in the right direction, but wonder if 4 pumps, instead of 2 will make it even better? The instructions from my gp were two pumps continuously for 1 month then increase to 4 if necessary. I am nervous that this is a big jump in the dose. Should I stick with the two pumps and be happy with the relief that I am getting or go for it? Also, it hasn’t really helped with my sleep issues. I don’t have a uterus so I take Estrogen only. Is there anything additional I can ask my gp for that will help, with no nasty side effects? Thank you, Paula

I have a few questions please................I read or saw something that said you should not change location of patches ie if you put them on thighs don’t switch to abdomen or backside ..and vice verse? Also said backside absorbs the patch contents quicker or something like that ....and i know you said they can go anywhere.....but are they more and less effective in different body locations? ........also how strict should you be on the exact time of replacing the patches? ..eg.....if i replace them 1pm on Monday do i have to replace the next one on 1pm Friday how close to the exact hour does it need to be please? Thank you for the wonderful help and advice you give xx

Thanks for great vlog! I took systemic HRT for 5 yrs started age approx 51yrs. Now 64yrs and still experiencing hot flushes, mostly at night, horrible joint pain, particularly shoulders and knees. Brain fog, poor memory and mood swings. Is HRT ever represcribed? Is it worth me talking with my GP, no point if they say NO you’ve had it once.

I'm ready to try anything I suppose it's easier to have the coil fitted so I don't have to keep remembering to use the tablet , I'm in my seventh year of menopause and it's not getting easier , hot ,cold flushes ,tiredness brain fog , mood swings etc..

Dr renee also how do we know if we are on the right dose of oestrogen as they don't do a blood test for this at my surgery. What symptoms would you get if it was too high ?

Thanks for the bloggs. I have been lucky with obviously symptoms of menopause like hot sweats and have not had a period for about 6/7 years. I’m 53. However my memory is bad and my skin is ageing prematurely will HRT help with these? Thanks

Hi Dr. Renee, your info is very helpful. I've decided to give hrt a go. I'm on it 4 days now and I'm feeling very anxious, distracted and not sleeping well. Do you think it's just that my body is adjusting. I'm just gone 58 and haven't had a period for 8 years. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I love your no-nonsense approach to menupause and practical advice.

Thank you.

I managed to lose 30 pounds by eating higher protein lower carb and medium healthy fat and strength training but I did struggle to lose fat on the tummy as menopause hit. HRT seems to be helping me to not put fat on my tummy as much as I was.

Amazing 😊🙌🏻😊

Excellent video, thank you. I have a bulky womb due to fibroids (apparently I have a fair few) and have really heavy periods. It’s usually only very heavy for a day and a bit and then settles but I bleed for around 9 days. I am under a gynaecologist for this problem and as of yet a concrete decision on how to treat the fibroids has not been made. I have just been started on HRT due to symptoms, I still have periods (I’m 51) so I’ve been told to use 75mg of a 100mg Estradot patch twice a week (I’m to cut off a third and move up in dose if/when needed) and 200mg of Utrogestan. I’m worried about the fibroids growing and wondered if continuous might be a better option for me? Can I still take Utrogestan vaginally with fibroids and is there any reason considering what I’ve mentioned here that I might do better with a different form of HRT? I apologise for so many questions, I’ve received conflicting information from my healthcare providers regarding HRT and I feel really lost with it all.

Informative videos, so ty for that. Does hormone therapy increase a woman's risk of cancer? Is there any upside to progressing through menopause without meds? I prefer not to take meds, but I am suffering here. Thanks for any guidance.

Hi Dr Renee, I have a question. I have just been given Utrogestan 100mg and the estrogen gel(not started). how much soya does the Utrogestan have? and is it GMO? Also if your 49 coming up to post menopause if you have gone through most of the unpleasant symptoms with lifestyle changes (under control with diet & exercise). Not had any hot flashes thankfully other than joint pain and some palpations. Therefore do I really need to start HRT if I have come through the other end for the sake of my Bone health, joint aches and pain after exercise heart attacks etc.? Thank-you. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Hi, Dr Renée can utrogestan put weight on ? I've put on since been on the tablet and oestrogen patch but not on the patches, my weight is normally stable as I go to the gym five times a week and do cardio for sometimes two hours !I'm on thyroxine which has been fluctuating but I'm told it's within range now .

