Your Body’s Love Hate Relationship With Estrogen - 92
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Love and hate. They’re such opposites, and yet we often feel both at the same time. Could it be that the same is true of how your body feels about estrogen? Does your body love estrogen or does it hate estrogen? You spend the first half of your life with estrogen, and the last half without it. So does your body love it or hate it? Watch this video to find out.
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Amazing info, I still can't believe it's free !! any woman listening is very lucky. Thank you Barbara from London
You're welcome! It's great to hear from you. What a beautiful woman you are.
Not throwing tomatoes at the screen. You are giving the best information I've ever heard. I want to drown in estrogen about now. Thank you Dr. T. I wish you were my gyno.
You are so kind, and funny. Keep watching, my dear, You will learn so much that will empower you to manage your menopause your way.
I am just shocked at all I thought I knew but didn't!!! Every time I listen to the next video I am shocked all over again. Just blown away at what I am learning. Ignorance is most certainly not bliss!!! Thank you sooo much menopause Barbie❣️
I just love knowing that you're here, getting the menopause education all women deserve. Keep watching in order, and you'll understand everything.
This color is absolutely stunning on you!! Great lecture!!! Thank you endlessly!!!!
Well, thank you for that. It's one of my favorite colors, actually. And I have the kind of eyes that change color a bit depending on what I'm wearing. When I wear this color, my eyes are the very same color!
You've convinced me. I'm going to ask for low dose estrogen long term to deal with surgical menopause. Now, to find a gynecologist....
This single video was the information I needed to tip the scale back to HRT replacement for me. As you have already stated, we arm ourselves with so much misinformation, your video clears the path!!! Thank you!!
You are so very welcome, Sharon. I want you to have all the facts and make your decisions with complete confidence.
The information you continue to provide us is so very helpful. I have Multiple Sclerosis and do many of my symptoms overlap with menopause symptoms. I'm 51 and post menopausal with an average FSH if 58. After finding your channel and book, it's given me the knowledge and confidence to speak with my DO about HRT. Thank you so much for spending the time to guide us - it is sincerely appreciated! PS I love your vintage styling. Your clothes and accessories are remarkable!
Carrie,
I love knowing that these videos are helping you. And it is true that MS and menopause overlap a lot. Keep watching these videos in order. It will make it so much easier for you to work with your healthcare providers.
Hi Carrie
At what age were you diagnosed with MS and what are some of the symptoms that coincided with Meno..thanks
Barbie Taylor is the Dr. that every woman wants to have!!
Even I say she’s the kind of “friend” that every woman wish to have!! A life saver 🌸🌸🌸
Thank you! My anxiety about my menopause is gone with all your extraordinary knowledge about this 💜
You are so very kind. Thank you. It really warms my heart to know that you are benefitting from this education.
@@MenopauseTaylor - yes... everyone sees you as the best friend 🙂
@@HelenaSummer And you know that this is a huge compliment for me, the introverted nerd.
The questions tickled me. Thanks for helping me to smile 😄
I love knowing that you're laughing and learning at the same time! I'll do anything to make this fun for you.
Great video...as always! The brain shrinking..that was enough for me to hear lol and estrogen doesn't sound ask scary as it use too.
Knowledge is power. And just think: If you hadn't learned this NOW, you could have undergone years of brain shrinkage (and vaginal shrinkage, and bone shrinkage) before you ever knew that you could have prevented all of it.
That's why getting this education is vital.
I look forward to seeing you at the seminar in September.
Wow! All I know is I am so grateful and thankful to have found you. I was fearful of estrogen.
Started estradiol vag cream in June and boy does my vagina love estrogen. I am so looking forward to start my estrogen again when I am healed from my operation.
You see, your vagina is talking to you. And you are discovering that your body does not lie.
I love you Barbara!! Thank you so much!! God bless you. I send you a huge hug from Texas
Well, thank you so much, my dear. I'll take your big Texas hug!
Thank you so much for doing these videos. My doctor was shocked knowing what I knew from you!
Yes, so many doctors cannot believe you know so much if you're not a gynecologist. But that's what a real education can do for you. It makes you credible & powerful. I love knowing that this is helping you.
@@MenopauseTaylor Thank you for your reply. I still get my period even though it is getting wanky (I'll be 54 at the end of the month). In a month(waiting on the corona virus) I have an appointment to get an estrogen patch and a progesterine(sp) IUD (As I think that hormone contributes to my depression.) My gyn was great and listened to my symptoms. However she will not do any hormone blood work. She did check my thyroid a few months ago and it was fine. She said levels change. I'm going to schedule an appointment with you (you are booked for a while).
Thank you again! Oh, and I love your style and the way you teach!
@@lf9341 I can't wait to meet you and help you. And, yes, I do stay booked quite far in advance,
Thank you for your sweet compliments.
Thank you so much Barbara!! Your life saver for me.I have BRCA1 mutation and have removed my ovaries uterus and breast.Syrgical. menopause items a horror! Doctor's prescribed sleep med, anxiety med, antidepressants...and lowest dose of estrogen.After I find you I started to watch everything you teach...and start to understand what is going on with me and I'm getting better and better stronger and younger😄 !I'm still not 100% but I see a progress .Cant thank you enough!Will schedule consultation with you soon!!!❤
Oh, I can't wait to meet you and help you. There is so much you need to know. I'm just so glad you're here, Nina.
Hi dr Barbie, I'm in the uk and our gp doctors are not really very good at menopause, after watching your videos I think I now know more than they do and actually tell the doctor what I want instead of getting the wrong advice and medication s thank you
If you watch these videos, you will know more than most doctors. And that's a good thing! Menopause is a neglected area of medicine (and life). I'm trying to change that for the better and give you the education you deserve.
Thank you so very much for this video ☺️. It is a blessing to from God that I found you , you have helped me so much. Keep teacher us we are listing.
Gertrude,
I am so thrilled that you're here getting the education you deserve. Just watch all my videos in order and you will definitely understand everything.
Oh you just keep getting better and better! Thank you for your research. Thank you for your sincere and organized way of presenting this material so completely and clearly. I am estrogen positive metastatic breast cancer. What are my safe options to support all of my systems which are estrogen deprived due to the hormone treatment for this cancer? Thank you.
Judy,
I am so glad you're watching these videos! With your estrogen-positive breast cancer history, you may not be a candidate for estrogen. So, you have to know all the beneficial things estrogen used to do in your body, and you have to find ways to COMPENSATE for those benefits as best you can.
You have many options. And I give you options in every category:
Diet:
A 100% plant-based (vegan) diet can greatly decrease your risk of recurrence. I mean, nothing with a face or a mother.
Also, limiting your sugar & refined carbs, and eating a lot of Omega 3 fats in flaxseeds is beneficial.
Eating soy is fine for most women with a history of breast cancer.
Lifestyle:
No smoking!
Regular, daily exercise works wonders.
Maintaining your ideal body weight.
Avoiding alcohol ( 1 glass of red wine daily increases your risk of breast cancer.)
Dietary supplements:
Coenzyme Q 10
Non-Hormonal medications:
Tamoxifen
Aromatase inhibitors (Anastroxole, Letrozole, Exemestane)
Definitely do your Breast Self Exam once a month (no more often than that).
Chapter 30 in my book is all about breast cancer. Be sure to take advantage of it.
No never want to hurt you! You are awesome. :)
So are you!
After watching this video, I feel like I just got some very good news!
THANKS ONCE AGAIN....GREAT INFO! X
It's my pleasure to teach you.
Omg 😱 wish I knew all of this a decade ago... Thank you for the info!
You are so welcome. my dear. If you need my help tailoring all the information specifically to YOU, just schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME.
I have cardiomyopathy and it's been very difficult for me to get any help with this. Today I go to the Gynecologist and hope that I might finally get somewhere thanks to you!
If you need help with understanding all the facts or tailoring them to YOU, just schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I do then all via video conferencing, so it doesn't matter where you live.
I find humour to be a very helpful lifestyle management option but it can only work properly alongside education. Thank you 🌸
So true.
Dr.Barbara I loved this video it made so much since to me and I'm a person who could have long conversation about vagina health or lack of love (mine personally) to anyone who listens we could sit at cafe for hrs chatting with you and I ... Thank you so much
You are so welcome. Isn't learning about this completely and factually a true empowerment!
Well I guess this is telling us what to do , But not telling us what to do. I can't wait for tomorrow : ] great video thanks
I loved meeting you for our one-on-one consultation, Lorraine. It was the highlight of my day.
Well I too loved meeting you and you are even nicer speaking one to one.
I shpould have done this sooner and I advise everyone to have a one to one consultation with you as it is well worth it.
The only thing is I think I was a bit star struck with you and I should have asked you more questuons you are a wonderful Lady and I wish you health and happiness x
Ahh, thank you my dear. And you can always ask your questions. I'm always happy to help you.
Brilliantly presented as usual! I think I've watched every video in order but my estrogen level is still very low and my memory foggy in spite of HRT so forgive me for asking this question: Do you have a video or cheat sheet that addresses max doses of systemic and local estrogen options?
Suzette,
This is precisely the kind of thing that requires a consultation. Women are not robots. No two women are alike. So, you cannot succeed without tailoring everything specifically to YOU. And that's what we'll do in a consultation. Please schedule one at MenopauseTaylor.ME.
Not that I don’t love, love, LOVE all your content and I’m learning from you but right now I’m utterly obsessed with your top!! Where can I grab one?!!?
You are so very kind. I've had this item for about 12 years. I cannot recall where in the world I bought it. (And I've lived on every continent except Antarctica. So it could have come from anywhere.)
Thank you Dr T. Great video!
I have always wondered why they say women who never had any pregnancies are at higher risk for breast cancer. Now i know why 😊Not that I am very scared of it, not after learning from you 😉
I love it when this education allays our fears.
I've been taking progesterone bioidentical cream from wild yam and didn't realize it actually converted into estrogen. I'm glad it did because I'm getting wonderful results but now I'm thinking because I'm taking a bioidentical estrogen too I really need to do some reconfiguring. Oh boy, there is so much misinformation it's hard to know when you hear the truth or not. Thanks for your vids Barbie!!
You speak so beautifully about estrogen... it makes me want to take a bath in it, hoping it will make me 20 years younger instantly :-)
PS. Thanks for the session today. I feel super empowered and knowledgable!!!
My Dear Helena,
I so enjoyed my time with you. You are already on the road to slow, slow aging. And I'll be here to take the journey with you.
Thank you for such a wonderful time yesterday.
@@MenopauseTaylor - Yes! I trust that. And feel safe and comfortable. Here is to slow slow slooooow aging 🙂
@@HelenaSummer Exactly!
Thanks Dr. T for this great video! I could watch your videos non stop, actually seems like I do! My question is in regards to something my NAMS gynecologist said to me. She gave me two options for hormone prescriptions. The 0.05mg transdermal patch plus 100mg progesterone pill (I still have my uterus) or a 1mg estradiol pill plus the 100 mg progersterone pill. I really like the idea of the patch so that my liver doesn't have to process the estradiol but I am also suffering severe hair loss. My NAMS gynocologist said she has seen improvement in hair with the estradiol pill regimen but not the transdermal patch. Have you seen the same thing? She recommended if I decide to use transdermal then to also try spironolactone. I really don't like adding another medication to the mix at this time since I am feeling so bad with all the menopause symptoms. I have had my thyroid checked 4 mos ago, with resulting TSH good but according to Integrative Medicine GP converted T3 is "sub clinical" a 2.5, but NAMS gynecologist says T3 is within range. GP would like to start very low dose Armour thyroid med but gynecologist says no! Any input from your vast knowledge on menopause treatment and thyroid treatment would be a blessing! Thank you!
