My Choice For HRT

My “I’ve F*ing Had It, I Wanna Feel Normal Again” Choice**

For those of you who don’t know me or my struggles with perimenopause, buckle up. This ride has been bumpier than a gravel road in spring. For over a decade, I’ve been wrestling with symptoms I didn’t even realize were “menopause symptoms.” To me, they were just life’s shitty side effects—stuff that came with the package, right? Wrong. If I’d known then what I know now, I’d have been on HRT a long-ass time ago.

Picture this: periods from hell. I’m talking crime scene-level bleeding that had me doubling up on pads and tampons while fantasizing about an emergency blood transfusion and a nap. And that wasn’t even the half of it. There was the insomnia, the mood swings, and brain fog so thick I was convinced I’d misplaced my IQ. But like so many women, I shrugged it all off, thinking, “This is just part of being a woman.”

Well, screw that. This article isn’t a sob story or a lecture. It’s me, owning my decision to try HRT and finally feel “my normal” again. I’m not here to judge, preach, or persuade—just to share my story in case someone else is hanging on by a thread and needs to know they’re not alone.

Estradiol Therapy: The Brain’s MVP

Let’s get nerdy for a minute. Estradiol, a type of estrogen therapy, is like your brain’s BFF. It helps calm cortisol (aka your stress hormone), protects brain cells, and keeps you sharp. Women who hop on this therapy early—within about six years of menopause—see better stress responses and less brain fog. And while not everyone can or wants to take estrogen, I’m here to tell you it’s been a game-changer for me.

Getting on HRT was like flipping on the lights in a room I didn’t even realize I’d been stumbling through blind. I’ve been on estrogen and progesterone (because my uterus is still hanging around), and they’ve been the dynamic duo I didn’t know I needed.

The Brain Fog Breakthrough

Estrogen has been the queen of my mental clarity comeback. I went from:

• Forgetting what day it was mid-week

• Losing track of conversations halfway through

• Feeling like my thoughts were stuck in molasses

...to actually thinking straight again. I can remember names, focus at work, and finish a task without needing a nap afterward. Progesterone, while not directly targeting brain fog, deserves a standing ovation for helping me sleep like a damn human again. And we all know how much sleep plays into memory and focus.

Mood and Anxiety: Estrogen AND Progesterone to the Rescue

Before HRT, I was an emotional rollercoaster—and not the fun kind. Anxiety over the smallest things, irritability that could rival a hangry toddler. But now?

• Estrogen helps me feel calm and balanced, like my emotions finally found their groove.

• Progesterone is the warm blanket for my brain, chilling out the “fight-or-flight” panic that used to make everything feel overwhelming. Together, they’re my dream team for emotional stability.

Energy and Drive: Hello, Motivation!

Pre-HRT, I was running on fumes. Getting through the day felt like an Olympic sport, and fun? Forget it. Now? It’s like someone refilled my gas tank. I’ve got the energy to not just exist but to actually enjoy life again.

Why Progesterone Deserves More Love

Progesterone often gets overshadowed by estrogen, but for me, it’s been a quiet hero:

• Sleep: Deep, restorative, “I could conquer the world” kind of sleep.

• Anxiety relief: It’s like the edge has finally been taken off.

• Body temperature: While hot flashes haven’t vanished, they’ve downgraded from “inferno” to “annoying.”

The “F*ck It, I’m Doing This” Moment

It wasn’t until September 2024 that I finally started HRT. After years of feeling like my body was staging a mutiny, I went full-on detective mode—watching YouTube videos, reading up on menopause, and bingeing wisdom from top docs. Then I said, “Screw it,” made the call, and started the process. Was it perfect? No. There were mix-ups, adjustments, and trial-and-error moments. But once I started? Life. Changed.

Within days, hot flashes went from full-on incinerator mode to a manageable “hot coffee” level. By week’s end? Gone. My mood lifted, brain fog cleared, and I felt like I could actually live again. It wasn’t instant magic, but it was damn close.

The Risks—And Why I Took Them

Yes, there are risks. Cancer, blood clots, hormone drama—I’ve heard it all. But here’s the deal: after years of feeling miserable, I made peace with the fact that happiness now is worth the calculated risk. My family’s medical history isn’t sunshine and rainbows, so I’ve decided to live my best life while I’ve got it.

If You Can’t or Don’t Want Estradiol

Can’t do the hormone thing? No judgment. Here’s the “adulting sucks” solution:

• Anti-inflammatory diet: Cut the junk; add omega-3s and Vitamin D.

• Exercise: Even a walk can help.

• Sleep: Guard it like your life depends on it.

• Mindfulness: Yoga, meditation, or just locking yourself in the bathroom for 10 minutes of peace.

Pep Talk

At the end of the day, this is about choices. My choice was HRT, and it’s given me my life back. If that’s not your jam, I respect the hell out of you for finding what works. Let’s share our stories, lift each other up, and tackle this menopause madness together—judgment-free and full of sass. Here’s to feeling good, whatever path gets you there. Cheers, ladies!