My Journey to Hormone Therapy: Menopause Symptoms to Relief

As a nurse practitioner, I’ve spent years helping other people manage the twists and turns of their health. But when I found myself battling severe symptoms of perimenopause, I struggled to get answers or help. I was told "your hormone levels look ok." Spoiler alert: they weren't. My hormone panel was similar to my 60-something-year-old mother's. I started following menopause specialists on Instagram and learning about how much hormones impact women's lives. Yet I couldn’t escape the frustration many women feel when they try to access hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Despite starting to understand what I needed, it took me far longer than it should have to get the treatment I needed—and to be taken seriously.

In this blog, I want to share my story not just about my journey with HRT, but also about the frustration many women experience when trying to navigate the healthcare system and get the help they need—especially when it comes to hormone therapy.

The Struggle with Symptoms:

For years, I battled a mix of hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, mood swings, and that overall feeling of being completely “off.” I was certain I knew what was likely causing my symptoms, but of course, that didn't make them go away. My husband and I started jokingly calling my hot flashes and night sweats "power surges," but it wasn't really funny.

When I started having irregular periods, I thought, “Okay, now I’m sure it’s happening.” But despite my best efforts to convince a few doctors that something was up, I was often told it was just stress because in your late 30s, no one suspects menopause or even perimenopause. And in the back of my mind, I thought, “Well, maybe I’m just being dramatic” — which I’m sure my husband would agree is not entirely out of the question.

The Importance of Hormone Therapy:

Let me just put this out there: HRT is a game-changer. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, or brain fog, getting your hormones back in balance with hormone therapy can truly transform your life. For many women, these symptoms can be so disruptive that they affect work, relationships, and overall well-being. For me, it felt like my body was betraying me, and I just wanted to hit the reset button.

Hormone therapy isn't just about making you feel “normal” again, though. It’s also about protecting your long-term health. Estrogen plays a role in bone density and heart health, and going without it for too long can be a problem. So when I finally got on the right track, it felt like I was not just treating my symptoms, but actually doing something for my future.

Fighting for My Health:

I’ll admit, there was a moment (or several) when I wondered if I was just overreacting. After all, the healthcare providers I spoke to were quick to tell me I was “too young” for hormone therapy or that my symptoms would eventually pass. But as time wore on, I realized that if I didn’t advocate for myself, I was going to feel stuck in this endless cycle of frustration. And you know what they say, “If you want something done right…” well, you know the rest. So, I pushed and pushed until I found a provider who agreed that hormone therapy was my best option.

It wasn’t easy, but I learned that sometimes, you have to be your own biggest advocate—even when that means being a bit annoying. Trust me, no one has heard the phrase “I really think it’s my hormones” more times than my family and friends. They’ve been incredibly patient and supportive.

The Relief of Starting Hormone Therapy:

Starting HRT has been a game-changer. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s given me the energy, stability, and clarity I had been craving for years. I now know what it feels like to have my mood stabilize, and I can get through the day without feeling like I need a nap every 20 minutes.

I’ve also realized that hormone therapy isn’t just about the symptoms—it’s about protecting your health in the long run. For me, it’s about restoring balance and taking care of my body, so I don’t have to worry about the silent risks of estrogen loss like osteoporosis or heart disease.

What I Want Other Women to Know:

If you’re struggling with perimenopause, menopause, or any of the symptoms that come with it, you are not alone. Hormone therapy can help restore balance, improve quality of life, and even help prevent long-term health risks. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, it’s important to advocate for yourself and get the answers you deserve.

I know it can feel like a long road to finding the right treatment, but please trust me when I say that you don’t have to suffer through it. Menopause might be a normal part of life, but living with the discomfort shouldn't have to be. Your symptoms are real, and you deserve to be heard. Hormone therapy can help, and it’s worth exploring.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you have the right to feel good in your body, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Perimenopause and menopause don’t have to feel like the end of the road—they can be a new chapter. And hormone therapy can play a huge part in helping you feel like yourself again.

So, if you’re ready to explore what hormone therapy can do for you, let's talk. I’m here to help you figure it out. Together, we can find the right treatment plan for your needs, and get you back to feeling your best.