Alice,
This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU.
I'm in the business of educating you about everything you need to know and do in order to get exactly what you want for managing your menopause your way. So, here's how a consultation works:
1) You would schedule a one-on-one consultation at my website, MenopauseTaylor.ME, choosing a time that is convenient for you. I do consultations on Skype, FaceTime. Facebook Messenger, What’s App, and the phone.
2) I would send you an email to confirm that you are scheduled for the stated time, and invite you to send me as much information about yourself as you please. You can make it brimming with details and tell me about your reproductive life, any gynecologic problems you've had, your symptoms of peri-menopause, and your symptoms of post-menopause. You can include all your fears, concerns, and goals for your menopause management. You may also send me any labs, mammogram results, bone density results, etc. that you would like me to include in designing your protocol. For instance, if you want to adhere to a certain category of management options (herbs or diet & lifestyle, or whatever), you should tell me that. I will give you a deadline for sending all materials, and will not accept anything after that date.
3) I'll get busy creating a document that gives you all the education you need to understand absolutely everything, points out the pros and cons of each option, and tailors it all to YOU, using the information you have provided. The document will be loooooong. Most are over 30 pages.
4) I will send you the document by email 48 hours before your consultation. You will benefit greatly by reading it in advance. Light bulbs will go off like crazy, and if you're like most women, you'll feel that you've already gotten your money's worth.
5) During your consultation, we will review the document and address any issues you want in order to fine tune everything and determine your best options. I'll tell you exactly how to find the right kind of professional, how to have the conversation in order to get what you want, and the nuances of things like guidelines and insurance. I leave nothing unaddressed.
6) You will go to a professional of your choosing in order to get the actual hormones or whatever you choose to use.
7) After the first consultation, I'll hold your hand (forever if you want me to). In other words, you'll be able to schedule mini-consultations (15-minute or 30-minute, in addition to full consultations) whenever you need to. I'll keep records of your situation. Most women schedule mini-consultation whenever they go to the doctor and don't understand what he or she said, or why. I translate. I make sense of everything. Most schedule mini-consultation whenever they have a new test and they want me to explain the results. And all schedule mini-consultation whenever their situation changes and they need to re-weigh and re-balance their options.
The time you spend with me will make everything about working with any other professional so easy. And they will love the fact that you have an actual education rather than a bunch of misconceptions that you got from the Internet. If your initial hormone regimen is not right, you'll want to consult with me before going to your doctor. I can prepare you for what to expect and what to request.
So, that's my role. And nobody else on earth does this kind of thing but me. So, I hope you schedule a consultation and let me hold your hand (figuratively).
I hope to meet you soon!
Great video, very informative! Definitely confirms my confidence in the choice I have made for continuing to take replacement hormones. I also am wondering about never being pregnant. Is there something else we can do to protect against breast cancer? What is your opinion about the supplement DIM in that case?
DIM is Diindolylmethane. It's a dietary supplement. And guess what it consists of? Cruciferous vegetables! That's right: cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.
So, there's certainly nothing wrong with DIM. BUT, you are much better off just EATING your cruciferous vegetables.
Some things are out of your control. Having had no pregnancies is one of them. The number of menstrual cycles you've had in your life is another. And your family history is yet another.
But, you can reduce you risk for breast cancer massively by eating nothing but plants. If you omitted all the meat & dairy products from your diet, you can actually reduce your risks for most cancer. The problem is that most women won't do that. They like their meat and dairy.
Knowing facts like this helps you to decide what will work best for you.
You're right about getting nutrients from food sources being better. At least I have no familial history and I started my period a little later, at 15. It's true, meat and dairy are both inflammatory to the body. Sugar too I believe. Happily, the Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo seems to be taking care of my symptoms currently. (Not happy my doctor recently lowered my Synthroid dose, but that's a whole other story...)
Ortho-Tri-Cyclen will mask all your symptoms of peri-menopause & post-menoapues. You'll sail right through it all, smiling, If you can stay on it until you're 55, you will be benefiting in all sorts of ways, both short-term and long-term.
Good evening, Dr. Barbie! This was a very interesting video and very easy to follow and understand. I liked the puctual way you treated each part of our body in relation with estrogen. But how about HRT (estrogen + progesteron) - as I still have my uterus.. Would the table change in any areas? I would be very interested to know, as, thanks to your videos, I'm considering starting taking HRT. I'm 51 and postmenopausal for 1 year and could say that my quality of life suffered a lot during this last year because of these awful symptoms - and I haven't missed any of them.
Thanks so much for educating us! If I'm starting the HRT, is definitely thanks to you!!
Everything would be the same with both estrogen and progesterone ... except your uterus. That's because the ONLY reason you need to take progesterone is to protect your uterus from uterine cancer.
All your body parts would still benefit. And the progesterone would erase the one body part that would not benefit: your uterus.
I love knowing that you're learning.
Thank you for all your wonderful videos. I am curious, is a sign of lack of estrogen, peripheral neuropathy (numb arms/legs, stabbing, tingling, burning) after having had a total hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which took me into acute post-surgery menopause immediately? I still need painkillers to reduce neuropathic pain at night in the feet/leg areas, some 8 months after surgery, as well as insomnia. Still trying to balance out hormones with correct doses. Thanks.
Neuropathy is not a symptom of estrogen deficiency. Estrogen replacement will not alleviate it. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.
Beautiful color on you!
Thank you so much. I think it's because it sort of matches my eye color (which is a weird color).
Thank you for the information. Can you tell me in which video you speak about water retention? It's my greatest problem....and yes, I do generally watch all your videos chronologically ;-), best from Germany
I haven't addressed it yet. If you want help with it now, you should schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME. It will be a while before I cover it.
Thank you for your informative video are there other supplements or food you can eat that can have similar effects to help boost eostrogen levels instead of taking hrt?
Janet,
I cover everything in units. If you start with video 1 and watch them al in order you will see that I give you all your options in every category: Diet, Exercise, Lifestyle, Vitamins, Minerals, Botanicals, Herbs, Acupuncture, Hypnosis, Hormonal Medication, and Non-Hormonal Medications.
But I do not jump around all willy-nilly like a crazy person. For any education, you have to build a foundation and then add to it. That's how this channel is organized.
I’m an anal, neurotic, pedantic, perfectionistic surgeon. I put great time and energy into making sure I publish my videos in just the right order so that they are the most beneficial for you.
There is absolutely nothing willy-nilly about the order. I guess you could say that my menopause series as akin to “Menopause University.”
Will insatiable itchy skin respond to biodentical hormone therapy? I have developed horrible eczema that is almost unbearable. Thank you for the videos, please keep them coming!
Typically ECZEMA is not due to anything pertaining to hormones. You need to see a dermatologist for it.
Hormones for menopause (bioidentical or not) will alleviate dry skin. But eczema is a different animal.
Thank you for these videos & sharing your wealth of knowledge. I have a question I am intrigued about from this video, please. In relation to the maturity of breast cells, what happens if you remain on the combined oral contraceptive pill from late teens and have no pregnancies. Do breast cells remain immature as if there were no pregnancies?
You look gorgeous! So beautiful! Never had a hot flash and I have been in menopause since 2014. I am miserable without Estrogen! Not only does it help my joints I have swelling in the ankle I fractured and I am going to see a surgeon next month just in case but it is swelling with numbness. But when I put on a new patch because it wears off quicker than one week the swelling goes away! My GYN would always tell me to get pregnant top lower my risk of breast cancer but its not a good reason to have a baby. I was a professional nanny for a while( went to nanny school and did not cook or clean more like a Governess anyway I love kids just didn't want them in my body because of my history with rape. But I dont understand his fear of estrogen. I love it at least he prescribed it for me! My hubby had me play this one again! Thank you for this education!
You are always so complimentary. I love knowing that you're working your way through this education one video at a time. You are a very good student.
@@MenopauseTaylor Thank you! You are a great teacher!
And you are a great student.
@@MenopauseTaylor thank you
Dr Taylor, I feel so lucky to have found your channel!. Tank you so much for the information and inspiration! I am 49; first period when I was 9; last period when I was 46; 4 children; brestfed each of them for a year; vegetarian/vegan for 40 years; work out 30 min each day. My menopause symptoms were: forgetfullness, anxiety, heart palpitations, breast pain, joint pain. They are not that severe now, but I have decided to take HRT after watching your videos. I have discussed with my doctor to start on Estradot 50 micrograms patch and Mirena IUT. Is Estradot bioidentical? Should I start on a lower dose estrogen , and then go to 50? What about trying a combination patch first (Estalis 50/140) to see how I respond to the hormones, before putting inn Mirena IUT? And how often should I have a mammogram when on HRT? There is no breast cancer in my family.
Maggie,
What you need is a consultation with me. You have many questions (all good ones which deserve thorough answers). But I can't give you what you deserve in this comment box.
Plus, no two women are alike.
So, scheuedle a consultation, and I'll have the way for the easiest menopause ever for you.
I'm in the business of educating you about everything you need to know and do in order to get exactly what you want for managing your menopause your way. So, here's how a consultation works:
1) You would schedule a one-on-one consultation at my website, MenopauseTaylor.ME, choosing a time that is convenient for you. I do consultations on Skype, FaceTime. Facebook Messenger, What’s App, and the phone.
2) I would confirm that you are scheduled for the stated time, and invite you to send me as much information about yourself as you please. You can make it brimming with details and tell me about your reproductive life, any gynecologic problems you've had, your symptoms of peri-menopause, and your symptoms of post-menopause. You can include all your fears, concerns, and goals for your menopause management. You may also send me any labs, mammogram results, bone density results, etc. that you would like me to include in designing your protocol. For instance, if you want to adhere to a certain category of management options (herbs or diet & lifestyle, or whatever), you should tell me that. I would need all these things at least 1 week before your consultation with me.
3) I'll get busy creating a document that gives you all the education you need to understand absolutely everything, points put the pros and cons of each option, and tailors it all to YOU using the information you have provided. The document will be loooooong. Most are over 30 pages.
4) I will send you the document by email 48 hours before your consultation. You will benefit greatly by reading it in advance. Light bulbs will go off like crazy, and if you're like most women, you'll feel that you've already gotten your money's worth.
5) During your consultation, we will review the document and address any issues you want to fine tune everything and determine your best options. I'll tell you exactly how to find the right kind of professional, how to have the conversation in order to get what you want, and the nuances of things like guidelines and insurance. I leave nothing unaddressed.
6) You will go to a professional of your choosing in order to get the actual hormones or whatever you choose to use.
7) After the first consultation, I'll hold your hand (forever if you want me to). In other words, you'll be able to schedule mini-consultations (15-minute or 30-minute, in addition to full consultations) whenever you need to. I'll keep records of your situation. Most women schedule mini-consultation whenever they go to the doctor and don't understand what he or she said, or why. I translate. I make sense of everything. Most schedule mini-consultation whenever they have a new test and they want me to explain the results. And all schedule mini-consultation whenever their situation changes and they need to re-weigh and balance their options.
The time you spend with me will make everything about working with any other professional so easy. And they will love the fact that you have an actual education rather than a bunch of misconceptions that you got form the Internet. If your initial hormone regimen is not right, you'll want to consult with me before going to your doctor. I can prepare you for what to expect and what to request.