New to your channel. Thank you for the great info. Question: in USA Prometrium (brand name) on back order so I received generic form of progesterone 100 mg oral form nightly. Have been getting paresthesias in both legs and feet since starting. All Neuro/ lab testing by MD is normal and no other symptoms so it seems like it’s the progesterone systemically causing paresthesias per MD. Can generic brands of 100 mg progesterone be used vaginally every night? Or only the brand name prometrium progesterone 100 mg oral be used vaginally? I am hoping that switching to vaginally I can eliminate the systemic symptom. Otherwise the other option is Crinone 4% vaginal progesterone gel for HRT which is quite expensive. Thank you.

Dr. Renee, Hi! Thank you for all of this great information! I started taking progesterone a couple of months ago, my blood was tested and I have very low progesterone but very high estrogen. I am 44 years old. Still having my periods. I am also prone to heart palpitations and I was having a lot of them. The progesterone has eliminated my heart palpitations! I was very happy about that, but then I started getting gastrointestinal issues, constipation, bloating, and acid reflux. Should I lower the dosage of progesterone? Is there any way to get the help from progesterone for my heart palpitations and also ease these symptoms? Should I take the progesterone at a different time of the day like in the morning? Should I use another form? It seems that I do need it in my bloodstream to stop the palpitations. I would appreciate any help that you could provide. Thank you!

Dr Renee do you also take HRT? if so which ones? Thank-you.

Thank you for your advice. Can you tell me if I can take bio identical hormones if I have an endometrioma cyst in my ovary? I’ve finished my periods . My gynaecologist said it will probably shrink now and it’s benign. Will taking the hormones increase it’s size ? Thank you

Hi This is fabulous amount of information thank you I am perimenopausal and 54 and get once a year period should I be taking sequencial hrs ot continuously I hv been taking one pump estrogen gel and progesterone tablet orally..so far no bleeding but breast tenderness and bloating what should I do and i have been using the gel on the inside of my tbighs is that too close to the genetals please?

Do the evorel conti patches if placed on abdomen give you abdominal pains or make you feel nauseous please`?

Thank you so much for this. It has clarified a great deal at just the right time where I was becoming overwhelmed and confused surfing the internet. I do have some questions remaining which I am sure you must have addressed before but this is my first time watching. So 1. I have been prescribed 2 pumps of 0.1 percent gel and 200 progesterone. My French GP still believes that one cannot take HRT pre one year period free and for a maximum of five years. My last period was eight months ago but I have told my GP it was a year ago. She gave me the choice between having periods or not. So 1. Is there a benefit in taking progesterone cyclically rather than continuously to minimise the side effects? 2. Would a dose of 100mg progesterone work just as well? 3. Can one continue to take progesterone cyclically indefinitely?. I realise you cannot give me advice on what I ought to to do but I would love to hear the facts. Many thanks,.

Hi I had a gap of 3 months from estrogen topical cream ,do I need to apply it daily again for 3 weeks ,or can I just use it as needed.

I am post menopause and have all the symptoms of whacko lack of estrogen. I know that I need more estrogen! Progesterone seems level. Doing vaginal estrogen several times a week for horrid vaginal atrophy. Have a chronic embedded uti. I believe it is from dryness.

Thank you Dr Renee extremely informative. I’ve just turned 49 and am still having irregular periods although becoming further apart . I’m taking bio identical progesterone and still feel miserable. Would going on the pill help me at this stage . Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺

Hi. Im 39 and have to have a hysterctomy because of cancer. Im very nervous about surgical menopause at such a young age. Can you recommend any resources for surgical menopause paitents?

I'm 53 and have been taking Evorel Conti patches (are these bioidentical?). I've just had a Dexa scan and been diagnosed with osteopenia . Should I take more estrogen? Thanks

Thank you so much for the very helpful info. I take the transdermal estrogen as well as oral progesterone 100 mg each night (prometrium)- can I take this progesterone preparation vaginally? Not sure how this differs from the eutrogestin you refer to. If possible to take the progesterone vaginally do I need to take every night or 3 times a week?

Hi Dr renee. Could you need to increase oestrogen patch as get older. I'm 57 and still get sweats but I recently tapered off of sertraline which was very hard and sweats/ chills and was told this could last month after discontinuing them. I heard they effect the hypothalamus that controls body heat so I don't know what it is . I've been on 50 mg patch for a long time. Also coil but after smear they can't find strings so have to have scan ! I had a lot of trouble getting it put in as cervix was closed.

my only issue is itchiness of skin, and i feel emotionally ...drawn to somebody, i don't even know if that is a peri side effect lols. but i do have issue with swelling. i was given dianne45 a long time ago for my acne but it was terribly difficult coz i swell on my legs i feel heavy and even the soles are painful. I'm thinking if the hrt will do the same. plus i'm scared of clotting since i have b blood which they say is very thick blood and prone to clotting. Another issue is the cancer since my grandma had lung cancer, her niece had breast cancer, and one of my aunt had breast cancer. me, my dad, my mom, my bro had cystic tumor removed. i also have pcos on right ovary.

