Understanding Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy: Common Concerns and Solutions

Side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Understanding Side Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy: Common Concerns and Solutions

Side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson discusses the common side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Dr. Watson highlights the importance of understanding these side effects and reassures listeners that many are common and often temporary.

“Today we’re going to talk about side effects of hormone replacement therapy. And I think this is so important because all too often I see women start their hormones and then I get six messages about side effects.” – Dr. Polly Watson

The episode covers topics such as abnormal bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, fluid retention, skin irritation, and changes in vaginal discharge. Dr. Watson sheds light on how these symptoms can be managed effectively, emphasizing the need for open communication with healthcare providers. 

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Watch The Conversation!

In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson discusses the common side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Dr. Watson highlights the importance of understanding these side effects and reassures listeners that many are common and often temporary.

“Today we’re going to talk about side effects of hormone replacement therapy. And I think this is so important because all too often I see women start their hormones and then I get six messages about side effects.” – Dr. Polly Watson

The episode covers topics such as abnormal bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, fluid retention, skin irritation, and changes in vaginal discharge. Dr. Watson sheds light on how these symptoms can be managed effectively, emphasizing the need for open communication with healthcare providers. 

One key takeaway is that nearly 40% of HRT users experience unexpected bleeding, especially in the first three to six months, but this is often manageable with proper guidance.

Quotes:

  • “Almost 40% of hormone replacement therapy users are gonna have some sort of unexpected bleeding, especially in the first three to six months.” – Dr. Polly Watson
  • “Perimenopause is puberty in reverse.” – Dr. Polly Watson
  • “About 3% of people have the opposite reaction to progesterone — instead of getting calm, they get super agitated.” – Dr. Polly Watson

Resources:

Meet the host!

Dr. Polly Watson is a board certified OBGYN who has additional training in menopausal medicine, sexual medicine and functional medicine.

She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you to help find a solution to address the imbalance in your system and restore your health.

In 2019 I left my job as an employed physician with a large organization and started Hormone Wellness MD. I started with no staff working out of a single room. Since then, my staff has grown to a team of 5 and we’ve helped over 1,100 people on their health journey.
Dr. Polly Watson

MD FACOG NCMP, Hormone Wellness MD

Dr Polly Watson Podcast Bio - hrt

Meet the host!

Dr Polly Watson Podcast Bio - hrt
Dr. Polly Watson is a board certified OBGYN who has additional training in menopausal medicine, sexual medicine and functional medicine.

She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you to help find a solution to address the imbalance in your system and restore your health.

In 2019 I left my job as an employed physician with a large organization and started Hormone Wellness MD. I started with no staff working out of a single room. Since then, my staff has grown to a team of 5 and we’ve helped over 1,100 people on their health journey.
Dr. Polly Watson

MD FACOG NCMP, Hormone Wellness MD

Meet the Guest!

Kate Willis NP Podcast Bio - hrt

Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP is a virtual nurse practitioner for Hormone Wellness MD. She’s been working in women’s health for 15 years in the field of gynecologic oncology and sexual wellness.

In 2021, Kate received her certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), and is thankful for such solid and evidence-based training. She uses it daily in her care for patients as she works to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction in the body. As of 2024, she is also a Menopause Society Certified nurse practitioner who is ready to help with your perimenopause and menopause questions. Click here to become a patient!

I love working with women because I think women change the world.
Kate Willis

NP-C IFMCP, Hormone Wellness MD

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