So, that's my role. And nobody else on earth does this kind of thing but me. So, I hope you schedule a consultation and let me hold your hand (figuratively).
I hope to meet you soon!
@@MenopauseTaylor Thank you Dr Taylor, I will schedule a consultation with you!
Hi Dr, Taylor, does Osteopenia reverse with estrogen and excercise? hace you seen it reverse? thanks!
Is it true that hrt depletes vitamins and minerals in our bodies and very important to replenish. What is your opinion on this ?
I had a hysterectomy at 30 .my body went all emotional and it was like I was menopausal. No that I am 48 I'm in my almost 2 nd year of menopause. Hit flashes , mood swings , dry skin . Weight gain , hair loss . I'm back to Bodybuilding and this time around it's hard to get fit again but I am sticking with it . I'm also seeing a Dr. For my heart because now I have high blood pressure and I'm trying to lose weight to get off my meds for high blood pressure. I also noticed that I haven't seen a video on women who had a hysterectomy and menopause . What the body goes through later on in menopause. Can u do a video on that please ? I'd like to know more. I'm also grateful for your videos that I have learned so much . When I bring up how to feel to my GYN Dr. She doesn't say much but just suffer it out . It's to the point my body is suffering bad and I feel awful. I think I'm going to talk to my family Dr . About getting on estrogen. Thank you so much for your videos . I've learned so much . You are an amazing women. Keep up the good work . Thank you for caring .
I congratulate you Gianna, for being so proactive. This entire education is about learning the facts so that you can make your menopause wonderful.
I've covered hysterectomy in videos 8 & 132.
I think what you want is management options specifically for women who have had a hysterectomy. But, they are all the same as those for women who haven't had a hysterectomy, with the exception that you do not have to take progesterone is you don't have your uterus.
If you want me to personally help you find your best options, you should schedule a one-on-one consultation with me. That's really the very best way to get the information you need, and it's way better than anything I can do in a video or in this comment box.
I'm in the business of educating you about everything you need to know and do in order to get exactly what you want for managing your menopause your way. So, here's how a consultation works:
1) You would schedule a one-on-one consultation at my website, MenopauseTaylor.ME, choosing a time that is convenient for you. I do consultations on Skype, FaceTime. Facebook Messenger, What’s App, and the phone.
2) I would confirm that you are scheduled for the stated time, and invite you to send me as much information about yourself as you please. You can make it brimming with details and tell me about your reproductive life, any gynecologic problems you've had, your symptoms of peri-menopause, and your symptoms of post-menopause. You can include all your fears, concerns, and goals for your menopause management. You may also send me any labs, mammogram results, bone density results, etc. that you would like me to include in designing your protocol. For instance, if you want to adhere to a certain category of management options (herbs or diet & lifestyle, or whatever), you should tell me that. I would need all these things at least 1 week before your consultation with me.
3) I'll get busy creating a document that gives you all the education you need to understand absolutely everything, points put the pros and cons of each option, and tailors it all to YOU using the information you have provided. The document will be loooooong. Most are 25 - 30 pages.
4) I will send you the document by email at least 24 hours before your consultation. You will benefit greatly by reading it in advance. Light bulbs will go off like crazy, and if you're like most women, you'll feel that you've already gotten your money's worth.
5) During your consultation, we will review the document and address any issues you want to fine tune everything and determine your best options. I'll tell you exactly how to find the right kind of professional, how to have the conversation in order to get what you want, and the nuances of things like guidelines and insurance. I leave nothing unaddressed.
6) You will go to a professional of your choosing in order to get the actual hormones or whatever you choose to use.
7) After the first consultation, I'll hold your hand (forever if you want me to). In other words, you'll be able to schedule mini-consultations (15-minute or 30-minute, in addition to full consultations) whenever you need to. I'll keep records of your situation. Most women schedule mini-consultation whenever they go to the doctor and don't understand what he or she said, or why. I translate. I make sense of everything. Most schedule mini-consultation whenever they have a new test and they want me to explain the results. And all schedule mini-consultation whenever their situation changes and they need to re-weigh and balance their options.
The time you spend with me will make everything about working with any other professional so easy. And they will love the fact that you have an actual education rather than a bunch of misconceptions that you got form the Internet. If your initial hormone regimen is not right, you'll want to consult with me before going to your doctor. I can prepare you for what to expect and what to request.
So, that's my role. And nobody else on earth does this kind of thing but me. So, I hope you schedule a consultation and let me hold your hand (figuratively).
I hope to see you soon.
Great info. Still waiting for my hrt to fully kick in, I think. Question: is there something those of us who have opted to remain child free can/should do for breast health in menopause? I’ve read much recently against mammograms but promoting other screening methods, like ultra sound? (Since I have no family history, I’ve been lax on mammograms thru life, which sounds now like that may have been wise)
Also; if the thickening of the uterine lining can lead to cancer, but the progesterone stops us from shedding it with a period, shouldn’t we just let it go ahead and shed?
You have ALL of your facts completely wrong.
First: Mammograms:
You have misconstrued what you've read about mammograms being MORE DIFFICULT TO INTERPRET in women who have not had children and interpreted it for thinking that you should get mammograms.
That is entirely wrong.
You need to get mammograms to diagnose breast cancer early must like an there woman. They just may not be enough a all by themselves to fully assess your breasts
Here's why:
The mammogram is a "screening test." Its job is to determine if you need additional testing for any reason. The most common reason women need additional testing is simply because they can't see enough on the mammogram to be absolutely sure that there's nothing to worry about.
So, we use ultrasound, MRI, aspiration, or biopsy to get additional information.
DO NOT let the fact that you need additional testing freak you out or make you think you automatically have breast cancer. The most common reason a woman needs additional testing is simply because she has dense breast.
Now, you've probably heard of "fibrocystic disease."
There is no such thing as "fibrocystic DISEASE." Fibrocystic TISSUE is what all breasts consist of. It's the firm, shapely, sexy shape of your breasts that enables you to win the wet T-shirt contest when you're young. BUT, it makes reading a mammogram difficult. It's like trying to look through a glass of milk. So, it's very attractive. But, it's difficult to feel a tiny breast cancer through fibrocystic tissue when you do your breast exam. All those lumps get in the way of finding a mass that isn't just fibrocystic. But ... on mammogram, it's difficult to read. It's like trying to look through a glass of milk.
With pregnancies, breastfeeding, and aging, fibrocystic tissue is replaced with fatty tissue. Now, fatty tissue isn't nearly as sexy or firm. But, it's really easy to assess on mammogram. It's like looking through a glass of water. With pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging, that fibrocystic tissue turns into fatty tissue. And fatty tissue is saggy and soft. So, you can't win the wet T-shirt contest with fatty breasts. And on breast exam, it’s very easy to feel a hard mass in the midst of a bunch of squishy, soft fat. And, it's very clear on mammogram. It’s like looking through a glass of water. It's clear and easy to read.
It's very likely that your mammogram will be difficult to read because of dense breasts. In any case, BE GLAD to get additional testing. It will make it that more certain of avoiding missing anything.
Breasts consist of fibrocystic tissue. So, calling it a disease is like calling curly hair "curly hair disease." It's normal.
The bottom line is that you have interpreted what you read as an indication that you should get other tests INSTEAD of mammograms. But that's not correct. You may need to get other tests IN ADDITION TO mammograms.
Menopause Taylor I guess I was excited to eliminate possible unnecessary radiation. I tend to worry about that with all things, even dental, etc.
I understand. But don't avoid it to the point of failing to diagnose something more dire that you can treat early.
Where do you get calcium from on a plant based diet? From Which foods ?
Dr. Barbie, thank you for all the good you do with your videos, I really appreciate them. I have a question for you, I began HRT on november 2016 when I went to a GYN because I was begining menopause at age 51 and I was suffering with all the menopause symptoms. The doctor set me on PREMPO 0.3 mg/1.5mg. The hot flashes are gone but I still have problems with insomnia, fatigue, dryness and loss of scalp hair (almost bald😭)moodiness, no sex drive☹️(poor husband)... I return last January to the doctor's office for the annual checkup and told her what was going on and ask for a highter dose or another medication, she said that I need to go to a Family Practice doctor. to manage those symptoms because they were not cause by menopause. So, I am still taking PREMPO, same dose. What medication do you recommend? And can you recommend a GYN in Denver, Colorado? Thanks for the help
Your current gynecologist is incorrect in stating that your symptoms are not due to menopause. They are ALL due to menopause!
HOWEVER, there is more than one thing to discuss here:
(1) First, your dosage of Prempro is INADEQUATE to gain any of the benefits of the estrogen window (videos 80 -90). That means your HRT is not preventing heart attack, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer's disease. Your current estrogen dosage is only half of what it needs to be to accomplish any long-term benefits of preventing these diseases.
(2) Some of the symptoms you mentioned can be caused by other things IN ADDITION TO menopause. In other words, menopause can cause every one of your symptoms. But a thyroid problems can also cause some of the symptoms you listed.
So, you should do two things.
(1) You should find a gynecologist who specializes in menopause. Here's how:
Go to www.menopause.org (North American Menopause Society).
Click on the tab "For Women."
Click on the drop-down menu item "Find a Menopause Practitioner."
Put in your zip code.
All the menopause specialists near you will pop up.
(2) You should ALSO see an Internal Medicine doctor to have your thyroid evaluated. All it takes is a simple blood test. Thyroid issues occur in many women at the time of menopause. (I have hypothyroidism.)
You deserve to feel great.
Menopause Taylor Thanks so much for the response. My gynecologist thought it might be the thyroid too, but the test came back negative. Anyway, I checked the website you sent and I found several specialists and I'm going to make an appointment! Thanks again for your help, you are an angel 👼🏻
Good. Let me know what happens.
Dr Barbie, I am confused about something, if i am still cycling like clockwork at the age of 48, but have occasional hot flash(couple times a week), night sweat(maybe 2x a month), anxiety issues can i use hrt? I always thought nothing could be done until menopause happens, meaning period free for 12 months. And blood test for hormones accurate?
You can start HRT whenever you want. Or, you can continue taking birth control pills, which will alleviate your symptoms even better than HRT.
You do not have to wait for anything. Not labs, not absent periods, nada.
shannonlynnmomof3 Dr. Barbie, I am piggy backing on this post. I am exactly as Shannon, 49 with pretty regular periods, but ALLmthe menopause symptoms. So if we start birth control pills at almost 50, won’t cause me a stroke?.??!!!
Dear Barbie, this was an amazingly clarifying overview of estrogen effects on the whole body. Thank you so much!
At the end of the video you say, that you are not saying which kind of estrogen each woman should take, and I completely understand where you´re coming from (having seen all your previous videos so far ;-).
I just have a clarifying question on this: I am consulting with an alternative hormone specialist (trying out an alternative menopause management method for the next 6 months). I am 51 and just about to be menopausal by definition, since my last periode was 10 months ago. The natural hormone therapist, that I´m consulting, does not recommend taking Estradiol, and for that reason, she instead has adviced me to use bioidentical Estriol (1 mg pr. day) combined with progesterone gel (50 mg pr. day). So my question to you, is whether Estriol has the beneficial effects on the body, that you have checked off in the chart of this video? 🤔
There are 3 estrogens produced by the human female body:
1) EstrONE (E1), which is produced by fat cells. You still have it and it makes you fat.
2) EstraDIol (E2), which is produced by your ovaries. It prevents the symptoms of estrogen deficiency at menopause and prevents the diseases of estrogen deficiency. It's the only one you want back.
