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    Friday Five: A HRT update with Dr Zoe Hodson

    enApril 23, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Telehealth provider PlushCare offers weight loss solutions with FDA-approved medicationsPlushCare offers convenient online weight loss solutions with board-certified doctors, FDA-approved medications, and insurance coverage.

      For individuals struggling with weight loss despite healthy eating and exercise, PlushCare offers a solution. PlushCare is a telehealth provider with board-certified doctors available day and night to partner in weight loss journeys. They can prescribe FDA-approved medications like Wegovy and Zeppound for those who qualify and accept most insurance plans. This convenient online service makes starting a weight loss plan easier and more accessible. On a different note, Dr. Zoe Hodgson, a Manchester-based GP and menopause specialist, discussed the issue of estradose versus estragel, two forms of body identical estrogen gel. Many women using estradose report a lack of effectiveness and a return of symptoms. Dr. Hodgson has been advocating for answers from the gel's manufacturers, Bessins Healthcare, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA's primary responsibility is to ensure medicines work and are acceptably safe. However, for many women, estradose does not meet these requirements. This ongoing issue highlights the importance of effective communication between healthcare providers, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies to ensure the best possible care for patients.

    • Parallel imports of prescription meds may not be identicalWomen on hormone replacement therapy should be cautious of parallel imports, as they may not work effectively and could lead to symptoms returning despite label claims of equivalence. Check labels and consult with healthcare providers to ensure the best treatment.

      Parallel imports of prescription medications, despite being supposed to be identical to the original, may not always be effective, especially when it comes to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. This woman's experience of switching from the original estradel to the cheaper parallel import, estradose, resulted in her symptoms returning. She encountered resistance from her pharmacists who insisted they were the same, despite her insistence otherwise. The lack of awareness around this issue and the pressure on GPs to prescribe generically contributes to the problem. Even if a woman manages to get a named prescription for the original medication, there's no guarantee that the pharmacy will dispense it due to budget constraints. Moreover, some parallel imports may be mislabeled, making it essential for women to be vigilant and check the labels and contents of their prescriptions carefully. The situation is frustrating for women, and it highlights the need for greater awareness and transparency around parallel imports and their potential differences from the original medications.

    • Women face challenges ensuring identical estrogen gel for HRTWomen using estrogen gel for HRT may experience inconsistent batches, leading to frustration and disappointment. Communication with healthcare providers and pharmacists is crucial.

      Women who rely on estrogen gel for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may face challenges when trying to ensure they receive the identical product from pharmacy to pharmacy. Within the pharmacy, patients have the legal right to request estrogen gel if it has been prescribed as such. However, once outside the pharmacy, they lose this right and any discrepancies between batches become the responsibility of the pharmacist and supplier. The inconsistencies in the supply of estrogen gel can lead to frustration and disappointment for women, especially when they've already struggled to access HRT. The differences between batches might be due to manufacturing or storage issues. Despite assurances from authorities that there's no difference between batches, many women report ineffective or defective products. The inconsistency in the supply of estrogen gel is a significant concern for women, as they need to trust that the medication they receive will work effectively. It is essential for women to communicate with their healthcare providers and pharmacists about their concerns and seek alternative sources if necessary.

    • Ongoing concerns over HRT gels like estradose and estragelWomen using HRT gels should investigate potential issues, check for correct packaging, and utilize online resources for support and information.

      There are ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of certain forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) gels, specifically estradose and estragel. Women using these gels, or knowing someone who does, are encouraged to look into this issue further. The lack of public awareness and action from authorities is concerning. The new packaging for estrogen gel may cause confusion, so it's important to check for the orange swirl mark on the UK version. The Manchester Menopause Hive, an online community, is a valuable resource for women seeking support and information on menopause-related issues. The hive metaphor represents the collective power of women coming together, supporting each other, and growing the community. A recent success story involves a woman named Catherine from Glasgow, who, after years of struggling to access HRT, finally received it and experienced significant improvements in her symptoms and overall quality of life.

    • Discovering Convenient Solutions for Various Aspects of LifeShop for unique rings online at Blue Nile.com, stay informed about pet health with Pretty Litter, access online consultations with PlushCare, manage medical bills with UnitedHealthcare, and learn about women's health on MenopauseDoctor.co.uk.

