Hormonetics

04/07/2025

📣 HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY ON HRT?

This is a great question and one which comes up a lot!

❌ Many women are still told by doctors that, for example, they can only take HRT for 5 years, or that they must stop using it when they reach 55.
This is based on outdated guidelines, and isn’t supported by the evidence.

Luckily, there’s now one really quick answer to this question, which applies to most women regardless of the age they were when they first started taking HRT.

The British Menopause Society / Women’s Health Concern (BMS / WHC) clearly state that:

✅ ‘Arbitrary limits should not be placed on the duration of usage of HRT; if symptoms persist, the benefits of hormone therapy usually outweigh the risks.’ *

BMS and NICE also explicitly state that GPs should follow the approach of:

✅ ‘The HRT dosage, regimen and duration should be individualised, with annual evaluation…’ **

and

✅ ‘Tailor your approach to the person at all times when identifying, discussing, investigating and managing menopause, and adapt the approach if symptoms change over time.’ ***

🙌 So - chocks away ladies! You can feel confident that your continued use of HRT should be based on your individual circumstances and that it can be supported into older age, helping to protect your long term health and quality of life

References:

* and ** BMS & WHC’s 2020 recommendations on hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women

*** NICE: Menopause: identification and management (November 2024)

03/07/2025

⭐️ THE MENO MILE ⭐️

📢 Are you a peri / menopausal woman based in or around Dunbartonshire, Helensburgh, Paisley, Greenock or Glasgow?

Please come and myself and Yoga and Pilates with Eileen for The Meno Mile - a monthly in person event to support women on their menopause journey!

✅ When?

Wednesday 9th July from 7-8.30 pm

✅ Where?

Main gates of Balloch Castle Country Park (opposite bus stance)

✅ Why?

To promote your wellbeing and have an opportunity for good conversation and support from like minded ladies in a safe women only group.

This unique event brings together Hormonetics' expertise in hormone education and advice with Eileen’s extensive experience in the health and wellness industry!

✅ The details?

This event costs £12.50 and will be held on the second Wednesday of each month; we’ll have a gentle walk around the park (around a mile or so) with an easy standing yoga session mid route, followed by tea/coffee/soft drink at the Balloch House Hotel.

Spaces are limited to 15 - booking link in comments, or message me for more info!

28/06/2025

HRT ISSUES? WE NEED TO TALK! 😊

If your HRT isn’t behaving the way you’d like, let’s talk.

You’ll have plenty of SPACE and TIME to discuss your concerns, with no judgement, only the most up-to-date evidence based information on how to manage your HRT in the right way for YOU. A balance isn’t always easy, but THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY FORWARD!

Appointments are via Zoom at a time that suits you (day, evening and weekends) and these can be:

✅ 60 minutes
✅ 30 minutes
✅ I also offer email sessions too, if you’d prefer

I have a few appointments available in July - so, don’t waste more time going round in circles, come and have a chat and let me help you get back to hormonal harmony…

Booking links in comments below 👇

Nicola 😊😊😊

28/06/2025

“HRT IS JUST A LIFESTYLE CHOICE THAT’S ‘IN’ AT THE MOMENT”

Eh, wait…WHAT?!

One of my lovely clients shared these words - as spoken by her doctor.

So, we know that menopause and HRT is a very topical conversation right now - but it fully deserves to be, as it has, along with countless women, been ignored and swept under the carpet for long enough.

I reject the notion that women are using HRT just because it’s ’trendy’.

WOMEN WILL SIMPLY NOT SEEK HELP FROM A GP IF THERE’S NOTHING WRONG!

FACT!

We know our bodies, and we know when something is off…

Many women do feel though, that they’re somehow cheating if they decide to use HRT - that because menopause is a natural process, we should suck it up and just get on with it.

This isn’t right.

HRT should be a choice which is offered and whether you choose to use HRT, or not, both choices are 💯 valid and neither choice should be belittled.

What can HRT help with? What does the science show? Well, aside from management of menopausal symptoms, HRT can amongst other things:

✅ work to improve bone health - did you know oestrogen is licensed for the prevention of osteoporosis?