3) EsTRIol (E3), which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy for the sole benefit of the baby. It can help you just about as well as ou could wear the baby's clothes.
Your current provider knows nothing about menopause. You should schedule a consultation with me BEFORE you go to any practitioner so that you do not encounter pitfalls like this.
I love that beautiful color on you and yes I love estrogen. This helps thank you. My husband tried to complement my coffee saying it put hair on my chest. I said DON'T SAY THAT. It can possibly happen. He was a bit shocked and didn't know what to think when I explained why and he didn't know what to do with my response of laughter so I said I prefer to learn laugh manage and inform over freaking out. We can make it worthwhile and freak out about a whole lot of other stuff we research. We can joke about that stuff and try to wake people up as we all share this reality and menopause happens to every woman most of them completely uninformed as I was.
This is funny, and I love your response.
Hello Dr Taylor. Do you have any videos that discuss bleeding post menopausal on HRT with no pathological reason for it? My doctor is clueless and I need some information!!
This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.
Dr Taylor help...I wanted to give a try to HRT so my gp put me on Evorel Conti patches...I had to stop it after 1week as I was feeling pressure on my neck, ears and head in general ...also was feeling my abdomen like when I was having periods...what should I do ? try a lower dose or give up ?
Don't give up.Try a lower dosage, or a different brand or a different kind of HRT. The reason there are SO MANY options is because no two women are alike. One week is not long enough to assess any mind of hormone. The initial "symptoms" are no different than the first symptom of pregnancy. They may make you feel strange.
What, specifically, does estrogen do to decrease your risk for heat disease? If I’m eating a plant based diet and exercise regularly, does estrogen matter (in relation to the heart anyway)
Dr Barbie does your scalp love estrogen? I have PCOS and I get dandruff. I’m down to 1/2 an ovary because I had a 8 lb teratoma that killed my right ovary. Luckily, my surgeon was able to save 1/2 of my left ovary and my uterus. My left ovary also had 2 lbs of cysts. My surgeon removed those. Btw, I can confirm that my bladder loves estrogen because when I was recovering from surgery, my vagina became dry and I got two uti infections, incontinence and bladder nerve pain. I wish that I had known about keeping my vagina happy with estrogen for the sake of my bladder. My infections were treated but the nerve pain continued and I had to be put on Nortytriptyline and acupuncture for the nerve pain. I also take cranberry capsules to help prevent the infection from coming back.
Estrogen is a lubricant and moisturizer for your entire body. So, yes, your scalp loves estrogen. In some ways loss of estrogen makes everything "dry up": Your skin, eyes, hair, joints, bones, vagina.
Once again your video is very informative and eye opener. I am so excited to hear the relationship of pregnancies and breast cancer. I feel safer after having 9 pregnancies and nursing 8 children. By the way I love your blouse and youthful look. Thank you!
You see! Sometimes I tell you something that makes you happy!
Thank you for your ruffle compliment. I love ruffles.
No hair loss on my head but whiskers are visible, also brows is coarse
I just have to say that I am so thankful for you and these videos you are sharing. I have started with number one and I’m watching them in consecutive order. I do have one question concerning breast. Does having dense breast tissue cause any more concern with taking estrogen? I know that having the dense tissue makes it harder to see the cancer, but does estrogen cause a greater risk in forming cancer in dense tissue?
Kelly,
Dense breasts have no bearing on your eligibility for HRT. With HRT, you are merely replacing the very same hormones that your own ovaries used to produce. Your breasts respond to HRT in precisely the same way they responded to your own estrogen and progesterone.
@@MenopauseTaylor thank you so much for responding back. You are an answer to my prayers in all the searching I’ve been doing. Thank you!!!!
@@kellyharbin8987 You are so very welcome, my dear.
Barbra you look so young thanks for the information.Love to know what are you taking.i have been taking HRT you ten years I am 70 years now
Hi, it’s me again Dr. Barb...binge watching your videos so commenting as I think of questions. I just started on .5 mg Estradiol 2 days ago and have a migraine. I also did not sleep last night. Are these side effects normal when first starting? I’m almost 50, do not have my uterus and do have a history of migraines but have not had one in over two months so not thinking it’s a coincidence that I got one right after starting estrogen. I’m hoping these things get better as I’m excited about the benefits of estrogen and want to actually increase my dose to a disease preventing level. Thanks so much for your videos and your answers to my questions! P.S. you look gorgeous in this aqua blue color!
Some women do have "hormonal headaches," which are related i some way to their hormones. Most of the bothersome things about hormones do occur when you first start taking them, and most of them subside.
But, if you haven't had migraines before, or if you haven't had the evaluated before, you definitely need to do so.
Thank you for your reply! I talked to the nurse today and I’m actually supposed to only take the estrogen for 21 days every month. She said if I’m prone to migraines the day I stop could trigger a migraine so I’m wondering what your take is on just taking it every day without the 7 day stop. Is there any reason not to take it every day? I’ll be 50 in November, have no uterus and one ovary. Thank you!
This makes not sense whatsoever. Why in the world would you take it for only 21 days when you have no uterus, and when you will feel horrible on the days your skip it?
Menopause Taylor that’s what I wondered. I appreciate your thoughts on it. I’m not going to do it, I’m just going to stay on it. The nurse I spoke to even said stopping for that week could trigger a migraine and make me feel like I did when I was having my period. 🙀 when I asked her why 21 days she said something about mimicking my natural hormone fluctuations which really doesn’t make sense to me since normally estrogen is rising just the first 14 days of the cycle anyway. So exactly what is 21 days on 7 days off mimicking?. I agree with you, I have no uterus so I don’t need to worry about a thickening of the lining so I’m staying on it. Also, I’ve only taken 4 pills so far and my mood and hot flashes have already improved!!
I'm so glad you realize why mimicking a "cycle" makes absolutely no sense at all. The vast majority of professionals who provide menopause care really don't know what they're doing. That's why I'm teaching you directly. I want you to know how to get what you want and I want you to know when your provider is lacking in knowledge. I'm your advocate.
When you take estrogen and progesterone at menopause, does it mimic cycling or create a hate toward estrogen?
I do not understand your question.
Oh! A quick one, I thought I listened to one of your vids in regards to testosterone? Or did I? Reading some ladies need that as well during hrt? Considering DHEA for sex drive.
I covered testosterone in video 44.
Be sure to watch these videos in order, beginning with the first one. If you donutyou're really shooting yourself in the foot. Each video builds on the last. And I promise that you don't know what you don't know.
I’m an anal, neurotic, pedantic, perfectionistic surgeon. I put great time and energy into making sure I publish my videos in just the right order so that they are the most beneficial for you.
There is absolutely nothing willy-nilly about the order. I guess you could say that my menopause series as akin to “Menopause University.”
If you do watch my videos in order, you’ll get a real education. Then, you’ll discover that your doctor is so impressed that you can speak the language. And your appointments will be incredibly productive. You’ll know what you want and how to get it.
You owe it to yourself to take advantage of the fact that I’m so organized. I leave nothing to chance with your menopause education. Why would you throw that away by jumping into the series in the middle or watching the videos out of order? It’s like jumping into a mini-series in the middle of it. It’s so much better if you watch from the beginning.
I plan the videos 8 months before they air. I shoot then 4 months before they air, and I edit them 1 month before they air. That takes a lot of planning on my part, and you get the benefits of all that planning.
Okay, that’s the end of my begging. I hope you give yourself what you deserve.
Hi, Dr. Barbie. For an estradiol weekly patch (I'm thinking about asking for the Climara patch) you recommend .5mg/day. When I check my home delivery pharmacy online they have .05mg/day. This is not the same as what you recommend. The Climara patch only goes up to .1mg/day. There's no .5mg/day.
I erred. It's 0.5 mg/day. Your Climara is fine.
Menopause Taylor Thank you so much for getting back to me.
I'll always tell you when I'm wrong.
I heard it in a video somewhere but I can’t find it now. What is the average minimum amount of progesterone one needs to have to balance estrogen. I remember the number 4 but that’s all.
There is no such thing. You did not hear this from me. That's because it all depends on the KIND of estrogen and the KIND of progesterone. Be careful. Don't fall for this.
If you want me to help you make sure your estrogen and progesterone are balanced, just schedule a one-on-one consultation at MenopauseTaylor.ME. And if you haven't watched videos 80 - 90, do so (in order), and you'll discover the necessary dosages of both hormones for accomplishing the long-term goals of HRT.
Excellent as always. Thank you so much. What causes dense breast tissue and dilated duct?
Dense breasts are one thing. A dilated duct is another.
First, dense breasts:
Think of it like this:
You've heard the term "fibrocystic disease," right. Well, there is no such thing as "fibrocystic disease!"
Breasts consist of fibrocystic tissue. So, calling it a disease is like calling curly hair "curly hair disease." It's normal.
Fibrocystic tissue is naturally lumpy. And it's thick. It's the dense, firm, shapely stuff that makes your breasts so attractive when you're young. It's the stuff that wins the wet T-shirt contest. So, it's very attractive. But, it's difficult to feel a tiny breast cancer through fibrocystic tissue when you do your breast exam. All those lumps get in the way of finding a mass that isn't just fibrocystic. But ... on mammogram, it's difficult to read. It's like trying to look through a glass of milk.
The alternative to fibrocystic tissue is fatty tissue. With pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging, that fibrocystic tissue turns into fatty tissue. And fatty tissue is saggy and soft. So, you can't win the wet T-shirt contest with fatty breasts. And on breast exam, it’s very easy to feel a hard mass in the midst of a bunch of squishy, soft fat. And, it's very clear on mammogram. It’s like looking through a glass of water. It's clear and easy to read. Makes sense, doesn't it!
Now, dilated ducts?
Ducts ar the tracts that travel from your breast tissue to your nipple. They are the tubes through which milk travels out of your breasts when you breast feed.
If a duct is dilated, it may just be swollen. Or it may be an indication of changes in the cells lining the duct. It warrants evaluation to see what's going on. Make sure you get that evaluation.
Thank you so much Dr. Taylor for clearing that up for me. You are a miracle discovery on RUclips and anywhere else you speak. I look forward to every video on Tuesday and I have watched so many of your videos multiple times. Every woman in the world should have a doctor like you! God bless.
I hope every woman in the world takes advantage of this education I'm offering. That's my dream of a lifetime.
I applaud you for taking control of the rest offer life.
Never, ever thought bladder issues were due to estrogen loss! Handed down - Grandma to Mother to daughter - “Yes dear, it’s a problem as you get older due to having babies 😔”... With so much knowledge around ... yep - definitely forgot to communicate a basic to quality of life!!
I have discovered that, for the most part, mothers completely neglect to tell their daughters anything at all about menopause. Like I always say, "Menopause is THE most neglected topic on earth despite the fact that half the world's population spends half of their lives in the state of menopause."
How do the breast of noncycling women react to a steady supply of estrogen and progesterone?
So at peri menopause should I be taking estrogen patch with progesterone pill??
Nicole,
This is something that warrants a consultation. No two women are alike, so it requires tailoring all the options specifically to YOU. That's what I do in consultations, and you can schedule one at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I can't tailor anything to you in a comment box.
Is it still ok to take estrogen if you have had cyst drained of fluid but no cancer in the fluid?
Yes.
Your ovaries form some cysts as part of their normal function.
They form other cysts that aren't "normal," but aren't cancerous, either.
I am currently on an estrodiol patch 0.05mg, can I still use a vagina estrogen cream?
