I did not do HTR so can't answer that.

But I can commiserate. Bra size went from 32C to 34DDD between age 50 and 54. It sucks. Minimizer bras help clothes fit a bit better, but now I know why 'matronly' is a look. It's what happens.

If you are in peri, still cycling, then perhaps low dose birth control would help. I’m trying Lo Loestrin. It’s too soon to tell but the zGYN advised this to even out the fluctuations vs replace. I have hormones, they are just on a roller coaster!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP -

I think you should try HRT, but I also think you should go to a doctor that specializes in it. When I was having problems a few years ago, my GYN put me on progesterone only BCP and while they worked for a few months, eventually things got even worse. It was too blunt an instrument. My current doc specializes in hormones and will give you a specific regimen of maybe progesterone, testosterone and/or estrogen based on your bloodwork and symptoms. She will start out conservatively and check in every few months. This is the kind of attention you need. I think it is worth a try for you - because it might be great and make a big difference in your quality of life.

Good luck, OP!

Who do you see? And is taking the testosterone complicated? My doctor made it sound like it’s a complicated process because there’s no FDA approved testosterone for women, or something.

NP, the gyn I saw prescribed a compounded testosterone cream that I use; make sure you get blood draws monthly til you know how much you need. At first my testosterone rose 4 times higher than it should be; had to cut back on the amount of cream I use, obviously.

I see a NP in Alexandria who legit changed my life. I started Hormones and now have less insulin resistance and belly fat. I have more energy to workout too. I am considering starting weight loss injections too. Her name is Jenna Perkins at Discovher health. I started to see her for bladder and sx issues

Here is a recent thread on menopause providers:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1155608.page#25763884

Also, check out Tavicare, though they don't take insurance.

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP -

I think you should try HRT, but I also think you should go to a doctor that specializes in it. When I was having problems a few years ago, my GYN put me on progesterone only BCP and while they worked for a few months, eventually things got even worse. It was too blunt an instrument. My current doc specializes in hormones and will give you a specific regimen of maybe progesterone, testosterone and/or estrogen based on your bloodwork and symptoms. She will start out conservatively and check in every few months. This is the kind of attention you need. I think it is worth a try for you - because it might be great and make a big difference in your quality of life.

Good luck, OP!

Who do you see? And is taking the testosterone complicated? My doctor made it sound like it’s a complicated process because there’s no FDA approved testosterone for women, or something.

Hi OP -

I think you should try HRT, but I also think you should go to a doctor that specializes in it. When I was having problems a few years ago, my GYN put me on progesterone only BCP and while they worked for a few months, eventually things got even worse. It was too blunt an instrument. My current doc specializes in hormones and will give you a specific regimen of maybe progesterone, testosterone and/or estrogen based on your bloodwork and symptoms. She will start out conservatively and check in every few months. This is the kind of attention you need. I think it is worth a try for you - because it might be great and make a big difference in your quality of life.

Good luck, OP!

Same for me. My breasts got fuller after I started HRT.

I love HRT. Love it. But like a PP, my breasts have gotten slightly bigger on it.

I just started HRT. Have breakthrough bleeding and feeling crazy.

I don’t have large breasts to begin with but I do have dense breast tissue - I’m 5’5” about 115-120 and I have 34 B breasts.

I started HRT last year, at age 50, mainly to address painful sex and very, very, very dark depression around my periods.

HRT helped tremendously with my symptoms, however if this is relevant or helpful to you, I have noticed that my breasts have gotten bigger and they feel even more dense than before. Around my period they barely fit in my sports bra and I have to wear two bras to feel supported.

So while it helped me with my symptoms, it did make the one symptom you’re hoping to address even worse for me. Sorry if this is discouraging to you, we’re all different and maybe you would react differently than I did. I am very happy on HRT and my guess is you would find some improvements (for instance you could have hot flashes, painful sex, etc) and hormonal therapy really helps with that. You might have to balance out what’s most important to making you feel comfortable and have a good quality of life. Even though I’m not crazy about my breasts getting bigger and being tender in the week leading up to my period, it’s infinitely better than when I wanted to kill myself before my period!

Good luck! We should all support each other, no one really understands peri and the more we can share advice and support, the better.

Our bodies do change as we age, OP.

Anonymous wrote:You just have to try and see. No guarantee

OP here. Bleh.

Menopause and hormones and women’s health seem like one big experiment. I feel like I’ve been getting the answer “we can try it but we don’t know if it will help” about every medical issue I’ve had since I was 14. Heavy periods, migraines, insomnia, ankle pain, autoimmune stuff, post-childbirth stuff, and on and on. Pregnancy was the only 10 months of my life when I felt like I got attentive and thorough, research-backed care. Everything else is random.

Meanwhile, DH has a runny nose and the doctor pounces on it with the works until he can pinpoint a very slight cedar allergy and he prescribes 2 medications and specific lifestyle changes and monitors it until it improves. I want man medicine.

You just have to try and see. No guarantee

I’m in peri and am working out more than I used to and able to keep my weight stable, but I’m not losing weight. My body shape is morphing with inches shifting around in a way that makes it hard to keep up with clothing fits.

Worse than that: my boobs are just getting bigger and bigger. Wtf is going on? I went from 34DD to 34DDD last year and now I have spillage on one side of my 34DDDs and my bands are starting to feel tight. I haven’t gained weight but it is moving to my stomach and my upper back/breasts.

I’m horrified by the frequency of clothing replacements and the indignity of an already unmanageable chest becoming worse. This feels super hormonal, like a nightmare 2nd puberty.

Would HRT help?