✅ when started within 10 years of menopause (or before age 60)
help reduce heart disease (cardiovascular disease is the LEADING cause of death in post menopausal women)

✅ improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of diabetes

✅ reduce all-cause mortality - it’s linked to a lower risk of death from all causes

So, whether you want to take HRT for management of your symptoms, or for the long term protection of your health (or both) you shouldn’t be made to feel like you’re just joining the latest fad.

The data and benefits are clear.

😊🙌😊

28/06/2025

SHOULD I BE HAVING BLOOD TESTS TO CHECK MY OESTRADIOL LEVEL WHEN USING HRT? 🧐

This is a question which comes up frequently!

The short answer is no. Routine testing and monitoring is not usually required…

❗️BUT❗️There are a few things to know as it’s often not as straightforward as that!

🔎 Take perimenopause for instance…

👉 During perimenopause, hormone levels can fluctuate markedly day to day and even hour to hour, and so blood tests can be of less value during this phase, whether using HRT or not. Worth noting too that symptoms can sometimes be more common in perimenopause - even when using HRT - due to these fluctuations.

🔎 Are symptoms more important then?

👉 When taking HRT at any stage of perimenopause / menopause, it’s important to use your symptoms as a guide to how well it’s working.

👉 Hormonal ‘blips’ are pretty common though (e.g.,stress, illness, changing production of own hormones etc.,) and can happen from time to time. If this happens, you may find you have a return of symptoms which resolves within a few days / weeks, so it’s worth keeping an eye on this first before heading to your doctor.

👉 If you’re symptomatic on HRT and this isn’t improving, it can be a sign that something needs to be adjusted or that there are potentially other causes (such as low thyroid, for example)

🔎 Do I need to ‘achieve’ a particular oestradiol level?

👉 There are many information sources which provide a ‘target’ level of oestradiol for symptom control - we even have some guidance on the group! However, as above, be led by your symptoms first and foremost…there’s no need to try to ‘achieve’ a certain level if you feel well 👍

🔎 BUT…what about things like bone health?

👉 A decades-old study cited a target level of oestradiol (around 250pmol/l) for best protection of bone health, however bone is super sensitive to oestradiol and some studies have shown that even an ultra low dose of HRT may provide some protection.

🔎 What if absorption is an issue?

👉 A 2024 study showed that around 20% of women may be poor absorbers of transdermal oestrogen and we see this often in the group too! In this case, assessing oestradiol levels can be useful when a woman has reached the maximum licensed dose (those equivalent to 100mcg) and is still symptomatic, with other causes ruled out, to help guide next steps.

🔎 What can affect oestradiol levels?

👉 There are actually several factors which can affect the level of oestradiol in your blood. For example, changes in your own production of hormone, absorption, the timing of bloods taken, BMI, exercise, alcohol, and the uptake and use of oestradiol by your tissues.

🔎 In short…

If feeling well
➡️ No action needed.

If symptomatic and under maximum dose
➡️ Monitor symptoms at first, and if ongoing longer than a few weeks, speak to your doctor about an HRT review / change in dose and / or having bloods for general health check.

If symptomatic and at maximum dose
➡️ Monitor symptoms at first, and if ongoing longer than a few weeks, speak to your doctor about having oestradiol checked, and a blood panel for general health, or about changing the type of HRT you use

Nicola 😊😊😊

21/05/2025

⭐️ THE MENO MILE ⭐️

So happy to be introducing this initiative with Yoga and Pilates with Eileen!

Please feel free to share with any ladies you think may be interested 🤗.

✨Hormonetics and Yoga and Pilates with Eileen launch a monthly event to support Dunbartonshire women on their menopause journey ✨

✅ When?

Join us on Wednesday 11th June from 7-8.30 pm

✅ Where?

Main gates of Balloch Castle Country Park (opposite bus stance)

✅ Why?

To promote your wellbeing and have an opportunity for good conversation and support from like minded ladies in a safe women only group.

