Well, it’s been all about the ground hog this week….but I think I would rather be a guinea pig! Wouldn’t you agree that they are a bit cuter and cuddlier than a ground hog, even if they don’t know when Spring will arrive??
But, seriously, I am often (and would prefer to be) a guinea pig, cuteness and all!
(I have to admit the ‘wild’ guinea pig looks a bit like a ground hog, though!)
Ok, let’s get serious! Sorry, couldn’t resist!
Since the beginning of my journey as a personal trainer/nutrition and fitness specialist/menopause specialist and wellness coach (see, just call me guinea pig, its shorter), I have been a guinea pig. A guinea pig in the sense that I try everything first, before introducing or suggesting it to my clients. Everything from equipment (BOSU ball anyone?), to strictly working out at home with limited equipment, to recipes/meal plans/and subscriptions to meal delivery services, and lots in-between. I like practicing what I preach, so I try it all out first!
About six months ago, I decided to take a little bit bigger leap in my role as guinea pig. I decided to talk with my doctor about Hormones and replacing them. I know there is some controversy and fear and lots of questions around the topic. I am FAR from having all the answers, but I wanted to try something new….for me and for YOU.
If you have read my journey (see other posts on this website), you already know that my previous ob/gyn indicated that she “would not discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with [me]” even before I knew to ask about it. So, I muddled through perimenopause without knowledge, guidance, or medications that could have helped. Fast forward a few years to when I discovered that there IS information out there, and SUPPORT for women who need or want it. I am not suggesting that there is a quick fix or ‘cure’, but information and understanding can help each individual person navigate, understand and make choices about what THEY want to do in response to something 100% of us will experience! (women and men-men have moms/wives/sisters/aunts/daughters going through this).
You may have medical implications or history that would give you pause, like I did. You may have philosophical or religious reasons to hesitate, like I did. You may be young and think this is so far in your future, you decide not to worry about it, like I did. You may have an even longer list of reasons to avoid thinking about this, much less talk about it with….anyone.
I would like to encourage you–Please do not let ANY REASON stop you from asking questions and exploring options!
In my case, I would have chosen to try HRT (sooner). My preference would have been to try to feel better and avoid some of the symptoms of perimenopause rather than live in fear of the mere POSSIBILITY of an increase (miniscule) in my chances for breast cancer. In my case, I would like to live better, not longer….because LIVING LONGER is actually NOT in my hands. Making choices about what is available to support my health and wellness IS.
Can this little patch and some cream do that?
It CAN. Notice above I said ‘try’ to feel better. Like everything in life, there are no guarantees. However, the ability to choose should be appreciated and held in high esteem, both by you AND your healthcare providers.
What did I discover?
(Disclaimer: Only read further if you are interested in the results I can identify (so far) from my experiment as an HRT guinea pig. It may include some information that some could find uncomfortable or TMI, but I am willing to share (a bit) if it benefits YOU.)
Also note: I went off of ALL other supplements except non-generic Synthroid which I have to take because I no longer have a thyroid. AND this was all under the supervision of my GP and the NEW ob/gyn she referred me to after we talked about my interest in HRT. The support of both of these women was also instrumental in this little experiment.
MY takeaway:
- Was it a magic bullet? No.
- Did I experience some negative side effects? No, none that I could identify right now.
- Did I experience any positive side effects? YES!
What were the positive results? (so far)
- Shrinking meno-belly
- Less bloating
- Much higher mood/affect most days
- More energy
- Higher sense of purpose
- Fewer episodes of achiness
- Fewer headaches
- Less hip pain
- Intimacy without fear of pain
- Increase in hair growth (grows fast, not thicker )
- Less joint pain
- Fewer angry thoughts
Can all of these be attributed to that little estrogen patch and topical cream? Maybe not directly. But directly or indirectly, the outcomes are positive, so I am not sure I care.
Are there ways to increase that list of positive benefits? I think so! Each person is different and will have individual results. I am learning that some of us could benefit even further if we consider adding some of these:
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- Peptides
- Creatine
- Boosting Protein
- Strength training with a focus on lifting heavier
- And my personal favorite: More time in God’s word and with His people
Stay tuned if you want to see how some additional things on this list work out for this happy, healthy guinea pig!
Until next time, Stay well and make healthy choices! Your Bff
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