      There are various ways to enhance different aspects of our lives, from health to relationships. For instance, when it comes to planning a special moment, like proposing, the convenience of shopping for a unique ring online at Blue Nile.com can be a game-changer. On the other hand, for cat owners, staying informed about their pets' health is essential, and Pretty Litter offers a solution with its veterinarian-developed health monitoring litter. Regarding health, PlushCare makes it easy to access online consultations with board-certified physicians for weight loss support and prescriptions. Furthermore, UnitedHealthcare's Health Protector Guard plans help manage medical bills without usual requirements and restrictions. Lastly, it's crucial to address common misconceptions and myths about women's health, particularly menopause, as many healthcare professionals may not receive adequate training on these topics. MenopauseDoctor.co.uk is a valuable resource for evidence-based information on various women's health issues.

    • Many women over 60 experience menopause symptoms but don't receive proper treatmentOlder women can benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms, but proper consideration of individual health situations is necessary.

      Many women, especially those over 60, are not receiving proper treatment for menopause symptoms despite the availability of effective hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Symptoms such as brain fog, memory loss, mood swings, anxiety, achy joints, and misdiagnosed arthritis are common, and can significantly impact quality of life. Older women can benefit from HRT, but it's important for GPs to consider underlying blood vessel health and start with smaller doses. The benefits of HRT include improved sleep quality, bone protection, and relief from bladder symptoms. Women under 60 should have a discussion with their doctor about starting HRT, while older women should be encouraged to do the same after consulting with their GP about their individual health situation. It's important to clarify that the body identical HRT available on the NHS is regulated and not the same as bioidentical HRT. Menopause education for GPs is crucial to ensure that more women receive proper care and support.

    • Understanding the difference between regulated and unregulated hormones during menopauseBe cautious when using unregulated bioidentical compounded hormones, as they can lead to unwanted side effects or ineffective treatments. Always ensure to use regulated body identical hormones for safe and effective menopause relief.

      During menopause, it's essential to be aware of the difference between regulated body identical hormones and unregulated bioidentical compounded hormones. The former are those identical to those naturally produced in the body, while the latter are not regulated. This distinction can be confusing, and mistakes can lead to unwanted side effects or even ineffective treatments. For instance, some women have reported returning menopausal symptoms due to using the wrong type of estrogen gel. To help spread awareness, keep an eye out for photos of estradose and estragel packs on the Manchester Menopause Hive Instagram account. Additionally, the issue of testosterone availability for women is another topic worth exploring further. Stay tuned for more discussions on this matter. In the meantime, if you or someone you know has experienced unexpected menopausal symptoms, download the MHRA yellow card app and file a report to help address the issue. It's important to ensure that all reports, regardless of the source, are taken seriously and acted upon to protect women's health.

    • Accessing valuable resources for menopause informationExplore Doctor Zoe's Instagram, lizarlwellbeing.com, and menopause doctor.co.uk for helpful menopause information. Download medical briefing notes, learn about estradiol vs estrone, and consider estrogen use and high-fat diets for weight loss.

      Accessing important information related to health and wellness, particularly regarding menopause, can be challenging and require the use of alternative methods such as Freedom of Information requests or pseudonyms. However, there are valuable resources available online, including Doctor Zoe's Instagram site, lizarlwellbeing.com, and the menopause doctor.co.uk website. These sites offer useful information on estradiol versus estrone and provide downloadable medical briefing notes. Additionally, weight loss is a common topic of discussion, and estrogen use and high-fat diets are two approaches that have been suggested to aid in weight loss. The podcasts featuring Doctor Louise Newson and Zana Morris provide further insight into these topics. While many listeners find the information shared valuable, not all reviews have been positive, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective.

    • Critically evaluating sources of information and the importance of educationBe cautious of manipulated evidence and data, and prioritize education and quality content for accurate information.

      Evidence and data can be manipulated to fit certain narratives, and it's essential to critically evaluate sources of information. This was highlighted during the discussion about the 5 a day studies and the forensic review by Zoe Harcombe. Additionally, Liz Elle Wellbeing emphasizes the importance of education and quality content in her podcast, which has received positive reviews from listeners. She also encourages her audience to sign up for her free weekly newsletter for more well-being resources. The podcast covers various topics, including women's health, food, fitness, menopause matters, and gut health. Liz also mentioned her upcoming live appearance on ITV to discuss natural hay fever remedies. Lastly, she encouraged listeners to shop for Mother's Day at Whole Foods Market for unbeatable savings on gifts, flowers, and desserts. Quince was also promoted as an affordable alternative for high-end fashion and accessories with ethical and responsible manufacturing.

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