Thank you so much for this video. I'm on HRTs for almost two years thanks to doctors like YOU, Dr. Louise Newson or Dr. Barbie Taylor. I will be forever grateful for finding you and better understanding the WHI 2002 Study results.
I think it's completely unethical and negligent of medical schools to ignore menopausal symptoms which can absolutely be life altering. I myself am coming off a 10 day headache (migraine w/o aura ?). My gynecologist is (surprise, surprise) also an obstetrician who's bread and butter is pregnant women. They don't seem to care about us in perimenopause or menopause because we aren't their money makers.
I hope you can find a physician that is a gynecologist, only. My doctor no longer practices obstetrics. The primary focus of her practice is wellness at any, and all, ages. I feel so blessed to have found her five years ago. I wish you all the best! Please don’t give up looking for a doctor that will have your best interest at heart.
Thank you so much for caring as much as you do. One of your videos really struck a chord with me, and I have been on a journey to advocate for myself ever since. I am now 3 weeks in taking hormones and I cannot thank you enough. I am excited to feel better and empower myself to feel like a strong woman again. The more I watch, read or listen to you and a few other people, the better I feel. We just have to educate ourselves and then go for it. Believe that we are worth it. Thank you for everything that you do. xoxo
We need to normalize caring for women. Our pain and suffering is so badly ignored and overlooked. It’s insane. I loved the article and I was glad you did a video about it. 🎉
Wow, thank you so much for this truthful, informative information. We need more advocates like yourself for us women. I’m tired of hearing, “you’re just getting older”, or “you’ll just have to deal with it.” Can you suggest what we should ask for at the doctors? I have the checklist, but want to make sure I know exactly what hormone replacements to request so I cannot be deterred. ❤️
Great video, thank you for taking the time to inform us. Really wish I had a Dr. Susan in my area. My Gynecologist uses “it’s not FDA approved” and is not open to any HRT.
Hello Dr Susan🙋🏻♀️thank you for all the information you give us in your videos. I’ve learned so much with you! I just went to my gynecologist here in Chicago, and I asked her for estrogen because I have many menopause symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems,and articulation pain in my hands. I’m 51 yrs old and I’m on menopause for 5 yrs now. I just started to use the progesterone cream this month; Hopefully it will help me. I’m having a hard time getting the estradiol cream approved by my insurance; the dr has to do a prior authorization and resubmit to the ins company to see if they will approve it. I wish I could do the hrt, but unfortunately I can’t afford it. Any other recommendations if my insurance doesn’t approve the estradiol? The pharmacist told me that the estradiol cream costs $199😮
Dr. Susan, I've been prescribed estradiol and progesterone in a cream form, that's compounded. I'm concerned now, because I keep hearing that compounded drugs aren't regulated by the FDA. Should I use a patch instead? I've only used it about a month and have felt so much better. I started taking it, due to a fear of Alzheimer's, (my Mother passed away from it), I had no energy, dryness, weight gain, not able to sleep, overall didn't feel good anymore. I've cut out sugar, lost 15 lbs, trying to eat healthier. When I talked to my OB-GYN, she scolded me for having blood work and labs done , so I could find out where I was in menopause. She told me to stop taking the estradiol and progesterone because I would get breast cancer. She then prescribed for me Yuvafem and told me to take every night for the next year. Like many women, I'm confused about all of this and what to do or take, in order to feel better. I'm fortunate that I don't have night sweats or hot flashes anymore. I had a partial hysterectomy 17 years ago. I'm 53 years old, I was 37 when I had my hysterectomy. I wish there were more physicians like you in my area, to be able to discuss these types of issues and give us women some help and support. Love your RUclips channel, Thank you so much for all you do!
Thank you, Dr. Susan, for educating more physicians and informing the rest of us about that awful study. So many women suffered needlessly after this study! You are turning things around! 💖😇
Great video Dr.Susan BUT what about the fact that ALL OF US when young had all our hormones & why do they become dangerous adding them back once we lose them??? NO doctor addresses this fact except you!!!!
Yes this is another common misconception! We had plenty of these chemicals in our body when we were at our healthiest, and they will continue to keep us healthy as we age. Sometimes when things don’t make sense it’s because they simply aren’t true!
I remember too when I heard that 2002 results from the flawed study, it was printed in all the Italian newspapers papers aslo. Luckily, my gyne in Rome at the time, knew better, and didn't pay any attention to it, as she was prescribing bioidentical hrt to her post menopause patients, I wasn't one of them yet, but I had decided that taking post-menopausal hormones was the one way for me, so I was relieved. When we moved to the US in 2005, I met great opposition here in Florida to being prescribed estrogen, due to the 2002 study it was tough to be given bioidentical hormones, so the Amercian medical body was definitely strongly influenced by the study. Now things have got a little better, and my endocrinologists know better too, TG. So happy the NYT wrote about the big hrt lie ;) long overdue in my mind. Keep us the GREAT work!
Due to your channel, my sister is going to see Dr. Glaser for testosterone/anastrazole implants following her mastectomy from lobular carcinoma. We are both very grateful for the knowledge you share on your channel. ❤
Yes debilitating night hot flashes got me onto estrogen 16 yrs ago. Every 20 min waking from internal inferno getting NO sleep is enough to make someone suicidal. I have tried to wean off estrogen several times. Now 69 and still need it.
Now you know you don't need to stop taking it. If anything, add testosterone and progesterone to your repertoire! Voila! We all have to die one day, but at least you get to live your life to tge fullest everyday without menopausal misery till it's time to go!❤🎉
Thank you for your knowledge Susan, not sure if I can ask this question here however would greatly appreciate your feedback. I am a healthy 65, had my last period when I was 48. I maintain a healthy weight, exercise 5 days a week, eat pretty healthy, no major health issue’s however my cholesterol, lipoprotein A is high. I have tried several lowering supplements but they are not working. My Naturopath is suggesting Estrogel and Progesterone. I am trying to get some facts together to take to my doctor with me. I know that blood clotting is a factor in older women on HRT. I am just trying to weigh the pros and cons. Would appreciate any feedback you’re willing to offer. Debbie, in Manitoba, Canada.