How does lack of estrogen cause a heart attack? Is it through high cholesterol or clogged veins? Why does low/no estrogen cause the heart attack? Thanks 🙏
I started estradiol patches a week ago. How long do they take to work?
Only your body can answer this question.
If you want my help knowing how your body will answer it, just schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME. There is much more to it than you can possibly imagine. I do all consultations online.
nice segue to MOOD lol
It's like a cliff-hanger in a mini-series, isn't it.
@@MenopauseTaylor you are soooo hilarious 😂
I'm sooooo looking into transdermal estrogen ♡♡♡♡♡
I'm so glad you're learning how to find what's best for YOU.
Hi Barbie
is HRT risky with uterine fibroids during peri and post menopause? My gyno refuses because of the unpredictable nature of HRT and fibroids. Confused about this as I was looking forward to jumping on the bandwagon during my estrogen window of opportunity.
HRT typically has no effect on fibroids.
Here's how you address things like this: What would you rather have: Alzheimers, osteoporosis, and a heart attack ... or fibroids?
40% of women have fibroids. It's no reason (or excuse) to forfeit HRT if you wish to gain the benefits it offers.
But remember, the PRIMARY reason to take HRT is for symptoms of menopause. Preventing diseases is just the SECONDARY perk. But many women care more about the secondary perk than the primary goal of alleviating their symptoms of menopause.
Menopause Taylor Thank you for your precious time & truth, Dr. Barbie. I live in France & according to La gyno, my « bleeding fibroids» would only become one big mess with hormone replacement once I hit post menopause. Is this what we call advice from the dark ages or cartésien thinking? I've almost convinced myself to undergo hysterectomy in order to become eligible for estrogen. A seminar in Houston sounds like the perfect solution at this stage... Thanks Dr. Barbie.
You are correct in feeling trapped between two schools of thought. However, most women with fibroids have no problem at all with HRT. But, if your doctor is against it, you'll have little support. If you can find a different doctor who is more amenable to this do so.
And I would absolutely LOVE for you come to a seminar here. Come in September!
Menopause Taylor Thank you, Dr Barbie. Investing in your live seminar sounds like a sound thing to do in September. I hope to be there!
There's an early bird special that lasts until March 31. Grab it!
As always, great information. I am 48 with so so many negative symptoms (of course) of peri menopause. My Ob/gyn gave me Duavee 0.45/20 mg to try (I have not taken them yet). I have regular periods every 26 - 28 days, 2 to 3 days of heavy bleeding. Couple concerns are, my aunt died (my dads sister) from breast cancer in her early 40’s and my mom was diagnosed last January with breast cancer, she is 72. Should I be concerned with taking Duavee? I am so confused. The possibility of Uterine cancer because I would not be taking progesterone along with this and the family history of breast cancer. I don’t quite understand SERMs and how they are to help. Thank you for your videos
One of the biggest misconceptions about breast cancer pertains to family history. Here you are, worrying because so many relatives had breast cancer. But, the fact is that only CERTAIN relatives have anything at all to do with your risk for breast cancer.
The ONLY relatives who influence your risk are your "Maternal, first-degree relatives." Who are they? Well, let's dissect them out:
(1) "Maternal" means that the ONLY relatives who matter are those on you MOTHER'S side of the family.
So, right there, you can forget about your paternal aunt (no disrespect intended). Only your mother is a "maternal relative." Your father's relatives don't count.
(2) "First-degree" means only those relatives that are immediately connected to you.
In other words, there is no one "between" you and that other individual.
So, your own MOTHER is a first-degree relative.
Your own daughter is a firs degree relative.
Your own sister is a first-degree relative (as long as she shares the same mother).
Your grandmother is NOT a first-degree relative. Your mother is "between" you and your grandmother.
Your aunt is NOT a first-degree relative. Your mother and grandmother are "between" you and your aunt.
So, there are only 3 "maternal; first-degree" relatives: Your MOTHER, your SISTER, and your DAUGHTER.
Isn't that wonderful? You should be so relieved.
This means that, of all the relatives you were including in your risk profile, the ONLY one who has any bearing at all on your risk is your own mother.
Then there's this misconception that if SOMEONE ELSE had breast cancer, YOU should not take estrogen. That's not true. Only if YOU YOURSELF had breast cancer is there any reason to avoid estrogen. And, even then, some women who have had breast cancer are still candidates for using estrogen. So there you have it. I hope you feel relieved.
There are so many misconceptions about estrogen and breast cancer that confuse women. Here are the facts: Your breasts have ALWAYS responded to hormones. They grew at puberty because of hormones. You had breast pain and breast growth during pregnancy because of hormones. You had breast swelling and breast pain with PMS because of hormones. So, your breasts are supposed to respond to hormones.
Few women know the real risk factors for breast cancer. Here they are:
1) Personal history of breast cancer
2) Family history of breast cancer ... BUT, the ONLY relatives that contribute in any way to this risk are your MATERNAL, FIRST-DEGREE relatives. That means, only your mother, your sister, and your daughter. That's it. No one else matters. And your sister has to have your same mother. None of your father's relatives have anything to do with your risk for breast cancer.
3) Age: Your risk increases with age, period!
4) Age at the time of your 1st full-term pregnancy. The older you were, the greater your risk.
5) Number of pregnancies. The fewer you've had, the greater your risk.
6) Age at which you had your first period. The younger you were, the greater your risk.
7) Age at which you began post-menopause. The older you were, the greater your risk.
NOTE: Factors 4 - 7 are all about only one thing: The number of menstrual periods you've had in your lifetime. The more you've had, the greater your risk, period! Now, think about how ironic that is. The women who have had the highest levels of estrogen are the women who have had the most pregnancies. Yet, they are the women with the lowest risks of breast cancer. If estrogen caused breast cancer, the reverse would be true.
8) Smoking
9) Activity level. The less active you are, the higher your risk.
10) Body weight. The heavier you are, there greater your risk.
11) Diet. The more fat (animal fat) in your diet, the greater your risk.
12) Benign breast disease. This is simply because it makes it more difficult to diagnose breast cancer.
13) Alcohol consumption. Those 2 glasses of red wine per day that decrease a heart attack increase your risk for breast cancer.
14) Exposure to intense radiation, like radiation therapy.
15) Dense breasts, which are characteristic of women who have not had children.
Okay, so putting this into perspective, most of what you've heard about estrogen causing breast cancer is untrue.
Not only do women spread that misinformation among themselves, the WHI study that came out in 2002 had findings that you never heard about. Here's what you did not hear about the WHI study: The women who took estrogen all by itself (because they did not have their uteri) had lower rates of breast cancer. That's another piece of evidence that supports the fact that it's the CYCLES of estrogen AND progesterone that increases your risk for breast cancer, not estrogen all by itself.
Knowing these facts can help you so much. Here's what you're left with: Taking HRT will help prevent (1) heart attack, (2) osteoporosis, and (3) Alzheimer's. Taking HRT does not cause breast cancer. If you don't take HRT, and you get one of these other diseases, as well as all the symptoms of menopause, will that make you happier, or not?
Thinking about this will help you arrive at your answer. I think knowing the facts and being able to weigh them for yourself is the most important thing of all. You CAN take estrogen. NO one ever said YOU can't take estrogen if SOMEONE ELSE in your family had breast cancer. That's one of those things that has been extrapolated by fear.
Now for Duavee:
The unique thing about Duavee is that the estrogen dosage is very low. By itself, it's too low to alleviate your symptoms or to prevent the diseases associated with menopause.
As you learned in videos 34 & 35, SERMs are non-hormonal products that have some of the characteristics of estrogen. As such, they can "Park" in estrogen-only parking spots, taking up spaces that would normally be occupied by estrogen. The combination of those two ingredients makes it such that Duavee is not considered risky for causing uterine cancer.
But, Duavee is new. It's the only drug of its type. In al other instances, you do have to take progesterone if you take estrogen.
I believe that peace of mind is everything. And your comfort level is a big component of your peace of mind. You also have to realize that, because you are still having periods, you don't need to take progesterone. You're still producing it yourself.
When you stop having periods completely, you may need to take progesterone.
I hope this helps.
Menopause Taylor Thank you for your quick response and the time to explain. I appreciate it so much. I have always had a “fear” of getting cancer because of my aunt and then my mom was diagnosed... so it completely overwhelmed me. I have said several times to friends and my husband that I feel like I am “doomed” to get cancer. I know, ridiculous!!
My moms cancer was HER2 neg.
As for pregnancy, I was blessed with one beautiful daughter.
I do have dense breasts and have had to have an ultrasound to rule out a possible lump (nothing was found)!
I am a former smoker and I could defiantly exercise more. I have never ever liked to though. I am maybe 8 pounds over weight. I do feel better when I do yoga. I just loved your video and inspired me to keep on going. I may never get passed the “beginner”.
You mentioned that Duavee being such a low dosage wouldn’t help with my symptoms or help prevent diseases associated, so I am wondering if I should just not take it. Or will I need a higher dose? I am sure I am just confusing myself with over thinking things.
My gynecologist did say that is is a very low dose and wanted to see me back in 3 weeks to see if it was helping.
Thank you very much for your help and I look forward to your next video!
Duavee is good for preventing osteoporosis. That's it! It is not designed to alleviate your symptoms of menopause. However, some women have fewer hot flashes and less vaginal dryness on it.
Do not confuse Duavee (which is a SERM - Videos 34 & 35) with estrogen, which is the hormone your body craves.
If your goal is to accomplish anything other than preventing osteoporosis, Duavee isn't enough.
Love watching your posts. Thank you for all of your information. Questions. . . . what type of medical specialist should I seek in order to get my hormones (estrogen/progesterone) checked???? what is your beauty routine???? your skin looks marvelous. Please let me know. This is very important to me.
First of all, you do not have to get your hormones checked unless you use want to.
Remember, menopause is puberty in reverse. Did you have to get a blood test to "diagnose" or "prove" puberty? No. And you don't have to for menopause, either.
While it's an academic exercise, and may be interesting to know your hormone values, it can cause problems. For instance, peri-menopause is when your progesterone is low, but your estrogen is high (videos 10, 74, 75, 76) But the whole reason you feel so lousy is because all your hormones are on a rollercoaster! They're up, then down, then out of balance, etc.
But a blood test is only a single snapshot in time.
If your blood test shows that your hormones are "normal," but you feel horrible ... your doctor could say that nothing is wrong.
This happens to some all the time. Their lives are upside-down with all the symptoms, but the bloodworm is fine. And they get the door shut in there faces all because they got they hormones tested.
I believe YOU more than I believe any lab result. You life consists of many things other than just your hormone levels, You have stress, relationships to manage, kids, a husband elderly parents, etc. No lab takes all that into account.
For your menopause management, use a GYNECOLOGIST. Not a Family Practitioner, General practitioner, or Internist. Why? Because we only get about an hour of education win menopause in medical school, And the only physicians who study it in more depth that=n that are gynecologists, who do a 4 year residency in just gynecology. Why would you work with someone who only knows the basics then you could work with a menopause expert?
So, try to find a gynecologist who specializes in menopause. Here's how:
Go to www.menopause.org (North American Menopause Society).
Click on the tab "For Women."
Click on the drop-down menu item "Find a Menopause Practitioner."
Put in your zip code.
All the menopause specialists near you will pop up.
Now, for my beauty routine. You're going to be really disappointed. I use Cetaphil lotion and Vaseline. I don't wear make-up (to the horror of all people who do, & to everyone who goes in front of a camera). I wear hats. And I've been a vegan for 43 years.
Thank you for the compliment.
