In her recently published book The Menopause Brain neuroscientist Dr Lisa Mosconi poses the question: “Could we develop a type of HRT that is proven to support brain function AND does not increase the risk of cancer?” In other words a type of oestrogen ”therapy” that has an affinity for the brain, yet not reproductive tissue, such as breast or uterus. She terms this, which I love! as a “designer oestrogen” - a PhytoSERM.

Menopause; a term used so frequently, yet still most women (understandably) are confused about its definition and many women also genuinely feel fearful of approaching or being in this life stage. The trouble is, menopause, post menopause , menopause transition, perimenopause are all used interchangeably and as a result it’s created a great deal of confusion.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up bones, skin, teeth, cartilage, organs muscle, tendons, intestines, ligaments and arteries. There are at least 29 types of collagens, yet they are all composed of a repeating chain of amino acids. These repeating amino’s form long “polypeptides” gives collagen its amazing strength and lightness.

HRT encompasses several drug classes, including oestrogens (detailed blog post here), progestogens (detailed blog here), oestrogen plus progestogen combinations, synthetic steroids (e.g. tibolone), and selective oestrogen receptor modulators (e.g. raloxifene, bazedoxifene, ospemifene). In this post I want to dive into the progesterone component of HRT.

Progestogens is a collective term that encompasses natural progesterone, and a range of synthetic drugs termed progestins, manufactured to resemble progesteone and used in the oral contraceptive pill and combination HRT products.

HRT is prescribed as oestrogen + progesterone. The ”lead” hormone is oestrogen and a progestagen (either as progesterone or synthetic progestin) is added to counterbalance the oestrogen, as occurs in nature.

Tachyphylaxis is the medical term describing a sudden decrease in response to a drug after initial administration. Tachyphylaxis can occur when the bodies receptors for hormones; such as progesterone or oestrogen receptors or drugs (HRT, progestogens or the pill) don't react or respond in the intended or “normal” way. So, it’s easier to now refer to this phenomenon as a hormone resistance.

Brain fog & midlife weight gain is so readily attributed to the menopause, but why is this? And what can we do about it? Certainly ramping up your dose HRT to higher and higher doses isn’t the solution - read on!

A woman’s period is a sign of health, a blessing - not a curse! And I am on a mission for this message to be delivered in schools and taught as such in all medical institutions.