I’m 65. Menopause at 50. I’m healthy. I have no uterus. ( total hysterectomy at 60 ) osteoporosis and brain fog most concerning symptoms. ( painful sex and hot flashes not fun either) MY QUESTION: Can starting a low dose estradiol patch at this age possibly help my health and symptoms from lack of hormones from getting worse as I get older? I’ve read that estrogen receptors will no longer recognize the hormones being re introduced at over 10 years post menopause. Is that a real fact? Hope you can answer. Many woman in my age and my same shoes who feel like we “missed the boat” because of that flawed study. Thank you. ( my daughter is 43. I am passing this video on to her and all her friends! I will not have them miss out!)
I answered this question and more in my most recent RUclips video: ruclips.net/video/7o_UlOq-mt4/видео.html Check it out and if you still have questions leave them in the comments!
So appreciated your question. I'm 68, hit menopause at age 55, so 13 yrs out. I'm just now learning about HRT--I'm having such significant symptoms and would really like to try HRT. I was my GP last week and though she's willing to let me "try" HRT, she's very highly opposed to it, she's concerned about stroke, though my health is otherwise good, no meds. Anyway, I'm finding this so hard and so frustrating and, quite honestly, feeling somewhat cheated now, but guess I just have to see it as water under the bridge. But a lot of what I'm finding about HRT largely addresses women who are currently going through menopause and not finding a lot that speaks to me--and you--women who have never taken it and are considering starting it beyond that magic ten-year window. I suspect I'll end up using an online provider, like Defy, to work with this. Anyway...so did you ever decide to go for it? and if so, how are you doing? your current thoughts?? ? Wishing you well.
Do you recommend progesterone even if the person doesnt have a uterus? Ive heard its needed regardless (like for mental health) but my office is saying its not needed
I am a 60 yr old who presents with vaginal dryness and no libido.. i was seen by a female Dr who i was told is a menapause specialist, i presented little to no symptoms of heart disease, no insulin resistance marginal bone loss normal blood pressure.. i was informed that (we ) do not give hormones to women over 60... and was i concerned wether i was dry and had no libido.. Why are Drs still practicing if they are not updating thier knowledge.. she was so quick to add that she is scientifically based when i expressed a preference to follow a natural health plan, but was needing to take care of these symptoms.. needless to say i got out of there and will not be returning and have started a course of tratment with a naturopath.. as i felt heard and my health is taken seriously..
Hello Dr Susan🙋🏻♀️thank you for all the information you give us in your videos. I’ve learned so much with you! I just went to my gynecologist here in Chicago, and I asked her for estrogen because I have many menopause symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems,and articulation pain in my hands. I’m 51 yrs old and I’m on menopause for 5 yrs now. I just started to use the progesterone cream this month; Hopefully it will help me. I’m having a hard time getting the estradiol cream approved by my insurance; the dr has to do a prior authorization and resubmit to the ins company to see if they will approve it. I wish I could do the hrt, but unfortunately I can’t afford it. Any other recommendations if my insurance doesn’t approve the estradiol? The pharmacist told me that the estradiol cream costs $199😮
I’m not sure why it’s not covered by insurance is every plan is different, but there are lots of ways to get prescriptions on the Internet these days from other countries I might look into that if I were you!
I agree. And it’s enraging. I highly recommend the book “Estrogen Matters” by oncologist Avrum Bluming MD and social psychologist Carol Tavris PhD, for more on this! From the book: “Jacques Rossouw, a cardiologist who was a principal investigator of the WHI “was intentionally going for ‘high impact’ when it called the press conference”, their goal “was to shake up the medical establishment and change the thinking about hormones.” … After the WHI had begun but six years before any findings were published, Roussouw had published a paper in which he lamented the widespread use of estrogen. It is time, Rossouw argued, to put “the brakes on that bandwagon.” This is not how scientific studies are supposed to be done. Going in with a heavy bias and pre set goals … Rossouw was also a cardiologist who no doubt had witnessed the benefits for cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women who used estrogen. More healthier women - fewer long term patients for the profession?! Fewer $$$. And never underestimate good old patriarchy - dictating what’s best for women. Better yet - use fear as a motivator (as in “estrogen causes breast cancer”) and women “fall in line” on their own! Sorry for the rant.
Wow awesome video! Do we need to be on a certain dose of estrogen to get the benefits against osteoporosis, heart disease and alzheimers? My dr says no but one on you tube says yes.
@dr.susan what are your thoughts on vagafem 10mcg for vag dryness i had a hysterectomy at age 32 my dr did give me estradiol patches or ring for a few years then she moved and no one would help i now have a new dr and she listened to me but was not open to doing a hormone panel so going to check into a women’s wellness in columbia missouri
I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2016 at the age of 44. It was a stage 1 estrogen and progesterone positive tumor. I'm now 51, still in the perimenopausal stage, and wondering what I can do to reduce the risks of all the diseases and hair loss that menapause brings? I'm under the impression that someone like me can't do bioidenticle hormones. I'm in Buffalo NY and was wondering if you help people in other areas? I need really good advice, and can't get it in my area. There is definitely a good doctor shortage. I'm at a loss lol....
I do not know if you can book online consultation with Susan, but Menapause Taylor from utube is also a wealth of knowledge and her one on one online consultation can help you.
Sweetheart, I had a complete hysterectomy exactly 30 years ago at the young age of 31. I am very sexually active and have multiple orgasims. I do not use mind altering substances nor smoke. I have always maintained a healthy weight, exercised, and kept up with my annual exams. Eat organic and consume soybeans in the form of natto, and temph. I have taken low dose estrogen orally since declared 5 years clear. My hair is full, healthy, and shoulder-length. My arteries are as clear as a 30-something as is my colon, my breast are a little lower as to be expected, and my blood is thin due to diet. I was abused by my spouse and have found a loving partner. Sex is all in your mind. A tender loving partner who cares about your pleasure instead of a selfish one is key to your pleasure as well as your frame of mind.
