Welcome to World Menopause Day 2024!
Right off the bat ... what the hell is MHT? Some have heard about it, many haven't! Which are you?
Either way, it's this years theme ... but what is it!?
Well, today we're going to explore and find out a bit more. Think ... more of a holistic personalised well-being approach that you're more involved in vs. a one size fits all hormone approach.
With World Menopause Day 2024 bringing in a new theme, MHT, or Menopause Hormone Therapy to give it its full title it’s time to see how it could give you the support you need.
Before I start, it’s worth me saying that whatever I write below must be taken as information only. You MUST seek medical advice before taking any action on anything written here.
Right, onwards we go ...
The Difference Between HRT and MHT:
Finding clarity in the confusion
Here's the thing.
HRT, or Hormone Replacement Therapy, was about replacing hormones depleted during the menopause process. On the surface MHT is the same thing, HRT rebranded. It stands for to Menopause Hormone Therapy.
The difference this time around is that the term aims to reflect a slightly broader scope. One that focuses on supplementing hormones levels in a way that matches your situation versus the one size fits all approach HRT took.
The change means treatments that fit you, not just any woman in general.
A tip from me: When you talk with your doctor, make sure they’re clued up about this change. You'd be surprised how many won't be.
You want a plan that’s for your needs and health, not a one size fits all approach that HRT offered previously.
Safety First: How MHT Has Improved
Caution and confidence hand in hand
For the longest time there has been stigma and risk associated with HRT and not without cause.
MHT today is not what HRT used to be.
It's supposedly safer and more flexible, with various options for dosage and methods of delivery. You can choose from patches, gels, or pills. Combinations too, because one size doesn’t necessarily fit all.
Safety first! A good motto to live by … and with hormone therapy, it means regular check-ups.
Every few months, sit down with your healthcare provider to reassess your plan.
Ask about heart health, bone density and the risk of breast cancer. All valid queries.
Keeping on top of these ensures MHT remains beneficial and safe for you.
Exploring Non-Hormonal Alternatives
Choosing what’s right for you
Hormones not your thing? No worries. Not all roads lead to MHT.
Some of you might choose non-hormonal treatments and that’s OK … in fact Beat The Menopause is ALL about doing as much as you can for yourself without medication.
Your choice to not involve medication can be due to health conditions, personal choice or concerns about long-term hormone use.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) might help with mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats but lifestyle changes can make a HUGE difference without medical interventions.
So, get moving more, adjust what you eat and maybe look into natural supplements.
Trying these can be an addition to MHT or a standalone option. Personal health comes first, so weigh the options with your needs in mind.
Timing and Duration of MHT: When Should You Begin?
Starting at the right moment
You've probably heard about the "timing hypothesis", it’s key.
Starting Menopause Hormone Therapy within 10 years of menopause onset might provide benefits beyond symptom relief. We're talking about heart and brain health here.
But this isn't a ‘forever’ thing. MHT duration must be managed. Prolonged use can bring risks, like breast cancer. There is more on the risks in the peer reviewed papers here.
So, what's the plan?
Begin MHT with your healthcare provider’s guidance, ideally within the first few years of perimenopause bringing symptoms. Regularly review whether it’s still right for you.
Your health needs change over time, so stay flexible with your decisions.
Customising MHT for Different Menopause Phases
One size doesn’t fit all
Perimenopause and post-menopause aren’t identical twins. They need different approaches.
If you’re in perimenopause, your hormones are on a rollercoaster. A solution might be low-dose contraception alongside MHT. It can even out those ups and downs.
Post-menopause? Hormone levels stabilise, but symptoms do persist. You might need different formulations to tackle issues like vaginal dryness or loss of bone density.
Work closely with your doctor. Tailor MHT to fit the phase of menopause you're in. It should match your body’s unique rhythm.
Integrating MHT into a Holistic Wellness Plan
Beyond just hormone therapy
Think MHT is all there is to it? Nope, it’s part of a bigger picture.
