It has been 3 months since I started HRT. To recap why I started:
- I noticed bigger shifts between first and second half of the cycle in term of energy, mood, recovery.
- I had been having more frequent headache for few days before ovulation and before period. It used to happen every 3-4 months, but recently it has happened almost every month.
- I was concerned with my knee joints.
Lab tests showed: low estrogen, low testosterone, and low progesterone. They are not as low as menopause but clearly on the way or already in perimenopause.
So with some skepticism and trust of many colleague here (Brazilians are super health conscious!), I gave it a try to see the doctor everyone praised. She explained to me that as we enter into perimenopause, hormonal shifts are more brutal and volatile, thus my feelings are real.
Given recent scientific discussion about HRT, especially its safely, and that I was really tired of being so low for half of the month (both energy and mood), I decided to give it a try and see how it may impact me.
My protocol: estrogen spray once a day, gestrinone (which suppress ovulation), and testosteronal patch every 3 days.
I think this picture tells a clear physiological change…. leftis pre-HRT, see how temperature shifts between the two parts of the cycle, vs. right hand side with HRT, smoothing the month to almost flat.
Positive changes:
- Stable and medium to high energy, mood, running performance. STABLE!!!
- Hormonal related headache almost disappeared. I had it twice for 2 days each but at 30% intensity than before.
- Deeper sleep.
Other changes:
- the first month I had a long cycle, instead of the 30 days, period came day 45. The following months were normal (28-30 days).
- light spotting, happened once for few days.
So far it seems to be working. To confirm perception with data, I’ll have my lab tests again at the next appointment in May.
Will I continue for long term? Unless next blood test shows something off, or I find evidence of risks outweigh current benefit, I plan to keep it.
Let me know if you have questions. Happy to share.
Our New Journey 
This is so interesting! I like that you have data to support what you’re feeling. How did you measure the “Cycle Insights” graph? Is that from the Oura ring?
And wow to the STABLE energy and running performance! That alone sounds like a huge win. Feeling good the whole month instead of half the month is such a game changer for training and life.
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Yes that’s from oura ring.
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Super interesting Coco! Thanks for sharing. That’s such a popular topic these days so nice to see a personal experience.
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Oh I have been very interested to hear your progress with this! I am not thinking about HRT – yet – but it’s definitely on my mind. My biggest thing is sleep – the week before my period (WHY AM I STILL GETTING MY PERIOD) my sleep is not particularly restorative. But my perimenopause symptoms are not that bad and I THINK my bone density is okay. I mean, I think. I haven’t had a test (I should).
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Wow that is very interesting! It’s cool to see the difference in temperatures before and after HRT. I’m glad it’s working so well for you. My therapist recommended a physician that specializes in women’s health/HRT. I need to make an appt but keep putting it off!
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thank you, Coco. This topic is very relevant to me. I have noticed tremendous improvement in my moods ever since I started exercising.
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