Barbie's skin secret is-----
She never let go off estrogen
Period !!!! ( In my opinion )
☺☺👍👌💐💐
You're funny!
Good afternoon Dr Barbie.....I love your beautiful romantic blouse!
Where did you purchase this....if in the states?
Thank you, Angel. I bought it online at Pyramid Collection.
Menopause Taylor thank you Dr Barbie 😊
I’ve just found your series on RUclips and am slowly starting at the beginning. I’m turning 46 shortly and despite regular monthly periods and what I thought was horrific PMS, I actually think I am starting perimenopause. I feel like I have lost complete control of my emotions, I cannot regulate my moods, I cannot control my internal temperature, and I am so tired all the time but I cannot sleep.The best days for me are during and directly after my period but I plummet quickly to the point where I cannot cope with life. I take 40 mg of Cipralex daily to try to help with anxiety and depression. Is it possible to be in perimenopause and have all these horrible symptoms but still menstruate like clockwork? Anyhow, thank you for these videos - I feel like it may actually be possible that I am not losing my mind after all -just my estrogen! 😂
Your situation is classic. Yes! You can be peri-menopausal and experience all of these symptoms. Start at video 1 and watch them all in order. You will understand absolutely everything.
However, realize that it will take years to get this whole education through videos alone. You need it NOW. So, consider coming to a seminar (next one September 22 & 23), where you will get the entire education in just two days. Yes, it's two full days, And its the best investment you'll ever make in yourself. There's an early bird special until March 31. Just got my website (www. MenopauseTaylor.ME) to see it and all the other resources I have to help you with your menopause.
If a seminar isn't possible, you can get the seminar on DVD. Or you can get my menopause book. I cater to all learning styles, timelines, and budgets.
I'm all about education ... the education you deserve. I have no panacea product to sell you, and I don't have a particular "angle." I'll help you with everything, no matter how you want to manage your menopause. I'm the only person on the planet educating like this.
I need to estrogen bath bomb to drop into my bathtub 😂😂😂 again ! Great info ! I feel like I know so much and every time I see a woman complain about her weight gain, hair, joints .... in my mind I’m like - “you need estrogen !” 😊
You are starting to become a diagnostician. You see, once you know this information, you can see clearly what's happening to the women around you.
I recently started using estrogen patches and have now developed breast tenderness. I don't want to stop using my estrogen, it makes me feel so good otherwise. Do you think the tenderness will get better with continued use? I have lumpy fibrocystic breasts and just wonder if it's a cause for concern.
Your breasts have ALWAYS responded to hormones. That’s what they’re supposed to do. Although we attribute a lot of sexuality and vanity to our breast, the only reason we have them is for purposes of breastfeeding (just like all the other mammals).
So, when you first started producing hormones at puberty, you grew breasts.
Then, your breasts hurt every month just before your period ... because of hormones.
When you first got pregnant, your breasts hurt ... because of hormones.
Why would they respond any differently with HRT? Of course they’re going to hurt. But breast pain has absolutely nothing to do with breast cancer. Usually, the pain is temporary, while your body gets used to the hormones (just like it was during early pregnancy).
Makes sense, doesn't it?
@@MenopauseTaylor Yes it certainly does, thank you for the reassurance :)
And I hope you're relieved a bit.
what happens if we have missed the window between5 : 10
Have a consultation with me, Kokilla. Every situation is different. And you really need to weigh all your pros and cons. That's what I'll do with you in a consultation. It's impossible to do it here in this comment box.
So, if you want a consultation, here's how it works:
I'm in the business of educating you about everything you need to know and do in order to get exactly what you want for managing your menopause your way. So, here's how a consultation works:
1) You would schedule a one-on-one consultation at my website, MenopauseTaylor.ME, choosing a time that is convenient for you. I do consultations on Skype, FaceTime. Facebook Messenger, What’s App, and the phone.
2) I would send you an email to confirm that you are scheduled for the stated time, and invite you to send me as much information about yourself as you please. You can make it brimming with details and tell me about your reproductive life, any gynecologic problems you've had, your symptoms of peri-menopause, and your symptoms of post-menopause. You can include all your fears, concerns, and goals for your menopause management. You may also send me any labs, mammogram results, bone density results, etc. that you would like me to include in designing your protocol. For instance, if you want to adhere to a certain category of management options (herbs or diet & lifestyle, or whatever), you should tell me that. I will give you a deadline for sending all materials, and will not accept anything after that date.
3) I'll get busy creating a document that gives you all the education you need to understand absolutely everything, points out the pros and cons of each option, and tailors it all to YOU, using the information you have provided. The document will be loooooong. Most are over 30 pages.
4) I will send you the document by email 72 hours before your consultation. You will benefit greatly by reading it in advance. Light bulbs will go off like crazy, and if you're like most women, you'll feel that you've already gotten your money's worth.
5) During your consultation, we will review the document and address any issues you want in order to fine tune everything and determine your best options. I'll tell you exactly how to find the right kind of professional, how to have the conversation in order to get what you want, and the nuances of things like guidelines and insurance. I leave nothing unaddressed.
6) You will go to a professional of your choosing in order to get the actual hormones or whatever you choose to use.
7) After the first consultation, I'll hold your hand (forever if you want me to). In other words, you'll be able to schedule mini-consultations (15-minute or 30-minute, in addition to full consultations) whenever you need to. I'll keep records of your situation. Most women schedule mini-consultation whenever they go to the doctor and don't understand what he or she said, or why. I translate. I make sense of everything. Most schedule mini-consultation whenever they have a new test and they want me to explain the results. And all schedule mini-consultation whenever their situation changes and they need to re-weigh and re-balance their options.
The time you spend with me will make everything about working with any other professional so easy. And they will love the fact that you have an actual education rather than a bunch of misconceptions that you got from the Internet. If your initial hormone regimen is not right, you'll want to consult with me before going to your doctor. I can prepare you for what to expect and what to request.
So, that's my role. And nobody else on earth does this kind of thing but me. So, I hope you schedule a consultation and let me hold your hand (figuratively).
I hope to meet you soon!
So what about women that have their ovaries, but no uterus. Partial hysterectomy...how do you know when you are post menopause if you havent had a period in 7/8 years?
When should we start taking estergen
First, "partial hysterectomy" does NOT mean leaving the ovaries in place. You need to watch video 8.
And there are 21 other symptoms of menopause (video 11). And there are diagnostic tests for menopause, should you require one (video 12).
This whole series is designed for you to start at the beginning and watch the videos in order, If you don't so that, good luck. You're shooting yourself in the foot.
I’m going to do a little begging: Please, please, go all the way back to Video 1 and watch them from the beginning. Here’s why: I’m an anal, neurotic, pedantic, perfectionistic surgeon. I put great time and energy into making sure I publish my videos in just the right order so that they are the most beneficial for you.
There is absolutely nothing willy-nilly about the order. I guess you could say that my menopause series as akin to “Menopause University.”
I start with Video #1, assuming you know absolutely nothing. And I do not mean that as an insult. The fact is, you don’t know what you don’t know. And, if you start at the beginning, you’ll be shocked at what you thought you knew, but don’t.
These videos are like building blocks. Each video builds on the last. Think of it like this: If you didn’t know the alphabet, could you read? No. Well, if you don’t know the foundation on the topic of menopause, you can’t possibly make sense of it. So, first I teach you the alphabet and then I teach you how to read.
Most women think they know the “alphabet” of menopause, but when they watch my videos in order, beginning with the very first one, they realize that the vast majority of what they thought they knew is misinformation.
That’s why visits with your doctor can seem so unproductive and curt. You don’t speak the language of menopause. Your doctor doesn’t have time to teach you the alphabet, how to read, or how to speak the language. So, most of your time face-to-face with any professional is unfruitful.
If you do watch my videos in order, you’ll get a real education. Then, you’ll discover that your doctor is so impressed that you can speak the language. And your appointments will be incredibly productive. You’ll know what you want and how to get it.
You owe it to yourself to take advantage of the fact that I’m so organized. I leave nothing to chance with your menopause education. Why would you throw that away by jumping into the series in the middle or watching the videos out of order? It’s like jumping into a mini-series in the middle of it. It’s so much better if you watch from the beginning.
I plan the videos 8 months before they air. I shoot then 4 months before they air, and I edit them 1 month before they air. That takes a lot of planning on my part, and you get the benefits of all that planning.
Okay, that’s the end of my begging. I hope you give yourself what you deserve.
If the videos cover the information too slowly (one each week, with over 1000 planned), you should go to my website (MenopauseTaylor.ME) to see the other resources I have available for you. My goal is to provide you with every educational option regardless of your timeline, learning style, or budget.
So, if you need this education pronto, the best thing to do is attend my two-day seminar. If that's not your cup of tea, you can get the seminar on DVD. OR you can get my Menopause book.
Menopause Taylor thank you!
love your series, thank you so much for providing all this info! I am 53 and had my period 3 x last year and after 2 years of horrid hot flashes and depression I went to the obgyn to get HRT, she put me on the pill instead. I don't want go back and have periods! Do I see another doc or what is the point of the pill at this stage? when can I switch to HRT?
You can take your birth control in a "continuous" manner and avoid having periods. I taught you all about this is video 41. If you're not watching these videos in order, beginning with the first one, you're really shooting yourself in the foot.
A "cyclic" regimen, where you take hormones for a certain number of days and then take your fake pills, results in a period when you take the fakes.
A "continuous" regimen is where you take the active pills every single day never using the fake pills. That prevents your uterine lining from ever getting thick in the first place, which means there's nothing to shed, which means you never have a period.
You can take HRT either way, too.
As I've explained in previous videos (41, 42, 43), the difference in birth control and HRT is that birth control is higher dosages than HRT. That's great when you're in the early years of post-menopause or when you're peri-menopausal & can still get pregnant.
HRT is lower in dosage, which means you do not get any birth control from it. And it may not be enough to alleviate your symptoms of menopause.
Please, please, give yourself the education you deserve by watching these in order. You'll be shocked at what you don't know. You don't know what you don't know!
You mentioned that the estrogen helps metabolism. I’ve lost a significant amount of weight since hitting menopause, I’m struggling to keep weight on, no tests are detecting an issue with anything wrong with me and I’ve had loads of testing.
You definitely need a consultation with me. I can see that you're watching my videos randomly, and that will only sabotage your menopause education.
All through my years before menopause I always had to pluck a couple of dark hairs around my nipples. Once I hit menopause, no more dark hairs. I take bioidentical hormone pellets and still none, even though I have some pesky chin hairs that I pluck. I'm not complaining about the nipple hairs not being there but wondered why I had them before and now I don't.
Oh, I am so sorry for this tardy reply. The RUclips comments on my end are supposed to line up all the new ones so that I don’t have to search for them one-video-at-a-time. And most of the time, it works. But occasionally (as in this case), a comment doesn’t appear in the line-up. I apologize profusely for the delay. Every so often, I scan back through old videos to see if there are any I haven’t answered. And, I found this one!
Dark hairs are due to testosterone. Your testosterone levels do not decrease until about two years after post-menopause. You probably had them at a time when your testosterone was still high, but your estrogen was already gone.
@@MenopauseTaylorI’ve had the randomly appearing black nipple hair, that’s from having more testosterone than estrogen? I have >15 estradiol and 52 total estrogen. Testosterone was low “normal”.
@@pointmetoparadise808 I can only tailor things specifically to YOU in a consultation.