I cannot recall where I saw this article, but apparently decades ago, they treated breast cancer with ESTROGEN! And it worked to reduce tumours in the breast… Like the other commenter said, get a consult with this doctor or another hormone expert. Your oncologist and/or family doctor may not have the knowledge to advise you, so seek out experts outside of your primary healthcare team, that way you have some information on hand to take to your family doc/oncologists, etc.
Thank you for this video, any advice for me, I talked to several Dr, s in my insurance, they say the same thing, always a warning that it causes heart attack, clots etc, but will prescribe , I feel i,m in the dark, don,t know what is the right strength for me
Download my Menopause Symptom Checker bit.ly/3EaarLr and bring it in to your doctor along with a copy of this NY Times article! You can also try finding a menopause practitioner in your area by visiting www.menopause.org
There’s only one progesterone and it is bioidentical and made by humans and other mammals, but is also synthesized from a plant source to look exactly like progesterone, so bioidentical plant based progesterone is exactly that . There’s a brand name called Prometrium, but it is out of patent now, so you can get generic Prometrium from any pharmacy with a prescription.
I remember I was put on Provera when I was in my late twenties I had major menstrual issues I had crazy side effects but I have a question how can I get bioidentical progesterone? Is prometrium bioidentical or do I have to go through a compounding pharmacy? Thank you
Prometrium is simply a brand name for bioidentical progesterone but now it’s out of patent you can get generic Prometrium from any pharmacy and you don’t need to go to a compounding pharmacy but it does require a prescription
Has Stacy London earned a medical degree in the last 10 years? Why are you associating yourself with a stylist? It does not strengthen your credibility, it takes away. This is a disappointing collaboration Dr. Susan. I still love watching your videos, but needed to share my concern in your alliance with a non-medically educated celebrity. And if am wrong, and Stacy does now have a degree, that makes her even more fantastic. As a stylist she's excellent, but I don't want medical advice from a stylist.
Brilliantly done! As a colleague who has been practicing Ob/Gyn for 36 years I could not agree MORE with EVERY point. I spend an enormous amount of clinic time educating women about the AWFUL decisions so many women have made based on this terrible study. Agree: TOTALLY DEBUNKED. I would take the discussion even further and debunk another, in my opinion, myth: MENOPAUSE IS NOT NATURAL. Yep, folks have wanted to burn me at the stake for this. Consider: 1 - The average life expectancy in the US in 1860 (a mere blink of the eye in human existence) was 36. THIRTY SIX 2 - The word "menopause" didn't even EXIST in the English language until the late 1800's. So arguable the most powerful language ever created by humans didn't even have that word in it... Why? There was never such a state needing a word or description until then. 3 - We now know this ABNORMAL state (menopause) and the lack of estrogen causes MANY serious and significant diseases. 4 - Menopause, IMHO, is a pathologic state of serious hormone deficiency. This deficiency NEEDS to be treated! Very well done, Dr. Hardwick-Smith!
YESSSSS! Finally someone preaching the truth ! Menopause is a disability. Planned obsolescence. Why would nature create a biology that self destructs at midlife ?
Interesting perspective, Doc. It could be that the term (and perhaps the condition) didn't exist because most did not live long enough to experience it. Nonetheless, it is certainly a condition that needs to be treated, in order to maximize one's energy, comfort, and overall quality of life.🙏🏽
Thank you for this in depth video! I didn't realize there was a difference between just a NAMS member and a NAMS practitioner. I went to a NAMS member hoping for help and it was a total waste of time and money as my symptoms and emotional distress was completely dismissed. I challenged him and said "...but you are listed as a NAMS member which assumes you at least have an interest if not extra education on menopausal issues..." and that doctor looked at me somewhat annoyed and said "Well, you know what assuming is." And then he condescendingly laughed at me and told me to "go get a massage." This was only 5 months ago. I did my part in leaving a review of that doctor on Google and other review platforms, but I'm still suffering with hot flashes, horrible headaches, and weight gain despite diet and exercise. 😔 It looks like there is one NAMS practitioner in my area - so I will be calling her office tomorrow! If she's no help, I will fly to Houston to see you. I'll spare no expense because any cost would be completely worth it compared to the loss of pay from days I've missed at work being unable to function and having to pay various doctors only to be offered no help.
I tried multiple times to watch the video on IG of your live conversation with Stacy but it kept freezing and resetting. Is there a way you can post the video here so we can pause, rewind, or reset? I’d love to hear the noire conversation.
Dr Susan- thank you for all your informative videos! I can tell you that Estradiol has been a lifesaver for me! What do you suggest for women who are allergic to the adhesive in the patch and have proven to be poor absorbers with use of the gel? How much more likely are you to develop a clot if your only other means is the bioidentical oral route?
That would be a perfect time to get a pellet! Estradiol by mouth has a small increased risk of blood clotting, but it is a very small risk. If that’s your only option it’s a lot better than nothing.
There’s no way really to have a study retracted, but certainly we’re learning that it was very misunderstood and we shouldn’t be quoting from it anymore. Just like many studies in the past it’s obsolete
I'm 61 and have been on hrt for two years, but not for hot flashes, etc. I sailed through menopause feeling great. I had perhaps ten not hot flashes, but what could be better described as warm flashes, and that was it. I had the easiest menopause in the world, while my mother had severe hot flashes and mood swings. We really are out there.
My Dr never mentioned or offered HRT!! Im 58 and finally seeing a female Dr who asked right away why are you not on HRT!! Love her and hope I didn't start too late!!
Great and super helpful video DR! I'm currently finishing up my certification to become a Women's Holistic Hormone Practitioner. The info you shared here was so valuable to me. I am excited to join you in the mission of empowering, educating, and helping women better navigate menopause!!
Thank you for educating so many women with true, evidence based medical facts! I am a Family Medicine Doc who has been prescribing bio-identical hormones for years and trying to educate patients and friends about the misinformation from the WHI. Also, the compounding pharmacies need to be exposed for promoting non-FDA approved creams which may place patients at risk of uterine cancer since topical progesterone is useless! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Dr. Apollo
Thank you so much I have shared your videos but not many people even look at them if any. I am so thankful for you and your talking about what is real for us today.