This unique event brings together Hormonetics' expertise in hormone education and advice with Eileen’s extensive experience in the health and wellness industry!

✅ The details?

This event costs £12.50 and will be held on the second Wednesday of each month; we’ll have a walk around the park (around a mile or so) with an easy standing yoga session mid route, followed by tea/coffee/soft drink at the Balloch House Hotel. Lots of opportunity to ask questions, and get armed with info on how to thrive in menopause!

Spaces are limited to 15 - booking link below or DM me for more info!

https://calendly.com/hormonetics/the-meno-mile

More info too on:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtandhormonehelp

https://www.facebook.com/yogaandpilateswitheileen

www.hormonetics.com

The Meno Mile is an opportunity to have a gentle stroll and a chat about menopause, as well as some yoga-based movement. Run by Hormonetics and Yoga and Pilates with Eileen, this group is open to perimenopausal / menopausal women based across West Dunbartonshire and beyond, and aims to help you feel

13/05/2025

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU START HRT (OR MAKE ANY CHANGES!)

It’s REALLY common to have some side effects when we start HRT, or make any changes to our regime. This includes oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, too.

Why? Because we’re introducing hormones back into our bodies, or changing the amount or way we take them. Some women are also more sensitive to hormonal changes and so can more affected by this than others.

So, what’s normal then?

Any symptoms under the 4 B’s :

➡️ bloating - feeling bloated or puffy
➡️ blues - feeling tearful or a bit down
➡️ bleeding - some irregular bleeding or spotting
➡️ breast tenderness - or a feeling of fullness in the area

Some women also report other symptoms such as feeling more jittery or anxious, increased irritability and feeling more tired than usual.

How long does it take to settle?

✅ Many symptoms start to behave quite quickly, but it may take up to 3 or so months to settle fully

And what if it doesn’t improve?

✅ If symptoms haven’t eased off by around 3 months, chat to your doctor about other options
❌ But…don’t suffer! If the symptoms are troubling / severe, or you experience anything that’s concerning you, please see your doctor before that 😊

What’s the good news?

🙌 The good news is that settling symptoms are extremely common - you’re not going mad, or imagining it…and for the majority of women, the body will adjust given a little time

13/05/2025

NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR HRT AND MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS?

Maybe you’re feeling confused, overwhelmed and fed up?

Where can you turn to for help…

I can help you. One to one. And at a time that suits you (weekdays, evenings, weekends).

I’d love to offer you some extra guidance, reassurance and, importantly, a safe space to talk things through.

Booking link below (£35 for 30 minute appointment) 👇😊

Hour long appointments and email appointments available too (link to those in comments).

Hello! Thanks so much for your interest in the video session. I'm offering one-to-one review sessions to help you manage your HRT and hormone challenges. Due to the more limited nature of this session, those with more complex needs are advised to book the standard 1 hour video or email session.What

13/05/2025

👉 Using Oral HRT (oestrogen and/or progesterone) when taking Weight Loss Injections👇

The British Menopause Society recently put out some guidance on the use of oral HRT (oestrogen and progesterone) when taking GLP-1 medications (the weight loss injections semaglutide and tirzepatide).

GLPs slow down food leaving the stomach and this MAY reduce the absorption of any HRT which is taken orally.

🔎 So, what do you need to know if taking a weight loss injection?

✅ If you’re using oral oestrogen, you may want to think about switching to a transdermal option such as gel, patch or spray while using the injections.

❌ If using oral progesterone (so, Utrogestan or Provera for instance) then there is a risk that endometrial protection may be affected.

✅ Women using oral progesterone/progestin are advised to speak to their doctor for a HRT review while using GLPs.

✅ The approach followed by doctors would be to TEMPORARILY increase the oral progesterone / progestin dose for 4 weeks after starting these weight loss therapies, and for 4 weeks after any dose increase.

Note: BMS DOES NOT stipulate what the increase in dose should be, which is a pain…but this is likely to look like, for example, if you currently take 100mg progesterone orally, then this increases to 200mg.

