HRT Misconception #3 – HRT is just for hot flashes.

We are continuing our series with Tanya Manoni about hormone replacement therapy and the common misconceptions associated with this treatment. Tanya is one of our hormone experts at the pharmacy and you can schedule a consultation to see what HRT options are available specifically for you.

I’m not sure anything represents menopause more than hot flashes.  This vasomotor symptom, along with night sweats, is one of the most acutely uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms of menopause for most women.  These symptoms are caused by a drop in ovarian production of estradiol.  Yes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will almost immediately relieve a woman of her hot flashes and night sweats, but while this is a godsend in the moment, it is only the tip of the iceberg of why, in my opinion, every menopausal woman needs to replace her hormones to optimal levels.  One of my physician mentors in the BHRT world once said, “We don’t age first and then our hormones drop, our hormones drop and then we age.  I’m talking about hormone receptors in your skin that aren’t being fed, and then your skin’s collagen declines, and skin aging accelerates.  Hormone receptors in your bones that aren’t being fed, and then your bones become less dense and more fracture prone.  Hormone receptors in your brain that aren’t being fed and your thinking becomes foggy and memory become less acute.   Hormones are the messengers of our bodies; they communicate between different physiologic systems and body organs and tissues.  Talk about the phrase “don’t shoot the messenger,” we need them!  We all know how important good, clear communication is to relationships, this is true in our bodies.  Hormones are our internal communicators.  We need to replace our messengers if necessary!  Your sleep, mood, brain, bones, heart, skin, and libido will appreciate the communication.  

TANYA MANONI is a Chattanooga-native but earned her BS in chemistry and PharmD at the University of Utah. She brings with her years of experience in compounding and pharmacy corporate management. Tanya's professional interests include not only BHRT, women’s health, and dermatology, but also nutrition and fitness, in which she became interested while playing NCAA Division I college soccer. While living in Utah, Tanya earned her level 1 certification in avalanche search and rescue, and she continues to enjoy snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. She lives in Chattanooga with her husband and two kids, so you will find her running between soccer fields and dance studios in her free time.

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