I have a question to Dr. Susan: can someone who had total hysterectomy due to uterine cancer, connected with high estrogen levels, because of HRT treatment for 20 years, can this person continue taking bioidenticle estrogen and progesterone? Or it’s too dangerous, since I have no uterus and ovaries left. Thank you.
Thank you for this! I wish you were closer but I did just have an appointment with Midi Health (from the NYT article). Fabulous! Thanks for never stopping your support of Women and speaking the truth!
Thank you for educating us. I did my own research (barely able, the brain fog was terrible) and found a provider. Over the 6 or 7 years I’ve been on compounded HRT, I’ve paid for everything out of pocket. Prices have gone up exponentially and it’s very expensive, and I’m trying to find an insurance provider who will prescribe the FDA approved HRT, and then I’ll try to find a source for testosterone, low dose naltrexone and my compounded thyroid hormone, all of which have been key to my healing. If I were a man, I could walk into a regular provider’s office, I could pay my co-pay, and walk out with a prescription for the necessary and missing hormone. I’m frustrated as hell that we women cannot get the care we need without a fight that we often lose.
My girlfriend is 52 years of age. We have a history from 24 years ago. We got back together about a year ago and things were going great. I noticed that she had some slight mood swings and in my head I said to myself okay do I need to just leave. Nothing was really bad about the mood swings I noticed I could just tell there was a difference. She did tell me that sometimes she gets to herself and she just needs a little bit of time and then she's fine. She later come to me and told me she was starting to have hot flashes. In the beginning of she and I doing what we were doing She told me that she didn't think she could have kids anymore because I asked about it I wanted to be sure for myself. She actually come up pregnant once but it didn't take however that works. She does have bad anxiety. Current mood swings up and down that I've noticed. Since she has came to where I am in North Carolina to stay with me for 3 weeks we were talking about buying a house moving in together. Two weeks into it things were great then in the last week I don't know what happened nothing changed no arguments I just know that I went to drink her water that I've always drink behind her and all of a sudden it was a problem she's never lashed out at me never said anything out of the way to me but at that moment she got up off the couch and come at me some kind of way for no reason over nothing but water. That night before we went to bed she asked me if we were still going to the park I said yeah sure we're still going to park. Like I said mood swings up and down. Anyways within the next couple days she come to me and told me that she guessed that she wasn't quite yet ready for a full-time boyfriend. Two nights before that we were together in the bed and I noticed that she had vaginal dryness. I think she is aware that she's going through this change in life and just doing the best that she can with it because she is doing everything that I see to cope with it such as drinking water all the time, eating the foods that she's supposed to be eating while going through this change, staying active as much as can be with exercise. I was just wanting to check with you as you seem pretty knowledgeable about the perimenopause and menopause as to what you feel like this might sound like? Before she come to North Carolina we talked about moving in together or buying a house together I said to her you know we're doing this right? She said I know we are. So to me the only explanation in all this is the fact that she is going through this process or the change but as I've told her I'm here for you and your good times and your bedtimes she had told me after I told her this that when she got like she got she wished I would just leave. This is while I'm at her house. We did everything under the sun together there's nothing we haven't done I just would like to know if my thoughts on this are going in the right direction? She has told me a times that I call her anxiety but I don't think it's me that's causing her the anxiety She has extreme headaches she gets real hot all the time she's up and down at night can't sleep multiple symptoms that I've noticed that come along with perimenopause and menopause. I have done my own research because I love her but I just wanted an educated opinion Thank you in advance
Hi Dr Susan. I am a 63 year old woman. I use only a progesterone cream called Natpro. Do i need some form of estrogen. The blog for Natpro says that this is all i need . what do you think? Thank you.
I cured my wife of hotflashes in 3 months with natural things, i have a lot of simpothy for women that have them i tell all i meet about what we did and now the natural things have been band by the gov.😢😢😢
OMG - A retreat for women of a certain age-group and going through menopause or post-menopausal is an awesome idea!! Is there a website where you post any future retreats?
On top of terrible menopause symptoms ie. Hot flushes where the perspiration would run down my body and Legs not just at night but numerous times during the day...But l would feel like running down the street screaming. Thank God an acquaintance who was an exnurse told me about over the counter Remifemin and after complaining to a Dr about my bladder problem, he prescribed Ovestin Vaginal Cream..Estriol 0.1%. And like magic l came back to normal.
I started this combination at approx. 53yrs. And don't miss a dose of either or the symptoms hit me straight away again..this is how l know l have forgotten. I am now 69yrs old now. Australian Viewer.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm on HRTs for almost two years thanks to doctors like YOU, Dr. Louise Newson or Dr. Barbie Taylor. I will be forever grateful for finding you and better understanding the WHI 2002 Study results.
Through this, we again can see clearly how the corruption has been operating...!!! Thank you Susan for this important contribution!!! 🧡
I think it's completely unethical and negligent of medical schools to ignore menopausal symptoms which can absolutely be life altering. I myself am coming off a 10 day headache (migraine w/o aura ?). My gynecologist is (surprise, surprise) also an obstetrician who's bread and butter is pregnant women. They don't seem to care about us in perimenopause or menopause because we aren't their money makers.
I hope you can find a physician that is a gynecologist, only. My doctor no longer practices obstetrics. The primary focus of her practice is wellness at any, and all, ages. I feel so blessed to have found her five years ago. I wish you all the best! Please don’t give up looking for a doctor that will have your best interest at heart.
To late for me, I'm 79 - but I'm glad they are addressing it now!
Watch a Suzanne Somers utube video or go to her website. It’s never to late to get help to “feel better” 😊
You are never too old for hormones! It's just recommended that you start them sooner rather than later
Thank you so much for caring as much as you do. One of your videos really struck a chord with me, and I have been on a journey to advocate for myself ever since. I am now 3 weeks in taking hormones and I cannot thank you enough. I am excited to feel better and empower myself to feel like a strong woman again. The more I watch, read or listen to you and a few other people, the better I feel. We just have to educate ourselves and then go for it. Believe that we are worth it. Thank you for everything that you do. xoxo
We need to normalize caring for women. Our pain and suffering is so badly ignored and overlooked. It’s insane. I loved the article and I was glad you did a video about it. 🎉
🤗 💯
Great video! I have been on hormone replacement for 15 yrs. 65yrs. Old. Thank you! Susan!❤️
Wow, thank you so much for this truthful, informative information. We need more advocates like yourself for us women. I’m tired of hearing, “you’re just getting older”, or “you’ll just have to deal with it.” Can you suggest what we should ask for at the doctors? I have the checklist, but want to make sure I know exactly what hormone replacements to request so I cannot be deterred. ❤️
I totally agree. Can you imagine telling a man that!! Lol
Great video, thank you for taking the time to inform us. Really wish I had a Dr. Susan in my area. My Gynecologist uses “it’s not FDA approved” and is not open to any HRT.