Menopause wellness includes how you live day-to-day. How you exercise, what you eat, stress management, sleep … they all play big roles too.
Start with small steps. Introduce physical activity that you enjoy. I will say that lifting weights and building muscle while you can is my preferred route.
If that’s a complete no go, there are other ways, but nothing beats menopause mitigation like building muscle. And no, you don’t have to end up looking like Arnie. In fact, it would take a LOT of specialist work to get to that point.
Hey if that is your thing however, let me know, I can get you there … but for most women it’s about preserving muscle and strength in readiness for post menopause years.
Experiment with diet tweaks to see how they affect your well-being. Add mindfulness practices if stress feels overwhelming.
MHT can complement this lifestyle strategy.
You're not just managing menopause symptoms; you’re building a solid foundation for health during and after menopause.
Create a Supportive Environment
Leaning on the right people
Support is crucial.
Share what you’re going through with friends or family. Let them know what helps, or doesn’t.
It's okay to lean on them. Sometimes, just talking about it makes it easier.
Let’s not forget professional support. Consider joining a menopause support group. Hearing others' experiences can be enlightening and comforting.
Knowledge is power. Equip yourself with the information you need to make informed decisions about MHT and menopause wellness.
Sustaining Your Menopause Wellness Strategy
Looking long-term
Reaching menopause isn't the end, it's the beginning of a new chapter. You've made steps to understand MHT and you’re bringing it into a broader wellness plan.
Now, let's talk about keeping it going.
Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider? Invaluable. Stay updated on the latest research to ensure your treatment evolves with your needs.
But wellness isn’t just about check-ups.
It’s about making self-care a routine, ensuring activities, like exercise or yoga are woven into your week. These aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re essentials!
Adapting as You Age
Embrace the changes
Your needs today might not be the same next year. As the years roll by, menopause symptoms can fade and new challenges may crop up.
Stay adaptive.
If exercising outdoors was your thing but isn’t anymore, try something new, like water aerobics or dance.
Adjust your diet to fit new nutritional needs, focusing on bone health or maintaining a healthy heart. Foods rich in calcium and omega-3 can make a difference.
Continuously align your MHT with your changing life. Keep talking to those in the know, doctors, dietitians, and your support network.
Building Resilience and Balance
Emotional strength in menopause
Menopause is physical for sure, but it’s also highly emotional. Building mental resilience helps navigate the twists and turns.
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful. They help you stay present, reducing stress and boosting mental clarity.
Seek emotional balance through hobbies or creative outlets. These keep joy and curiosity alive.
Remember, while MHT addresses physical symptoms, your emotional well-being is equally important. Balance them both.
Celebrate Your Journey
Reflecting on achievements
You've been through a lot. Take moments to celebrate your journey, the small wins and how far you’ve come.
Acknowledging progress boosts confidence. It reminds you that menopause, while challenging, is manageable and that you, indeed, are thriving!
Share your story with others to inspire and connect. Your experiences might just be the encouragement someone else needs.
Final thoughts
World Menopause Day 2024 is more than a date, it’s a chance to redefine menopause as a time of empowerment, growth and newfound balance for women approaching this milestone.
MHT is a new and dynamic tool to be used in a holistic way alongside other assistance methods that suit you, your body and the way you live. The medical world may not have completely caught up so please do your due diligence before engaging ... but make sure you do [engage].
Let’s get each other through this thing by whatever means necessary, ensuring the mix is compatible with our bodies and varied lifestyles.
So, what’s next …
Keep connected with Beat The Menopause for ongoing support, information and guidance … like, share and subscribe to my content!
It helps me and it helps other women by spreading BTMs work via the algorithm.
My team and I are here to back you up every step of the way so if you want to chat, book a call with me. I’ll go through your symptoms, lifestyle etc and help you discover what you can do for yourself.
It's free and no there is no obligation to buy into my programme.
