Ep.165 My Menopause Wake-Up Call: The Story Behind My HRT Journey

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shouldn't be shrouded in outdated fears and misinformation. When I finally started HRT at 57, I realized I'd spent years unnecessarily suffering through sleepless nights, hot flashes, and night sweats—chalked up to “normal aging”—when effective treatments already existed.

My journey began after a hysterectomy, when a nurse practitioner discovered my testosterone level was critically low (11 ng/dl, with a normal range of 13–87). That led to my first experience with vaginal estrogen and topical testosterone. But over time, I learned I needed a more comprehensive approach—including systemic estrogen and progesterone—to truly feel like myself again.

This episode also breaks down the recent FDA meeting that addressed two major barriers to women’s hormone health:

1. The outdated black box warning on vaginal estrogen
2. The ongoing lack of FDA-approved testosterone options for women

These regulatory hurdles continue to block access to treatments that dramatically improve quality of life for midlife women.

Whether you're working with your OB-GYN or exploring options through platforms like MyAlloy, MidiHealth, HerMD, or Parlor Games—support exists. But you must advocate for yourself. No woman should suffer in silence or settle for a life that feels like a shadow of her former self.

Share this episode with someone who thinks they’re “just getting older” and doesn’t realize how good they could actually feel.

Some Online Women's Health Resources:

Allara Health, Midi Health, Alloy Women’s Health, Evernow, Winona, HerMD, Femgevity, Maven Clinic

This episode is not intended to be medical advice. I'm sharing my personal journey with hormone replacement therapy in hopes of starting a conversation and helping other women feel less alone. I realize HRT is not the right fit for everyone.

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mfolanfasterway@gmail.com

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
👉 https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health. Let's connect for your next event!

OsteoCollective osteoporosis resources and community link: https://app.osteocollective.com/invitation?code=BE98G9

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.