HRT is FDA approved for hot flashes, so use that as your reason.
Hello Dr Susan🙋🏻♀️thank you for all the information you give us in your videos. I’ve learned so much with you! I just went to my gynecologist here in Chicago, and I asked her for estrogen because I have many menopause symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems,and articulation pain in my hands. I’m 51 yrs old and I’m on menopause for 5 yrs now. I just started to use the progesterone cream this month; Hopefully it will help me. I’m having a hard time getting the estradiol cream approved by my insurance; the dr has to do a prior authorization and resubmit to the ins company to see if they will approve it. I wish I could do the hrt, but unfortunately I can’t afford it. Any other recommendations if my insurance doesn’t approve the estradiol? The pharmacist told me that the estradiol cream costs $199😮
Search for a menopause practitioner in your area by visiting www.menopause.org !
Dr. Susan, I've been prescribed estradiol and progesterone in a cream form, that's compounded. I'm concerned now, because I keep hearing that compounded drugs aren't regulated by the FDA. Should I use a patch instead? I've only used it about a month and have felt so much better. I started taking it, due to a fear of Alzheimer's, (my Mother passed away from it), I had no energy, dryness, weight gain, not able to sleep, overall didn't feel good anymore. I've cut out sugar, lost 15 lbs, trying to eat healthier. When I talked to my OB-GYN, she scolded me for having blood work and labs done , so I could find out where I was in menopause. She told me to stop taking the estradiol and progesterone because I would get breast cancer. She then prescribed for me Yuvafem and told me to take every night for the next year. Like many women, I'm confused about all of this and what to do or take, in order to feel better. I'm fortunate that I don't have night sweats or hot flashes anymore. I had a partial hysterectomy 17 years ago. I'm 53 years old, I was 37 when I had my hysterectomy. I wish there were more physicians like you in my area, to be able to discuss these types of issues and give us women some help and support. Love your RUclips channel, Thank you so much for all you do!
Thank you, Dr. Susan, for educating more physicians and informing the rest of us about that awful study. So many women suffered needlessly after this study! You are turning things around! 💖😇
Thank you Dr.Susan for educating us all!❤️
Great video Dr.Susan BUT what about the fact that ALL OF US when young had all our hormones & why do they become dangerous adding them back once we lose them??? NO doctor addresses this fact except you!!!!
Yes this is another common misconception! We had plenty of these chemicals in our body when we were at our healthiest, and they will continue to keep us healthy as we age. Sometimes when things don’t make sense it’s because they simply aren’t true!
I remember too when I heard that 2002 results from the flawed study, it was printed in all the Italian newspapers papers aslo. Luckily, my gyne in Rome at the time, knew better, and didn't pay any attention to it, as she was prescribing bioidentical hrt to her post menopause patients, I wasn't one of them yet, but I had decided that taking post-menopausal hormones was the one way for me, so I was relieved. When we moved to the US in 2005, I met great opposition here in Florida to being prescribed estrogen, due to the 2002 study it was tough to be given bioidentical hormones, so the Amercian medical body was definitely strongly influenced by the study. Now things have got a little better, and my endocrinologists know better too, TG. So happy the NYT wrote about the big hrt lie ;) long overdue in my mind. Keep us the GREAT work!
Due to your channel, my sister is going to see Dr. Glaser for testosterone/anastrazole implants following her mastectomy from lobular carcinoma. We are both very grateful for the knowledge you share on your channel. ❤
Yes debilitating night hot flashes got me onto estrogen 16 yrs ago. Every 20 min waking from internal inferno getting NO sleep is enough to make someone suicidal. I have tried to wean off estrogen several times. Now 69 and still need it.
Now you know you don't need to stop taking it. If anything, add testosterone and progesterone to your repertoire! Voila! We all have to die one day, but at least you get to live your life to tge fullest everyday without menopausal misery till it's time to go!❤🎉
So many well stated eye opening facts! Thanks! Now to find that article...
Thank you for posting this video. ❤❤❤
Soooo informative!! Thank you Dr.❤
Thankyou ☺️
Thank you for your knowledge Susan, not sure if I can ask this question here however would greatly appreciate your feedback.
I am a healthy 65, had my last period when I was 48. I maintain a healthy weight, exercise 5 days a week, eat pretty healthy, no major health issue’s however my cholesterol, lipoprotein A is high. I have tried several lowering supplements but they are not working. My Naturopath is suggesting Estrogel and Progesterone. I am trying to get some facts together to take to my doctor with me. I know that blood clotting is a factor in older women on HRT. I am just trying to weigh the pros and cons.
Would appreciate any feedback you’re willing to offer.
Debbie, in Manitoba, Canada.
I’m 65. Menopause at 50. I’m healthy. I have no uterus. ( total hysterectomy at 60 ) osteoporosis and brain fog most concerning symptoms. ( painful sex and hot flashes not fun either) MY QUESTION: Can starting a low dose estradiol patch at this age possibly help my health and symptoms from lack of hormones from getting worse as I get older? I’ve read that estrogen receptors will no longer recognize the hormones being re introduced at over 10 years post menopause. Is that a real fact? Hope you can answer. Many woman in my age and my same shoes who feel like we “missed the boat” because of that flawed study. Thank you. ( my daughter is 43. I am passing this video on to her and all her friends! I will not have them miss out!)
I answered this question and more in my most recent RUclips video: ruclips.net/video/7o_UlOq-mt4/видео.html Check it out and if you still have questions leave them in the comments!