I was told to get Nanoscience HRT, but cannot find it. I've been on Estradiol 25 years and have tried to get off, but I totally fell apart. How long can menopause go on? Is it possible alcohol can create perpetual menopause?

Does the risk assessment for heart disease the same as a 60yo for a 70yo who is thinking of doing HRT? Thanks,

I read you should put patches away from waistband....... is it safe to wear leggings over patches please....also i was wondering iyou can wear those rather tight shapewear tights? ...as i heard you must not cover your patches with tape as yit can interfere? so surely wearing something tight over it would be similar? Xx

This is an old post but my question is to do with migraine an hrt?..... I am 56 now only five months post last period have had a nightmare with health an symptoms for years.... Now getting lots of aura migraines.... Also started antihypertensives two months ago... Bp is much better.... Gp has prescribed estrogen gel an utrogestetone as continuous because of migraine..... Am bit anxious bout it but so fed up with awful symptoms.... Anxiety over last few years has been a big symptom.... Worried re progesterone an??

Hi , is it OK to stop HRT without weaning off it ? I'm 60 and have been on it 10 years but want to see how I am without it .

Hi , what is the normal oestrodial level post menopause I'm on hrt and.it.is.1374 pmol/ L

if i havent had menstration for over a year should I take progesterone daily or just 10 days per month?

Thank you a lot for detailed talk on HRT I am in the UK, do you do consultations? Do you have an email I could possibly contact on? Kind Regards xx

How do I know if im on the right hrt, and if on the wrong one would it make you bleed

Dr renee are oestrogen levels lower in the mornings ?

Could I ask, have you heard of ocd/anxiety suddenly becoming much worse after menopause and is it worth trying hrt? I’ve had CBT and understand how it all works but still struggling. Keep wondering if it’s hormone related. I have no real reason to be anxious in my life. Happily married, no money problems etc. Thank you.

Hi Doc, I have just started on HRT (Oestrogel and Utrogestan). I have introduced the progesterone on day 15 of taking Oestrogel but on day7 I have started a period. I thought I would start a bleed after the 12 days. Is this normal to bleed whilst taking Utrogestan Thankyou

Hello Dr Renee many thanks for your blogs I have found them really useful, I started the perri menopause when I was 42 , Iam now 57 , I started taking HRT a year ago, but I don’t know when I went into full menopause, is this safe for my heart as I didn’t have an assessment I am not sure if I’ve been in menopause for longer than 10 years . Can I also ask is the body identical Everol 50 the same as the estrogel as a friend told me the gel was safer and they are not the same . Many thanks for your time it’s really appreciated

Thank you. I've only just found your channel. I have a question. If my Oestrogen is increased, should I increase my Utrogestan? I've only been on hrt for 2 months and my doctor is going to test my blood for levels and for testosterone. I am currently on Everol 50 patches but may need more. Why do some women take 2 Utrogestan as opposed to 1? 😊

I'm 67 and still symptomatic. I know that HRT use early on is beneficial and that after 60 it carries less benefit. But would it be dangerous for me at this age? And is that because I have less estrogen receptors and my body would have a problem processing, or something else? I WISH I'd known about the benefits 20 years ago! Thanks for your blogs, they're so helpful and easy to understand :)

Are HRT tablets as good as I've read the patches are ?I'm not on hrt only local estrogen ( Vagifem) for VA but that's because I'm worried I won't get prescribed them and vagifem and because I have thyroid disease and possibly RA ( waiting for app to see specialist so not on any drugs) . I feel I've got a lot going on so not sure what's menopausal symptoms or what's thyroid or RA related ? I sleep quite restlessly ,I do get hot flushes but not the wet through kind and my mood swings are getting worse . I'm worried about going to my doctor's because of past visits where I don't feel they really listen .I'm 54 and had a blood test a while back saying I'm in the menopause even though I have spotting and irregular periods x

Transwoman, attempting a DIY transition in my 50s. You and another RU-vid menopause doctor, Barbie Taylor, have been far more helpful than any doctors in the transgender community, and certainly more helpful than IRL medical professionals. Should I be taking progesterone and estrogen sequentially, to mimic a woman's monthly cycle, or take them both fulltime? I am using transdermal creme

My doctor gave me HRT to stabilize my period and help with painful skin. I was bleeding far too much.