Menopause Barbie if it's the case that your breasts love estrogen but not with progesterone what is the balance after menopause of estrogen and progesterone you need one with the other if you have a uterus so I don't understand.
Diane,
One of the most basic things you will learn from this education is that everything, absolutely everything has trade-offs. So you have to maximize the benefits of your options and minimize the risks.
So, if you have your uterus, you have to take progesterone to prevent uterine cancer.
But, at the same time, progesterone increases your risk of breast cancer. That's just something you have to accept.
If you do not have your uterus, or if you've had a uterine ablation to destroy the lining of your uterus, you do not have to take progesterone.
On this matter, women without a uterus definitely have an advantage.
I recently saw a gyno, it was my 1st time meeting her. I asked her about Estrogen. I am pushing a year of not having a period. I am 57. She said it's not a good idea because it has negative data and it can give blood clots. I did ask, how long has she been a gyno, she replied, 2 years. She was an NP prior to that in emergency rooms. She may have been in her earlies 40s and perhaps don't know how terrible menopause is, maybe. I have sleep issues, flashes, and worse issues I feel. I ended up in the hospital last week with my blood pressure over 200 which I don't have a history of HP. I'm active and take good care of myself..... I did ask her if she can please since she was shooting it down to check my levels. She agreed and ordered blood work to be done. Not sure how I can handle this with her..
Sandra,
Schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I will make sure you know everything, and I will school you in precisely how to interact with your doctor. In essence, I'll help you avoid assorts of pitfalls & burned bridges.
Does the cervix love or hate estrogen?
Your cervix doesn't give a hoot about estrogen. It does not respond to hormones. It's nothing but a door to your uterus. Watch video 7 to learn about the anatomy. I use a bagel to demonstrate what your cervix looks like and how it functions.
So Dr.Taylor, it seems that we’re in a pickle if our uterus hates progesterone, but we need it if on estrogen 🤔
You should schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME to address this I can help you with your options and make it so much easier.
17:46 This is something I was wondering about hrt, the cyclical nature of estrogen and progesterone. If you use both estrogen and progesterone you are having both in the body at the same time. When in nature it is cyclical during reproductive years. It is not natural for both hormones to be high in the body at one time. How do we deal with this? Thanks 🙏
Julie,
Your question makes no sense. I thing you really need to go back to video #1 and watch these videos in order.
@@MenopauseTaylor Sorry Dr Taylor. You are right. I have been watching them in order. But then have been skipping ahead (naughty naughty) for some subjects bcs I have an appointment with obgyn next week and I need to know certain questions for the appointment, and didn’t have time to watch in order. The main thing I was wanting to know, is in productive years estrogen and progesterone are not present in the body at the same time at their highest levels. Given this scenario, how much progesterone should you use for menopause hrt? Bcs estrogen and progesterone are in the body at the same time for hrt. Thanks 🙏. Will go back and watch in order as much as possible before appointment. Thank you 🙏
@@juliewestron5260 My dear,
There is no way I can help you like this. It would be best to postpone the appointment with your doctor, and have a consultation with me first. That will ensure that you do not burn your bridges. And I will school you in precisely HOW to have the conversation with your doctor. There is waaaaaaaay more to all this than you can possibly imagine ... or get from a few videos or in a comment box.
@@MenopauseTaylor thank you so much! Do you work on a sliding scale? Would one appointment get me set up? Can you prescribe hormones from our appointment? Thanks 🙏🙏💜
@@juliewestron5260 I do not use a sliding scale. You schedule consultations when you need them, given the fact you're not a robot, and will evolve over the course of your menopausal life.
As I am no longer in the active practice of Ob/Gyn, I will not prescribe anything. But I will address what your options are and make sure you know precisely what to request from your doctor.
Hi Dr. Barbie, very informative as always! A friend of mine had a uterus surgically removed 12 years ago, when she was 38. This year she started a HRT and a doctor prescribed a drug which contains both estrogen & progesterone. I was surprised and asked her: “Why? I thought you would be a great candidate for estrogen only treatment.” She was explained by the doctor “to prevent a breast cancer”. Does it mean the doctor was incorrect since breasts love estrogen only? Why does she need progesterone if she’s got no uterus?
You are correct, and the doctor is wrong. Estrogen alone has a lower risk for breast cancer than estrogen and progesterone together. What kind of doctor is it?
If it's an Internist, Family Practitioner, or General Practitioner, its a perfect example of why you should only use a gynecologist (and preferably one who specializes in menopause) for menopause management. I hear things like this all the time.
The education on menopause among medical professionals is atrocious! That's why I'm doing what I'm doing.
If you watch all my videos in ORDER, starting with video 1, there's no way you won't understand everything. And, as you've seen first-hand, many professionals are blatantly incorrect in the information they give you.
PROGESTERONE is the hormone of pregnancy. "Pro - gester-one" literally means "hormone of pregnancy.
(Videos 9 & 36).
Pro = In support of
Gest = Pregnancy (gestation)
One = Hormone
Progesterone belongs to the baby!
There are three sex hormones: Testosterone, Estrogen, and Progesterone. The three hormones are like The Three Bears. You know how each bear had his or her own bed, chair, & porridge? Well, each hormone belongs to only one member of the family, just like each bed, chair, & porridge.
Testosterone is the male hormone. It belongs to Papa Bear. Estrogen is the female hormone. It belongs to Mama Bear. Progesterone is the hormone of pregnancy. It belongs to Baby Bear.
So, progesterone is NOT YOUR hormone. It's the baby's hormone.
The ONLY reason you produce progesterone or ever needed progesterone was to support a pregnancy.
While you have all three in your body, the one that your body depends on more than anything is ESTROGEN. Estrogen has bathed all the cells in your body since before you were born. It has made you you. That's why you feel so awful when it disappears.
Progesterone’s only purpose before menopause is to support a pregnancy. Other than that, it has no other function. So, contrary to what most people assume, progesterone is not your hormone. It's for the baby.
Each month, during your menstrual cycles, estrogen thickens the lining inside your uterus and progesterone keeps it thick and ready to cushion a baby should you get pregnant. If you don’t get pregnant, progesterone drops, making the thick uterine lining shed.
Now that you're facing menopause, the ONLY reason to take progesterone is to protect your uterus from uterine cancer. Period.
If you do not have your uterus, there's no reason whatsoever to take progesterone. And progesterone is the hormone that makes women feel yucky. It's the hormone that gives you all those awful symptoms of early pregnancy (nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, acne, depression). And it's the hormone of PMS (moodiness, depression, bloating, cravings,etc.)
If you choose to take estrogen, you'll need to take progesterone with it to protect your uterus from uterine cancer.
Hi Dr. Barbie, are there any publicly available reading material on this subject? I mean how estrogen only and estrogen+progesterone affects breast cancer? Internet is full of .... how to put it nicely, contradicting info. Can you imagine a feedback I would get from a local Gynecologist if I say: “Sorry, doc, but you know s**t”. Any reference would be greatly appreciated.
I understand. You get mixed messages because many of the professionals giving you menopause care don't know the facts. That's why I'm here for you.
Just know that we only get about an hour of menopause education in medical school. Gynecologists are the only physicians who get more than that. We do a four-year residency training, much of which is menopause. Even with all that, there are some gynecologists who are misinformed.
If you can find a menopause specialist, manage your menopause with him or her.
If you live in North America, you might have a menopause specialist near you. Here's how you can find one:
Go to www.menopause.org (North American Menopause Society).
Click on the tab "For Women."
Click on the drop-down menu item "Find a Menopause Practitioner."
Put in your zip code.
All the menopause specialists near you will pop up.
You need to quote the WHI study. It's responsible for all the "controversy," when, in fact, there really isn't a "controversy."
The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) has had more impact on menopause and hormone therapy than any other study in the history of research on the topic. Although the study results were reported in 2002, few women (or doctors) are aware of the true facts about that study. Most know only what the media reported. And, unfortunately, the distorted reporting has created fear and confusion ever since.
Here are the facts:
The purpose of the WHI was to answer the question: How well does hormone therapy PREVENT:
Heart attacks
Blood clots
Breast cancer
Osteoporosis
Colon cancer
Stop right there! Already, you should be thinking, “Wait a minute! Is that what most women take HRT for?” And the answer is “No.”
The PRIMARY use of HRT is for alleviating the symptoms of menopause.
The SECONDARY PERKS of HRT for women using it to prevent symptoms of menopause is that it also prevents heart attack, osteoporosis, & Alzheimer’s Disease IF they take it early (first 5 - 10 years) in their post-menopause.
So, the WHI did not assess the use of HRT for menopause at all. I assessed the use of HRT for a completely different purpose than its primary purpose.
The study was designed at assess whether hormones PREVENTED diseases. But, somehow, the researchers lost sight of what they were studying, and instead reported the HRT CSAUSED diseases. Research doesn’t work that way. You can’t switch gears mid-study and go from studying prevention to cause. They are two completely different things requiring completely different study designs.
Now consider the population of women in the study. WHI studies 10,000 women. Their average age was 63. These 63-year old women were considered “healthy.” However, 50% were smokers; 33% were overweight; 33% had high blood pressure; 4% had diabetes.
Again, you should be saying, “Wait a minute!” Women who take HRT for their symptoms of menopause aren’t an average of 63 years old! They’re an average of 51 years old. And, because they’re only in their early 50s, and have just begun post-menopause, they’re healthy.
The mere fact that the women in the study were older made it automatic that they were at higher risk for all diseases.
The other thing the WHI study did was eliminate all women with severe symptoms of menopause.
Once again, you should be saying, “Wait a minute! That the very group of women who would need to take HRT in the first place. Nine out of every ten women who take HRT do so for the symptoms of menopause.
The planned duration of the study was 8.5 years, and there were two arms of the study:
1) The Estrogen + Progesterone Group, which consisted of women aged 50 - 70, who still had their uteri. They received either Estrogen + Progesterone or placebo.
2) The Estrogen Only Group, which consisted of women aged 50 - 70, who no longer had their uteri. They received either Estrogen Only or placebo.
Group 1 (Estrogen + Progesterone) was discontinued after 5.2 years. The researchers said they discontinued the study because Estrogen + Progesterone did not prevent disease, but instead CAUSED them.
The media reported that “the risks of Estrogen + Progesterone outweighed the benefits of Estrogen + Progesterone.” They neglected to mention that it was a study on prevention of disease rather than on HRT for the symptoms of menopause. In other words, they generalized the results to ALL uses of HRT, without distinguishing between the primary and secondary uses.
The media also reported “There was a 100% increased risk of blood clots in the women taking Estrogen + Progesterone.”
Now, what does “a 100% increased risk” mean to you? Does it make you want to flush your hormones down the toilet?
Let me translate the study finding into real numbers for you:
The “100% increase in blood clots” meant that, instead of 8 women / 10,000 / year having a blood clot, 16 women / 10,000 / / year had a blood clot.
So, does 16 instead of 8 scare you as much as 100%?
Here’s what the media reported: E+P Here’s the real numbers: E+P caused
Increased blood clots 100% 8 more blood clots /10,000 / year
Increased strokes 100% 8 more strokes /10,000 / year
Increased heart attacks 100% 7 more heart attacks /10,000 / year
Increased breast cancer 100% 8 breast cancers /10,000 / year
And you never heard about the beneficial results of Estrogen + Progesterone, which were as follows:
The media failed to report that E+P Here’s the real numbers: E+P resulted in
Decreased colon cancer 37% 6 fewer colon cancers /10,000 / year
Decreased hip fractures 33% 5 fewer hip fractures /10,000 / year
Decreased all fractures 24% 4 fewer fractures /10,000 / year
Group 2 (Estrogen Only) was discontinued after 6.8 years, although there was no demonstration that the risks of Estrogen alone outweighed the benefits.