So appreciated your question. I'm 68, hit menopause at age 55, so 13 yrs out. I'm just now learning about HRT--I'm having such significant symptoms and would really like to try HRT. I was my GP last week and though she's willing to let me "try" HRT, she's very highly opposed to it, she's concerned about stroke, though my health is otherwise good, no meds. Anyway, I'm finding this so hard and so frustrating and, quite honestly, feeling somewhat cheated now, but guess I just have to see it as water under the bridge. But a lot of what I'm finding about HRT largely addresses women who are currently going through menopause and not finding a lot that speaks to me--and you--women who have never taken it and are considering starting it beyond that magic ten-year window. I suspect I'll end up using an online provider, like Defy, to work with this. Anyway...so did you ever decide to go for it? and if so, how are you doing? your current thoughts?? ? Wishing you well.
Do you recommend progesterone even if the person doesnt have a uterus? Ive heard its needed regardless (like for mental health) but my office is saying its not needed
I am a 60 yr old who presents with vaginal dryness and no libido.. i was seen by a female Dr who i was told is a menapause specialist, i presented little to no symptoms of heart disease, no insulin resistance marginal bone loss normal blood pressure.. i was informed that (we ) do not give hormones to women over 60... and was i concerned wether i was dry and had no libido..
Why are Drs still practicing if they are not updating thier knowledge.. she was so quick to add that she is scientifically based when i expressed a preference to follow a natural health plan, but was needing to take care of these symptoms.. needless to say i got out of there and will not be returning and have started a course of tratment with a naturopath.. as i felt heard and my health is taken seriously..
Hello Dr Susan🙋🏻♀️thank you for all the information you give us in your videos. I’ve learned so much with you! I just went to my gynecologist here in Chicago, and I asked her for estrogen because I have many menopause symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems,and articulation pain in my hands. I’m 51 yrs old and I’m on menopause for 5 yrs now. I just started to use the progesterone cream this month; Hopefully it will help me. I’m having a hard time getting the estradiol cream approved by my insurance; the dr has to do a prior authorization and resubmit to the ins company to see if they will approve it. I wish I could do the hrt, but unfortunately I can’t afford it. Any other recommendations if my insurance doesn’t approve the estradiol? The pharmacist told me that the estradiol cream costs $199😮
I’m not sure why it’s not covered by insurance is every plan is different, but there are lots of ways to get prescriptions on the Internet these days from other countries I might look into that if I were you!
why would they want to get a bad outcome for the study? That seems bizarre
Yes I agree. Often scientists have a powerful belief of their own and they really want to study to support it. They were really hoping for deaths!
I agree. And it’s enraging. I highly recommend the book “Estrogen Matters” by oncologist Avrum Bluming MD and social psychologist Carol Tavris PhD, for more on this! From the book: “Jacques Rossouw, a cardiologist who was a principal investigator of the WHI “was intentionally going for ‘high impact’ when it called the press conference”, their goal “was to shake up the medical establishment and change the thinking about hormones.” … After the WHI had begun but six years before any findings were published, Roussouw had published a paper in which he lamented the widespread use of estrogen. It is time, Rossouw argued, to put “the brakes on that bandwagon.”
This is not how scientific studies are supposed to be done. Going in with a heavy bias and pre set goals …
Rossouw was also a cardiologist who no doubt had witnessed the benefits for cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women who used estrogen. More healthier women - fewer long term patients for the profession?! Fewer $$$.
And never underestimate good old patriarchy - dictating what’s best for women. Better yet - use fear as a motivator (as in “estrogen causes breast cancer”) and women “fall in line” on their own!
Sorry for the rant.
Misogyny?
@@annemarieedwards68 bingo
This was about corruption, to make a lot of money and get ultimate power, at the expense of humanity and nature...
Wow awesome video! Do we need to be on a certain dose of estrogen to get the benefits against osteoporosis, heart disease and alzheimers? My dr says no but one on you tube says yes.
I do not have a uterus, do I need to take progesterone? I am on oestrogen only.
@dr.susan what are your thoughts on vagafem 10mcg for vag dryness i had a hysterectomy at age 32 my dr did give me estradiol patches or ring for a few years then she moved and no one would help i now have a new dr and she listened to me but was not open to doing a hormone panel so going to check into a women’s wellness in columbia missouri
❤️thankyou
I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2016 at the age of 44. It was a stage 1 estrogen and progesterone positive tumor. I'm now 51, still in the perimenopausal stage, and wondering what I can do to reduce the risks of all the diseases and hair loss that menapause brings? I'm under the impression that someone like me can't do bioidenticle hormones. I'm in Buffalo NY and was wondering if you help people in other areas? I need really good advice, and can't get it in my area. There is definitely a good doctor shortage. I'm at a loss lol....
I do not know if you can book online consultation with Susan, but Menapause Taylor from utube is also a wealth of knowledge and her one on one online consultation can help you.
Sweetheart, I had a complete hysterectomy exactly 30 years ago at the young age of 31. I am very sexually active and have multiple orgasims. I do not use mind altering substances nor smoke. I have always maintained a healthy weight, exercised, and kept up with my annual exams. Eat organic and consume soybeans in the form of natto, and temph. I have taken low dose estrogen orally since declared 5 years clear. My hair is full, healthy, and shoulder-length. My arteries are as clear as a 30-something as is my colon, my breast are a little lower as to be expected, and my blood is thin due to diet. I was abused by my spouse and have found a loving partner. Sex is all in your mind. A tender loving partner who cares about your pleasure instead of a selfish one is key to your pleasure as well as your frame of mind.
I cannot recall where I saw this article, but apparently decades ago, they treated breast cancer with ESTROGEN! And it worked to reduce tumours in the breast…
Like the other commenter said, get a consult with this doctor or another hormone expert. Your oncologist and/or family doctor may not have the knowledge to advise you, so seek out experts outside of your primary healthcare team, that way you have some information on hand to take to your family doc/oncologists, etc.
What are your thoughts about bioavailable testosterone causing increased visceral fat in menopausal women?