Can you have HRT after having endometrial cancer?

From what I have read the drop in estrogen as we age makes women a bit more insulin resistant, so wouldn't adding some estrogen back in help diabetic.

How long does it take to work? Ive been on everol patch for 6 weeks and have not noticed much difference. I know it can take about 3 mo ths to work so trying to be patient.

I had fem seven conti patches and they worked then they discontinued them because of them not sticking properly, I then had evoril Conte patches and tablets and they didn't work so I'm going to have the coil fitted and I've read horror stories on here about how painful it is ! GP told me the progesterone tablet can only be swallowed and not used vaginally as I'd rather to this with an oestrogen patch .

Hi Dr rennee , miss you on talk radio with Kevin o sullivan Thursdays . Is it true a finger prick blood test for oestrodial is not accurate and can register as higher ? I had one done that said 597 mmol , I'm 58 and been on hrt about 8 years and am on a 50 microgram patch and mirena coil . My gp won't do a blood test .

Hi, I know someone on kilovance , is this a safe hrt ?

What are the risk of hrt and dvt?had an embolism a few months ago, plus been diagnosed bcra2

Can HRT raise blood pressure? You are awesome and I live your channel. Such great information!

Hi had topical estrogen cream tried it for 10 days ,but stopped for a couple of months because of personal reasons, can I go back on it only when I need it ,can't get a appointment with my doctor until February to ask x

Are patches better than tablets? I started on the tablets (Premarin)and it was like magic, my joint pain, brain fog has disappeared, but then I developed a cyst which disappeared when the GP changed to patches. However the patches don’t seems to be doing anything and all my symptoms are back. The cyst was seems by a specialist who confirmed that was nothing to worry about. Is there any other tablets that can help? Thank you. Telma

I sent this to you a month ago and didn't get a reply, I would not want to be pushy but desparste for an answer pretty please? I read you should put patches away from waistband....... is it safe to wear leggings over patches please....also i was wondering iyou can wear those rather tight shapewear tights? ...as i heard you must not cover your patches with tape as yit can interfere? so surely wearing something tight over it would be similar? Xx

Dr Renee, I have the coil and was on oestradot patches 100 mcg but can't get them now . They gave me oestraderm patches which are big and they don't stick properly and dry up quickly , is there still a shortage of oestradot ? My symptoms are coming back and I can't handle that !

Does taking hrt postpone inevitable so that when you stop say at 65 the menopause symptoms masked have to be gone thru or you can have dodged them. Is it possible to become addicted to oestrogen?

Hi , I had mirena coil fitted last week in hospital as my cervix was closed and also a hysteroscopy and polyp removal and after a week had spotting , is this normal

Thank you for your quick response, I'm worried my risk could be high as I have rheumatoid and so did my mum, she had stroke at 54 then heart attack at 62, iv been on hrt tablet for a week and made such a difference, will change to patch form as soon as they back in stock

Hi Dr Renee, there's heart disease and stroke in family, can I still take hrt, many thanks

Why am I finding that the gel works brilliantly but the patches gave me migraines and didn’t alleviate any symptoms?

I just started experimenting with HRT about a year ago but would never stick with it more than a couple of months because of weight gain and just plain feeling tired. I think it was just my body adjusting. I’ve started back on biodentical cream (Estrogen 2.5 mg, Progesterone 60mg, Testosterone 1mg). I’ll be 58 in April and I’ve almost been 9.5 years since my last period. I have a wonderful doctor that prescribed it for me, however, today I saw my endocrinologist and she seemed not to be for me being on HRT. She really scared me talking about them increasing my risks for strokes and heart attacks. I’ve done my research and know all about how misleading the WHI study was years ago. It seems that some doctors are just not as educated on the subject of HRT and the many benefits. I was considering trying a patch and progesterone pill. Did I understand you correctly to say that you could insert the progesterone pill in your vagina? I had considered Mirena IUD but really don’t want to go that route. Would inserting the pill lessen the side effects of the Progesterone? Thanks in advance for your help 🙏

Hi! I'm 47 years old..After menopause one year stops my period, i use hrt patches still now and after 3 weeks start bleeding and stay 2 weeks,..my question is. . 'starting bleeding is normal for hrt patches womens '

Had Premature Ovarian Failure aged 39 Was put on HRT Brilliant. Still on them at age 56 Intend taking them till the day I die

Hi, I've been given oestrogen patches and utrogestan vaginal capsules by my doctor. Can I take the capsules orally ?