The actual findings of that arm of the study were as follows:
The risk of heart attack in women aged 50 - 59 was decreased by 50%.
The risk of stroke in women aged 50 - 59 was only slightly increased.
The risk of blood clots increased with estrogen & with age (as you’d expect).
The risk of breast cancer was decreased at all ages.
The risk of colon cancer was decreased in women younger than age 70.
There was an overall decrease in the risk of fractures
The media reports resulted in 40% of all postmenopausal women discontinuing all hormones. It also resulted in fear or prescribing hormones by physicians. And it created misconceptions that still haunt women today.
The WHI has been re-studied and reanalyzed for the last 16 years. And, guess what? We’re right back where we started! We know that HRT is beneficial for women in their first 5 - 10 years of post-menopause for alleviating the symptoms of menopause (Primary use), and that a secondary perk is that they get the additional benefit of decreasing their risks of heart attack, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s.
But it all depends on timing (i.e. The ESTROGEN WINDOW).
There are not “conflicting views” on this. Just fear, trepidation, and lack of updated education on the parts of patients and physicians. I’ve given you the facts. That’s what you always deserved in the first place.
There is no better study or resource for you to quote. And I've translated it here in to a language you can understand.
Thankyou Dr. My question is about breast cancer risk. Mother and sister no history. When I do the risk calculator I come out high because I started at 11. I carried 2 babies to term who breastfed 3 years each. However, what puzzles me is the calculator assumes 28 day cycle where my periods have always been 31days (or thereabouts). Therefore is my risk lower as I technically have had fewer periods than the calculator suggests? And I’m not silly enough to rely on an “average” calculator to assess my risk, I’m curious about if longer cycles are potentially associated with less or more of a risk. 💋
It's all about how many cycles you've had in your lifetime. So, a 31-day cycle would add up to a few fewer cycles.
You can actually calculate your "Menstrual Life":
1) (Age at menopause - Age at first period) X 13
13 is the number of periods you have in a year if they are every 28 days
2) Subtract fron 1) the number of months you breast fed.
3) Subtract from 1) the number of months you were pregnant.
An answer less then 350 cycles in your lifetime is low risk.
An answer between 350 - 450 cycles in your lifetime is high risk.
An answer greater than 450 cycles in your lifetime is very high risk.
With cycles every 31 days, you had only 12 periods each year. Your risk range will probably not change significantly if you use 12 instead of 13 for the number of periods you have in a year.
Menopause Taylor - thankyou! You confirmed what I thought, I’m still in the high category. This is really interesting as I always assumed I would have been low risk (healthy lifestyle factors and no family history) so the calculator is a different perspective and food for thought. 💋
There are many risk factors for breast cancer. What the calculator does is assess them as a whole. Here they are:
1) Personal history of breast cancer
2) Family history of breast cancer ... BUT, the ONLY relatives that contribute in any way to this risk are your MATERNAL, FIRST-DEGREE relatives. That means, only your mother, your sister, and your daughter. That's it. No one else matters. And your sister has to have your same mother. None of your father's relatives have anything to do with your risk for breast cancer.
3) Age: Your risk increases with age, period!
4) Age at the time of your 1st full-term pregnancy. The older you were, the greater your risk.
5) Number of pregnancies. The fewer you've had, the greater your risk.
6) Age at which you had your first period. The younger you were, the greater your risk.
7) Age at which you began post-menopause. The older you were, the greater your risk.
NOTE: Factors 4 - 7 are all about only one thing: The number of menstrual periods you've had in your lifetime. The more you've had, the greater your risk, period! Now, think about how ironic that is. The women who have had the highest levels of estrogen are the women who have had the most pregnancies. Yet, they are the women with the lowest risks of breast cancer. If estrogen caused breast cancer, the reverse would be true.
8) Smoking
9) Activity level. The less active you are, the higher your risk.
10) Body weight. The heavier you are, there greater your risk.
11) Diet. The more fat (animal fat) in your diet, the greater your risk.
12) Benign breast disease. This is simply because it makes it more difficult to diagnose breast cancer.
13) Alcohol consumption. Those 2 glasses of red wine per day that decrease a heart attack increase your risk for breast cancer.
14) Exposure to intense radiation, like radiation therapy.
15) Dense breasts, which are characteristic of women who have not had children.
Menopause Taylor - yes! They are all the things I can control; non smoker, non drinker, almost vegan, exercise daily, healthy weight, regular mammograms and self check 💋
Menopause Taylor - thankyou for the reassurance 💋
Can I apply my transdermal estrogen n progesterone cream on my breasts
No. Apply them to your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.
Does supplying estrogen to optimal range lower the need for thyroid meds? Ty
The presence on estrogen does change the necessary dosage of your thyroid medication. That's not a bad thing. It's just important to understand that your body metabolizes faster with estrogen on board. But estrogen can also change how your body utilizes the thyroid hormone.
Why do I always see a side effect on the millions of other side effect of HRT, HAIR LOSS. Yet, hair loves estrogen. Confusing. I don't want to start loosing hair b/c I start HRT. Btw..you are an amazing doctor and teacher!
Your hair is influenced by manny things, including aging, thyroid hormones, stress, diet, and weight. So it's impossible to attribute your hair loss to estrogen only. But, you know how young women have thick, shiny, healthy, bouncy hair ... and older women have thin, limp, stringy hair? Those differences are due to estrogen loss.
Menopause Taylor so the claim that estrogen as part of HTR is false ? Im very confused about this. Why does estrogen keep disclosing that it causes weight gain and loss of hair when estrogen does the opposite to weight gain and hair? Please clarify. Thank you!
Chris, I don't understand your question.
What do you mean by "estrogen as a part of HRT?"
Estrogen & progesterone are both parts of HRT.
Tell me this: Before you lose estrogen, do you have as much of a weight problem as you do after you lose estrogen?
And do you have thicker hair before you lose estrogen or after you lose estrogen.
These things are obvious. It's estrogen LOSS that causes both weight gain and hair loss.
HOWEVER, PROGESTERONE causes weight gain (as it does during pregnancy), & sometimes causes hair loss. (Some women will tell you they lost hair during pregnancy.)
Menopause Taylor yes I understand both estrogen and progesterone are part of the HRT. Thank you. So basically if we have a uterus we have to take progesterone. So estrogen does not cause all the mentioned problems but progesterone is the culprit. Since we have to take both, we still end up with the negative effects of progesterone? Does Progesterone cancel out the benefits of estrogen? Thank you.
Progesterone does not cancel out estrogen. It just creates some yucky symptoms that you have to tweak to get the balance right. I can help you with this balancing in a one-on-one consultation, but not here in this comment box.
I am taking Estrogel and my nipples hurt, itch and have changed in colour and size; so uncomfortable and I am worried.
Your nipples are responding to female hormones in the way they always have. Your breasts hurt and change in response to puberty, pregnancy, and PMS. They're doing the same thing now in response to the same hormones that made them change back then.
@@MenopauseTaylor wondering if I should apply every other night instead of every night
@@janicesmith9987 Oh my! You really need a consultation. You have many, many misunderstandings, my dear. Please schedule one at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I do them all online.
I ❤ estradiol 😊
These people that say progesterone creams can cure all ailments would say even with hysterectomy one still needs progesterone but I thought if no uterus than no progesterone only estrogen .
You are correct. The people who promote progesterone make money if you buy progesterone. They'll tell you anything to get you to keep buying it.
There are three sex hormones: Testosterone, Estrogen, and Progesterone.
The three hormones are like The Three Bears. You know how each bear had his or her won bed, chair, & porridge? Well, each hormone belongs to only one member of the family, just like each bed, chair, & porridge.
Testosterone is the male hormone. It belongs to Papa Bear. Estrogen is the female hormone. It belongs to Mama Bear. Progesterone is the hormone of pregnancy. It belongs to Baby Bear.
So, progesterone is NOT YOUR hormone. It's the baby's hormone.
Pro -gester-one literally means "hormone in support of pregnancy) (Video 9)
The ONLY reason you produce progesterone or ever needed progesterone was to support a pregnancy.
While you have all three in your body, the one that your body depends on more than anything is estrogen.
Progesterone’s only purpose before menopause is to support a pregnancy. Other than that, it has no other function. So, contrary to what most people assume, progesterone is not your hormone. It's for the baby.
Each month, during your menstrual cycles, estrogen thickens the lining inside your uterus and progesterone keeps it thick and ready to cushion a baby should you get pregnant. If you don’t get pregnant, progesterone drops, making the thick uterine lining shed.
Now that you're facing menopause, the ONLY reason to take progesterone is to protect your uterus from uterine cancer. Period.
If you do not have your uterus, there' son reason whatsoever to take progesterone. And progesterone is the hormone that makes women feel yucky. It's the hormone that gives you all those awful symptoms of early pregnancy (nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, acne, depression). And it's the hormone of PMS (moodiness, depression, bloating, cravings,etc.)
Hi, Dr. Barbara. I'm in late 40's, post menopause, and no struggle with hot flashes. Estrogen makes me bitchy, nauseated, and anxious, so much so that I skip/reduce daily doses (cream form) depending on how I feel. On the other hand, progesterone relaxes me. With estrogen, my cholesterol levels have sky rocketed and I'm gaining weight. Do you have any idea why I have an opposite reaction to estrogen than what you described?
Progesterone is the hormone of pregnancy. Now think about that. Pregnancy is characterized by a relaxed, drowsy sense of calm. So it's no surprise that it affects you as you describe.
As far as estrogen raising your cholesterol levels, different types of estrogen have different effects on LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels.
For instance,
Oral estrogen lowers LDL (the bad cholesterol), but raises triglycerides & glucose.
Estrogen patches lower triglycerides.
Estrogen gels increase HDL (the good cholesterol), triglycerides, & glucose.
So, you may be able to find a form of estrogen that does not raise your cholesterol. Do not assume all forms of estrogen (pills, gels, creams, patches, etc.) or all types of estrogen (estradiol acetate, estradiol, estropipate, conjugated estrogens, etc) are all the same with regard to their effect on your cholesterol.
Address which estrogen would be best FOR YOU with your gynecologist. And make SURE it's a gynecologist.
Why is progesterone called the calm hormone?
Because it is the hormone of pregnancy, and pregnancy is safest for the baby if you're calm.
I can tell by your question that you have definitely nit watched m videos in order. And if you don't watch them in r=order, starting with the very first one, you are shooting yourself in the foot (or the head). Please, please go back to the very first video and watch them in order. I covered the basics on progesterone long ago.
There are multiple ways to get this education you deserve:
(1) Start with the very first video and watch them all in order. That little number after each title tells you the order.
(2) Get my book from MenopauseTaylor.ME and read it in chronological order
(3) Get the webinars at MenopauseTaylor.ME and watch each chapter in order
(4) Get the DVD of the seminar at MenopauseTaylor.ME & watch it all. It consists of 2 DVDs that are my 14-hour seminar.
(5) Schedule a one-on-one consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME to get the education AND have it tailored specifically to YOU
Whatever you do, don't sabotage yourself and your education by jumping around in this series. Here’s why: I’m an anal, neurotic, pedantic, perfectionistic surgeon. I put great time and energy into making sure I publish my videos in just the right order so that they are the most beneficial for you.
@@MenopauseTaylor thank you!