Thank you for this video, any advice for me, I talked to several Dr, s in my insurance, they say the same thing, always a warning that it causes heart attack, clots etc, but will prescribe , I feel i,m in the dark, don,t know what is the right strength for me
Download my Menopause Symptom Checker bit.ly/3EaarLr and bring it in to your doctor along with a copy of this NY Times article! You can also try finding a menopause practitioner in your area by visiting www.menopause.org
Is it too late to start HRT after 20 years at 73
Could you please please provide names for bio identical plant based progesterone
There’s only one progesterone and it is bioidentical and made by humans and other mammals, but is also synthesized from a plant source to look exactly like progesterone, so bioidentical plant based progesterone is exactly that . There’s a brand name called Prometrium, but it is out of patent now, so you can get generic Prometrium from any pharmacy with a prescription.
@@drsusan the problem is that the capsules are made of gelatin
@@o.om.m5632 Maybe you can break open the capsule and only put the contents in your mouth?
I remember I was put on Provera when I was in my late twenties I had major menstrual issues I had crazy side effects but I have a question how can I get bioidentical progesterone? Is prometrium bioidentical or do I have to go through a compounding pharmacy?
Thank you
Prometrium is simply a brand name for bioidentical progesterone but now it’s out of patent you can get generic Prometrium from any pharmacy and you don’t need to go to a compounding pharmacy but it does require a prescription
@@drsusan thank you
What is your testosterone regimen?
And it is causing trouble in my 39 years of marriage to my husband because I have no sex drive at all it is dead
How do I find a good hormone specialist in my area?!? I don’t trust Yelp! I live in Las Vegas NV…..any recommendations?!
You can find a menopause practitioner in your area by visiting www.menopause.org
@@drsusan Hi Dr. Susan! Does Canada has a website where one can find a specialist?
@@user-xs9835. I’d like to know that, also.
I love the idea that i take a drug and my problems go away
Your bone density probably went up due to the bio-identical progesterone.. Mine is +2 .. 😁
Has Stacy London earned a medical degree in the last 10 years? Why are you associating yourself with a stylist? It does not strengthen your credibility, it takes away. This is a disappointing collaboration Dr. Susan. I still love watching your videos, but needed to share my concern in your alliance with a non-medically educated celebrity. And if am wrong, and Stacy does now have a degree, that makes her even more fantastic. As a stylist she's excellent, but I don't want medical advice from a stylist.
She’s gone through it herself. Stop
She did not give you advice but shared her experience. So stop being jealous!
What about Premarin clean for vaginal use? Is that the same risk?
Brilliantly done! As a colleague who has been practicing Ob/Gyn for 36 years I could not agree MORE with EVERY point. I spend an enormous amount of clinic time educating women about the AWFUL decisions so many women have made based on this terrible study. Agree: TOTALLY DEBUNKED.
I would take the discussion even further and debunk another, in my opinion, myth: MENOPAUSE IS NOT NATURAL. Yep, folks have wanted to burn me at the stake for this. Consider:
1 - The average life expectancy in the US in 1860 (a mere blink of the eye in human existence) was 36. THIRTY SIX
2 - The word "menopause" didn't even EXIST in the English language until the late 1800's. So arguable the most powerful language ever created by humans didn't even have that word in it... Why? There was never such a state needing a word or description until then.
3 - We now know this ABNORMAL state (menopause) and the lack of estrogen causes MANY serious and significant diseases.
4 - Menopause, IMHO, is a pathologic state of serious hormone deficiency. This deficiency NEEDS to be treated!
Very well done, Dr. Hardwick-Smith!
YESSSSS! Finally someone preaching the truth ! Menopause is a disability. Planned obsolescence. Why would nature create a biology that self destructs at midlife ?
Interesting perspective, Doc.
It could be that the term (and perhaps the condition) didn't exist because most did not live long enough to experience it.
Nonetheless, it is certainly a condition that needs to be treated, in order to maximize one's energy, comfort, and overall quality of life.🙏🏽
@@BL3SSed-Bliss Absolutely correct. That was my exact point... Hence my strong stance that menopause is NOT "natural."
Thank you for this in depth video! I didn't realize there was a difference between just a NAMS member and a NAMS practitioner. I went to a NAMS member hoping for help and it was a total waste of time and money as my symptoms and emotional distress was completely dismissed. I challenged him and said "...but you are listed as a NAMS member which assumes you at least have an interest if not extra education on menopausal issues..." and that doctor looked at me somewhat annoyed and said "Well, you know what assuming is." And then he condescendingly laughed at me and told me to "go get a massage." This was only 5 months ago. I did my part in leaving a review of that doctor on Google and other review platforms, but I'm still suffering with hot flashes, horrible headaches, and weight gain despite diet and exercise. 😔 It looks like there is one NAMS practitioner in my area - so I will be calling her office tomorrow! If she's no help, I will fly to Houston to see you. I'll spare no expense because any cost would be completely worth it compared to the loss of pay from days I've missed at work being unable to function and having to pay various doctors only to be offered no help.
I tried multiple times to watch the video on IG of your live conversation with Stacy but it kept freezing and resetting. Is there a way you can post the video here so we can pause, rewind, or reset? I’d love to hear the noire conversation.
For those of you still looking to watch that conversation I've posted the whole video here: ruclips.net/video/nSFGxFS9JBQ/видео.html
Dr Susan- thank you for all your informative videos! I can tell you that Estradiol has been a lifesaver for me! What do you suggest for women who are allergic to the adhesive in the patch and have proven to be poor absorbers with use of the gel? How much more likely are you to develop a clot if your only other means is the bioidentical oral route?
That would be a perfect time to get a pellet! Estradiol by mouth has a small increased risk of blood clotting, but it is a very small risk. If that’s your only option it’s a lot better than nothing.
Do you think the WHI study will be retracted? Is there a way women can ban together to make that happen?
There’s no way really to have a study retracted, but certainly we’re learning that it was very misunderstood and we shouldn’t be quoting from it anymore. Just like many studies in the past it’s obsolete
Thank you for sharing this. I’m so grateful I found your channel.
