How Reading Estrogen Matters Changed My Views on HRT and Bone Health

Introduction

I have spent years wrestling with high anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Two of my close friends started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and had amazing results—they felt more energetic, balanced, and overall better than they had in ages. One of my friend's regained her sex drive and was now having a delightful time with her personal trainer.

I had made it all the way through menopause without taking any hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because I was convinced it was “unnatural” and believed taking hormones increased the risk of cancer. I had started menopause in my 40s and never experienced the dreaded hot flashes. So, I figured I should just tough it out. After all, my body was going through a natural process, right? 

But, my friends couldn't say enough about how much better they felt and I heard the siren's song. Could I feel better? I just want to feel better. 

So, I took the plunge and asked my doctor about HRT. Unfortunately, her immediate response was, “No, this isn’t for you. You’re already past menopause, and it won’t do anything at this stage.” Disappointed, I pushed aside the idea of HRT once again.

Discovery of Osteoporosis

I had my first bone density test in March of 2023—which revealed I had full-blown osteoporosis. I was freaked out. It explained a lot: I’d easily broken bones in my toes and fingers, my hips were constantly aching, and I’d lost an inch of height. On top of that, my posture had become even more hunched. Both my mother and younger sister had been diagnosed with it. You can read more about it in my blog post on Osteoporosis.

Talking to Doctors

I’d just started seeing a gynecologist  liked and when I met with her, I made it clear I wasn’t keen on the typical osteoporosis medications. I revisited the topic of HRT and she told me that, in some cases, HRT could be a good option—even if you’re post-menopausal—especially for bone health. She warned me that I’d likely have to stay on it indefinitely. Otherwise, if I stopped, my bones would return to the weakened state they’d been in, as though I had never taken it. To help me understand the evidence behind HRT, she recommended the book Estrogen Matters.

Meanwhile, my regular doctor had stuck to the belief that HRT was strictly for short-term menopausal symptom relief. I quickly realized how important it is to do my own research and seek second (or third) opinions when I’m not satisfied with the first response.

Reading Estrogen Matters

At my gynecologist’s suggestion, I picked up Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris. Reading it was mind-blowing. Page after page, it dismantled many of the myths I’d believed for years—like the idea that HRT automatically puts you at high risk of cancer or that it’s unnatural to take estrogen post-menopause.

The scientific evidence presented in the book gave me confidence that HRT could do more than just address anxiety or sleeplessness; it could help protect my bones and improve my overall quality of life. By the time I finished reading, I felt bummed that I hadn't considered HRT earlier and relieved that it might help me with my bone health.

Starting HRT

Feeling newly informed and encouraged, I decided to give HRT a try. I began with taking only Progestogen for 3 weeks. One week off and then starting on a low dose of .025 of the Estrogen patch to test how my body would handle it and to monitor any side effects. After a few weeks, I noticed that my anxiety was starting to wane and I wasn’t as tired during the day. This small improvement, along with my gynecologist’s continued guidance, gave me the confidence to move up to a 0.05 patch.

Though I’ve experienced some emotional ups and downs, the boost in energy—and the reassurance that I’m taking steps to protect my bones—makes it worthwhile for me. I also appreciate that I now have a plan that addresses my osteoporosis without having to rely solely on bisphosphonates, which I wasn’t comfortable taking.

Personal Reflections

Looking back, a few things really surprised me. First, I wasn’t expecting the sense of relief I’d feel knowing I’m proactively supporting my bone health. It’s a load off my mind not to dread every little ache or worry about fractures constantly. I also learned how critical it is to advocate for myself. If I’d only listened to my first doctor, I’d still be suffering from worsening osteoporosis, hoping it wouldn’t get too serious.

Researching credible sources and talking to multiple healthcare providers turned out to be essential. It reminded me that sometimes, even well-intentioned doctors can be out of the loop on the latest research—or they might be cautious due to outdated guidelines.

Encouragement for Others

If you’re struggling with fatigue, anxiety, or osteoporosis—and especially if you’ve been told it’s “too late” for HRT—please consider seeking a second opinion from a healthcare professional familiar with current HRT practices. Better yet, grab a copy of Estrogen Matters or other credible research-based resources. You deserve accurate information so you can make the best decisions for your body and lifestyle.

Conclusion & Disclaimer

I’m still adjusting to the hormone patch and learning how it affects my mood, but I’m relieved to have found a path that helps my bones and restores some of the energy I’d been missing. This has been a winding road, but reading Estrogen Matters and connecting with a gynecologist who truly understood my situation changed everything.

Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal journey and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your individual needs, risks, and options regarding HRT or any other treatment.

Here is a podcast of Estrogen Matters I found worth listening to.