I wish I had a doctor like you ☹️ we have only 2 doctors at my surgery and the odd locum. My main doctor is not easy to talk to as he doesn't want to hear if you've done research and then try to tell him what you've learnt .

Thank you! Very helpful! I am 47yrs old and have mild peri menopausal symptoms, brain fog, low labido, v dryness, mood swings, I just recently asked for Estrogel and Utrogestan. I am still a little scared to start taking and I am still researching all questions, but do I have to take the Utrogestan at the same time every night? Also where do you rub the Estrogel? And how much do you use?

Hi, I had a blood test privately for oestrogen levels because I wanted to know I was on right dose of gel , only been in it one week ,was on patches. The result came back very high , why would this be ?

I had total hysteroctemy and oopheroctemy last year sept,2021.l taken estradiol tablet ones in a night ,now i have a problem vagina driness,not feeling anything during sex,no libido ,then what i have to do please prescribe me

soooooo taking the progesterone making me feel bad defeats the whole purpose of taking the BHRT pellets to feel better. Will the benefits of HRT out weigh the feeling of the progesterone?

Can i just keep adding new patches and also keep the old ones on?

How about women who have migraines with aura? Is transdermal permitted? Thanks 😊

Why was I put on just estrogen nó show of anything in bloods, but few symptoms of pm, I'm 48

Dr. Renee which is the best HRT to take if you have hypothyroidism, Hashis.

I am on day 6 of 2 x pumps of Oestrogel and 2 x 100mg Utrogestan (Utrogestan taken days 15-26) I’m 57 and haven’t had a period for approx 7 years and I’m confused as to why my GP hasn’t put me on continuous. I would prefer not to have a period if possible.

I have had my oestrodial patch upped to 100 mcg because my energy is so low. I am just wondering what is the highest amount of oestrodial that would be given in hrt. I have really been struggling with fatigue and whilst I hope this will be enough I am interested to know how high a GP might prescibe. Would it go past 150 mcg normally? I am assuming the dangers increase with upped dosage. Is there any way to help absorption of patches. I suspect this might be the problem. I cant afford to go private and get blood tests which I assume are the only real way of knowing how much I am absorbing. Thank you so much for these videos - your expertise has helped me so much.

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Hi Dr i am on oestrodot 70mcg and realised that it is double dose of the pill. Is this amount of oestrogen dangerous. Im 47 still have a cycle and overweight at moment. Also just wondering if testosterone would help me lose weight. I dont eat much but have gone from size 10 to 16.

Is utrogestan bioidentical?

Do you have a Facebook menopause group?

Hi Dr, Im 55 years old never smoked do not drink am active and not over weight. In November 2018 i had a hysterectomy with both ovaries removed as i has a uterine polyp that had changed to be grade 1 cancer. I had low iron and was put on a mini pill as periods had slowed down then bleeding longer. I had my 2nd checkup last week at hospital all ok. I asked my gynecologist to go on hrt as im having symptons now my ovaries have gone but he will not prescribe to me as said can get breast cancer or clots. Has said i can take a antidepressants for hot flushes. I want something to protect for the long term issues aswell as the joint pain , bladder issues and the other long list. Am going to see my Dr but think she will go with what they say. The articles i have read say its less lucky with just oestrogen only as dont have the uterus to worry about Thanks for any feed back you have

Thank you. Great, informative vlog! I started the gel 4 weeks ago and almost immediately saw some relief in symptoms (mood/depression/anxiety). However, i do feel like I am heading in the right direction, but wonder if 4 pumps, instead of 2 will make it even better? The instructions from my gp were two pumps continuously for 1 month then increase to 4 if necessary. I am nervous that this is a big jump in the dose. Should I stick with the two pumps and be happy with the relief that I am getting or go for it? Also, it hasn’t really helped with my sleep issues. I don’t have a uterus so I take Estrogen only. Is there anything additional I can ask my gp for that will help, with no nasty side effects? Thank you, Paula

I have a few questions please................I read or saw something that said you should not change location of patches ie if you put them on thighs don’t switch to abdomen or backside ..and vice verse? Also said backside absorbs the patch contents quicker or something like that ....and i know you said they can go anywhere.....but are they more and less effective in different body locations? ........also how strict should you be on the exact time of replacing the patches? ..eg.....if i replace them 1pm on Monday do i have to replace the next one on 1pm Friday how close to the exact hour does it need to be please? Thank you for the wonderful help and advice you give xx