I'm 61 and have been on hrt for two years, but not for hot flashes, etc. I sailed through menopause feeling great. I had perhaps ten not hot flashes, but what could be better described as warm flashes, and that was it. I had the easiest menopause in the world, while my mother had severe hot flashes and mood swings. We really are out there.
My Dr never mentioned or offered HRT!! Im 58 and finally seeing a female Dr who asked right away why are you not on HRT!! Love her and hope I didn't start too late!!
Great and super helpful video DR! I'm currently finishing up my certification to become a Women's Holistic Hormone Practitioner. The info you shared here was so valuable to me. I am excited to join you in the mission of empowering, educating, and helping women better navigate menopause!!
Thank you for educating so many women with true, evidence based medical facts! I am a Family Medicine Doc who has been prescribing bio-identical hormones for years and trying to educate patients and friends about the misinformation from the WHI. Also, the compounding pharmacies need to be exposed for promoting non-FDA approved creams which may place patients at risk of uterine cancer since topical progesterone is useless! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Dr. Apollo
Very healthy excellent health can start after 60 ?
Thank you so much I have shared your videos but not many people even look at them if any. I am so thankful for you and your talking about what is real for us today.
If I get hormone via telemedicine, don’t I still need gyn exams. So, should I still follow up with my OB~Gyn?
I have a question to Dr. Susan: can someone who had total hysterectomy due to uterine cancer, connected with high estrogen levels, because of HRT treatment for 20 years, can this person continue taking bioidenticle estrogen and progesterone? Or it’s too dangerous, since I have no uterus and ovaries left. Thank you.
Absolutely of course you can. You can't get ovarian cancer or uterine cancer anymore!
Is it important to take bio identical estradiol?
Thank you for this! I wish you were closer but I did just have an appointment with Midi Health (from the NYT article). Fabulous! Thanks for never stopping your support of Women and speaking the truth!
Thank you for educating us. I did my own research (barely able, the brain fog was terrible) and found a provider. Over the 6 or 7 years I’ve been on compounded HRT, I’ve paid for everything out of pocket. Prices have gone up exponentially and it’s very expensive, and I’m trying to find an insurance provider who will prescribe the FDA approved HRT, and then I’ll try to find a source for testosterone, low dose naltrexone and my compounded thyroid hormone, all of which have been key to my healing. If I were a man, I could walk into a regular provider’s office, I could pay my co-pay, and walk out with a prescription for the necessary and missing hormone. I’m frustrated as hell that we women cannot get the care we need without a fight that we often lose.
My girlfriend is 52 years of age. We have a history from 24 years ago. We got back together about a year ago and things were going great. I noticed that she had some slight mood swings and in my head I said to myself okay do I need to just leave. Nothing was really bad about the mood swings I noticed I could just tell there was a difference. She did tell me that sometimes she gets to herself and she just needs a little bit of time and then she's fine. She later come to me and told me she was starting to have hot flashes. In the beginning of she and I doing what we were doing She told me that she didn't think she could have kids anymore because I asked about it I wanted to be sure for myself. She actually come up pregnant once but it didn't take however that works. She does have bad anxiety. Current mood swings up and down that I've noticed. Since she has came to where I am in North Carolina to stay with me for 3 weeks we were talking about buying a house moving in together. Two weeks into it things were great then in the last week I don't know what happened nothing changed no arguments I just know that I went to drink her water that I've always drink behind her and all of a sudden it was a problem she's never lashed out at me never said anything out of the way to me but at that moment she got up off the couch and come at me some kind of way for no reason over nothing but water. That night before we went to bed she asked me if we were still going to the park I said yeah sure we're still going to park. Like I said mood swings up and down. Anyways within the next couple days she come to me and told me that she guessed that she wasn't quite yet ready for a full-time boyfriend. Two nights before that we were together in the bed and I noticed that she had vaginal dryness. I think she is aware that she's going through this change in life and just doing the best that she can with it because she is doing everything that I see to cope with it such as drinking water all the time, eating the foods that she's supposed to be eating while going through this change, staying active as much as can be with exercise. I was just wanting to check with you as you seem pretty knowledgeable about the perimenopause and menopause as to what you feel like this might sound like? Before she come to North Carolina we talked about moving in together or buying a house together I said to her you know we're doing this right? She said I know we are. So to me the only explanation in all this is the fact that she is going through this process or the change but as I've told her I'm here for you and your good times and your bedtimes she had told me after I told her this that when she got like she got she wished I would just leave. This is while I'm at her house. We did everything under the sun together there's nothing we haven't done I just would like to know if my thoughts on this are going in the right direction? She has told me a times that I call her anxiety but I don't think it's me that's causing her the anxiety She has extreme headaches she gets real hot all the time she's up and down at night can't sleep multiple symptoms that I've noticed that come along with perimenopause and menopause. I have done my own research because I love her but I just wanted an educated opinion Thank you in advance
Hi Dr Susan. I am a 63 year old woman. I use only a progesterone cream called Natpro. Do i need some form of estrogen. The blog for Natpro says that this is all i need . what do you think? Thank you.
Thank you very much for the easy to understand information! It really is crazy how we older women have all been mislead.
I appreciate your words about Menopause and you love to know what do you think about women like me , 78 year old, postmanopause and hormons?
I cured my wife of hotflashes in 3 months with natural things, i have a lot of simpothy for women that have them i tell all i meet about what we did and now the natural things have been band by the gov.😢😢😢
OMG - A retreat for women of a certain age-group and going through menopause or post-menopausal is an awesome idea!!
Is there a website where you post any future retreats?
Ladies, please, please, please, find a female gynecologist!
do you do phone consultation for person living out of the US?
What is good new data to show our healthcare practitioners?
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
On top of terrible menopause symptoms ie. Hot flushes where the perspiration would run down my body and Legs not just at night but numerous times during the day...But l would feel like running down the street screaming. Thank God an acquaintance who was an exnurse told me about over the counter Remifemin and after complaining to a Dr about my bladder problem, he prescribed Ovestin Vaginal Cream..Estriol 0.1%. And like magic l came back to normal.
I started this combination at approx. 53yrs. And don't miss a dose of either or the symptoms hit me straight away again..this is how l know l have forgotten. I am now 69yrs old now. Australian Viewer.