Let's Talk About Hormone Replacement Therapy: My Journey Through Trial and Error

When I first started navigating menopause I knew I needed to explore different strategies to manage my symptoms. Let me be crystal clear upfront: I'm not a healthcare professional. What I'm sharing here is purely my personal experience—the things I've tried, what's worked for me, and what hasn't. I'm also not being paid by any of these companies. I'm just a woman figuring this out as I go, probably like many of you reading this.

As I've mentioned before, my menopause journey looked different than what you might see in the typical narrative. I didn't experience hot flashes or night sweats—the symptoms everyone seems to talk about. Instead, I dealt with low libido, vaginal atrophy and dryness, extremely dry skin, hair loss, and debilitating brain fog, along with a host of other challenges that made me feel like I was losing myself. And let me tell you, that feeling of not recognizing yourself? That's one of the hardest parts.

What I've Tried

Over time, I explored several options, working both independently and with healthcare professionals.

Bioidentical hormones became a cornerstone of my approach. I started with Winona, an online HRT solution that connects you with doctors. Having the convenience of working with a doctor remotely made the process so much more accessible—no scheduling nightmares or long waits for appointments. Through them, I got a progesterone cream and estrogen patch. They worked... okay. I still experienced most of my symptoms with limited relief of what my issues were.

So I worked with my OB-GYN practitioner, who prescribed estradiol pills (as vaginal inserts) and testosterone gel. These actually made a real difference! The estradiol helped with the dryness, and the testosterone increased my libido—though I also experienced some increased irritability. Sometimes it just takes finding the right combination for your particular body, even if it comes with a few trade-offs.

I also turned to Bonafide's vaginal moisturizer for extra dryness relief. This was a genuine game-changer for managing that particular symptom, which honestly affects so much more than just physical comfort—it impacts intimacy, confidence, and overall quality of life in ways I hadn't fully appreciated until I found relief.

I also tried Foria Melts with CBD, which offered some relief in ways I hadn't anticipated. It's worth exploring different options to see what resonates with your body.

Understanding Bioidentical Hormones

When I started this journey, I learned that the most common bioidentical hormones include:

• Estrogen (in forms like estradiol, estrone, and estriol)

• Progesterone

• Testosterone

From what I understand, the potential benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy can include reduced menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, improved bone health, increased libido, and potentially reduced risk of heart disease. Of course, everyone's experience is different, and what works for one woman may not work for another. Our bodies are all unique, and that means our solutions will be too. And I am NOT a health care professional.

Tackling Brain Fog

The brain fog was one of the hardest symptoms for me to deal with. I felt like I was constantly walking through a thick haze, unable to focus or think clearly. I'd walk into rooms and forget why I was there, lose my train of thought mid-sentence, and struggle with tasks that used to come easily to me.

After doing some research, I started taking Lion's Mane mushroom supplements, and honestly, they've worked wonders for my focus and mental clarity—when I remember to take them consistently. (The irony of forgetting to take your brain fog supplements isn't lost on me.).  Sleep also plays a part in brain function.  Getting restful sleep helps in our cognition.  I’m still working on getting restful sleep.  I’m getting ready to do a sleep study so I will write about that experience soon.

The Bottom Line: It's All Trial and Error

Here's what I've learned through all of this: finding what works for you is a process of trial and error. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, and what helps me might not help you. It takes patience—something I'm still working on myself.

I'm still figuring out what works best for me. Some days are better than others. Some combinations of supplements and hormones work for a while and then need adjusting. And that's okay. This is a journey, not a destination, and we need to give ourselves permission to keep experimenting until we find what works.

These approaches aren't for everyone, and that's important to acknowledge. I encourage you to work with healthcare professionals who understand menopause and hormone therapy, ask questions (even the ones you think might be silly), advocate for yourself, and give yourself grace as you navigate this transition.

You're not alone in this, and you deserve to feel like yourself again—the best version of who you are right now.

What has your experience been with hormone replacement therapy? I'd love to hear what's worked (or hasn't worked) for you in the comments below.