✅ Women who use transdermal HRT where oestrogen and/or progestin are absorbed via the skin, those who use progesterone vaginally, or who have a Mirena fitted are NOT impacted.

✅ If you use HRT and GLPs, and have any unscheduled bleeding, check in with your doctor.

😊😊😊

13/05/2025

❗️NEW EXCITING INITIATIVE COMING UP❗️

🔎 Are you based in and around DUNBARTONSHIRE, HELENSBURGH or GLASGOW?

❓Would you like to join me for something new to support your health and wellbeing?

If so - see below 👇

⭐️ I’m super excited to announce a partnership with the fabulous Eileen Hill (Yoga and Pilates with Eileen) to promoting accessible, effective health and wellness solutions for women in Dunbartonshire and the surrounding areas, who are navigating the menopause journey!

⭐️ This unique collaboration brings together Hormonetics' expertise in hormone education and advice with Eileen’s extensive experience in the health and wellness industry and aims to support women physically, mentally, and emotionally through every stage of menopause.

⭐️ We’re united by a shared passion for raising awareness, encouraging conversation, and empowering women to take control of their wellbeing!

⚠️ WATCH THIS SPACE for details of our FIRST EXCITING INITIATIVE launching on WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE to help women feel informed, confident and supported! ⚠️

https://www.facebook.com/yogaandpilateswitheileen

23/04/2025

AM I TOO YOUNG FOR PERIMENOPAUSE?

I recently had a client book in with me - at age 47, she’s been told by her GP that she’s too young for perimenopause, mainly because she still has a period, albeit they’re really irregular, and much heavier. She also has debilitating night sweats, and constant anxiety and low mood that’s highly unusual for her. Her GP told her that she couldn’t be offered HRT anyway until her periods had stopped for 12 months. She was instead offered a prescription for an antidepressant.

Sound familiar? Sadly, it still is.

✨ A recent US study of over 4,000 women found that perimenopause symptoms can appear in women as young as 30, with symptoms increasing and intensifying up to the peak, which was around age 55 of those studied.

✨The study demonstrated that perimenopause is not just a phase of life that starts in the late-40s. Symptoms can start much earlier — and they often change (and can worsen for some) over time.

✨ Mood symptoms such as anxiety and depression weren’t commonly reported as being linked to women’s experience of perimenopause. Sounds strange, right? But the researchers concluded that this is probably because changes in mood are often put down to stress, life events or even mental health conditions. Women often don’t link changes in mood to their hormones.

✨ So - if you’re like my client, and you’re in your 30s or 40s (or early 50s - because some women are STILL told at this time that they’re not peri because they have a period!) and you’re just feeling that something isn’t right, please know that you’re not too young to be perimenopausal!

Menopause guidelines state that:

✅ Women over the age of 45 shouldn’t be given blood tests to confirm perimenopause. Changes in your cycle, along with other symptoms such as hot flushes, palpitations and low mood etc., are enough to be able to offer HRT.

✅ For women younger than 45, an FSH test taken 6 weeks apart can help to support a diagnosis of early menopause but importantly, a woman’s symptoms should also be assessed and taken into context.

Some key points:

🔎 Track your symptoms - this helps to build a picture of what’s happening and when.

🔎 Know that antidepressants shouldn’t be used as first line treatment for low mood associated with perimenopause.

🔎 You don’t need to have stopped your periods to be offered HRT.

23/04/2025

DID YOU KNOW…

that I offer one to one appointments?

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and fed up and need a listening ear to help you make sense of HRT and what to do to feel your best - I can help you with this!

I offer sessions, via video, at a time that suits you (weekdays, evenings, weekends).

Because sometimes we all need a bit of guidance, reassurance and, importantly, the time and space to talk things through.

Booking link below (£35 for 30 minute appointment) 👇😊

Hello! Thanks so much for your interest in the video session. I'm offering one-to-one review sessions to help you manage your HRT and hormone challenges. Due to the more limited nature of this session, those with more complex needs are advised to book the standard 1 hour video or email session.What