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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Health & Fitness, Shay ·

Hormone Replacement Therapy: PART TWO


After Monday’s post on my Hysterectomy, today’s post is the follow-up to that…HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: PART TWO.

If you’ll recall, I did PART ONE…

…on HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY two years ago.  You can read all the details about it HERE.

I have been consistently doing HRT therapy now for six years.  I absolutely love it, have never felt better and the few isolated incidents when I wasn’t on it (like when we traveled so I was several days late getting my injection), I felt a really big difference.  In my personal opinion, probably a lot more women (and men!) need HRT than actually do it.  As we get older, our hormones do change and if you’re one of those people who suddenly feel sluggish, are gaining weight, having night sweats, breaking out, have lost your sex drive…whatever it is, HRT might be for you.

Before we dive in, I always like to include a disclaimer: Once again, this is about my HRT experience.  I’m not a doctor, I’m not diagnosing you, I’m not saying HRT is the answer to your problems…it was the answer to mine, but yours could be a plethora of other things.  There is a fine balance between me respecting my privacy and me sharing to help out this community, so I’m going to try and balance both today.  You should always, always, always check with your medical professional about what’s right for you.  That being said, my hot sports opinion (for all of you Ticket fans out there) is that if you tell your doctor and your doctor dismisses you and yet you still suffer from un-diagnosed and/or unaddressed symptoms, you should probably get a second opinion.  Your health is too important to always leave in one person’s hands.

You can read the full recap on why I started doing HRT and the different avenues I’ve used HERE.  In a nutshell, my levels were not in the normal range AT ALL and so I started what would end up being a six year process of HRT and finding the “right” way (at least for me!) to do it.  I have done pellets, I have used creams, I have taken more pills than I could ever count and then for three years, I went in and had an injection every 10 to 14 days at a clinic.  The clinic had me on an injection/pill (both prescription and supplement) regimen that worked really well for me.  I liked that they did regular blood work to make sure I was taking exactly what I needed, I loved that what I was getting was completely personalized to my body and my levels and I absolutely felt so much better.  Plus, my skin was bright and clear (no more hormonal acne), my energy levels were up, I was no longer having night sweats, I was sleeping so much better…my whole quality of life improved.  There were a few times when we traveled for longer than 14 days when I was a few days late getting an injection, and I would begin to see symptoms arise and not feel like my best self.  I loved this method.  I found it pretty convenient and very effective (a combination I need in order to actually maintain something of this magnitude).

So, fast forward to this last August…

…I was feeling amazing, I wasn’t going to change a thing, I was so super HAPPY, buuuuut I had this little voice in my head telling me I needed to switch doctors.

Dr. Riegel with brand new Smith!!  We never knew the genders of our babies, so this was always such a special moment!!

Let me back up…remember in Monday’s post when I said that my much beloved OBGYN no longer did OBGYN (and I was super devastated)?  Well, it’s because he opened a HRT center instead and was only focusing on that. Now, I hadn’t been using him for my HRT therapy because I was experiencing such great results and was really afraid to “rock the boat” as I didn’t want my symptoms to return at all by changing something…but I had several friends who were using him and loved him.  I knew that I loved him so much as a person, and had loved it when he was my physician, so I made an appointment just to discuss. He knew I was happy, I knew I was happy, but we were just going to chat about my HRT…five minutes in, I was using him from then on and never going to look back.

He is just brilliant.

After six years of HRT, I felt so much more in control of my therapy after five minutes with him than I ever had.  He was able to answer all of my questions about HRT and how they could/could not relate to cancer, how they need to change as I age, how they need to change if I were to have a hysterectomy and remove my ovaries, I was so well-informed, so educated, so assured and so EXCITED about his approach, that I changed and have been absolutely thrilled with the results.

Ask anyone who knows me if I’m excited about my new regimen and they’ll let you know that I’ve told everyone they should go to him for a consultation…and when they do, people are BLOWN AWAY by his approach to HRT for both men and women.

What he does is so specifically tailored to each person.  His approach is for the individual to give themselves one injection a week at home.  That’s it.  For me, no more pills (I was taking 18 a day when I first went into his office…EIGHTEEN!) and getting an injection at a clinic every 10 to 14 days.  Now, I just give myself one injection once a week at home and that’s it.  He ships them to my house, I inject myself and move on with my day.  It’s not time consuming, it’s private, it’s quick and it’s customized for me.  I go to the lab by my house to get my blood work done when necessary and he goes over the results and tweaks my injection accordingly.  Knowing I was about to have a hysterectomy, he was able to tweak them in advance of that so that there wasn’t a big dip in my hormones once the uterus and ovaries were removed.  (The fact that he was an OBGYN for over 25 years really plays a big part in his ability to understand the female body and hormones.)  In fact, over the last two months, TWO of my kids’ doctors have gone to him as well for HRT too (after asking why I’m so energetic and me giving him all the credit!). He really has, for me, revolutionized and simplified a process I’ve spent six years working on.

I’m always really private about who my doctors and my kids’ doctors are, but because he not only delivered both of my babies but has been such an instrumental part of my female health, I am going to share his info with you today.  I asked him if it was okay and he said it was.  His passion with HRT has revolutionized my world and so many people around me as well.

So, I get it…giving yourself an injection perhaps sounds crazy/scary/weird/insane, but for me, HRT has been a major part of my well being over the last few years and finally finding a method that is easy and effective has really improved my quality of life.  I was encouraged to get my hormones checked out by a friend at church and over the years, I’ve met more women who have begun HRT only to truly feel like their best selves (women of all ages!), so I want that for you too.  You can find Dr. Riegel at The Riegel Center.  He assures me that he and his staff treat patients all over the US, so even if you’re not local, don’t feel like you can’t reach out.  I’m a big believer in skin checks, mammograms and women taking control of their own health and well being.  Having a hysterectomy and getting my ovaries removed was made so much easier because I already had a firm hormone replacement therapy plan in place.

Whew!

So, I hope that helps someone!

Don’t forget, make sure you read PART ONE to get the full picture about my HRT and then if you missed my post on my hysterectomy, click HERE.

See you guys tomorrow. xo

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Comments

  2. Beth K says

    I’m definitely asking my doctor about this today! In addition, I’m going to check out what Dr. Riegel offers to patients from afar. Praying for answers, so that I can get my body in order and for no more hormonal acne! Thank you for sharing!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hormonal acne was and is THE BIGGEST indicator for me that my levels are off. My dermatologist is also a firm believer that hormonal acne isn’t something he can treat as it’s a hormone issue and not in his wheelhouse. I always appreciate that about him.

  3. Marla says

    Thanks for sharing this today Shay. I know many of us will personally benefit from this information and I, for one, am excited about it .

  4. Kristi says

    How did the doctor determine initially that you needed HRT? Did your dr order blood tests to make that determination? I had my levels checked but they weren’t out of the ordinary but my energy level is really low. I also had a robotic hysterectomy but kept my ovaries.

  5. Narci says

    You know I’m President of Dr. Riegel’s fan club. Love that he’s switched to hrt-I need to have my levels checked again to make sure they are on point!

    • Constance says

      Thank you for sharing so much about yours and your family’s health! You have so much strength/grit with everything your family has gone through. You’re inspiring with your patience!

  6. Rachel says

    So, full disclosure- I’ve never ever heard of thuds. I’m 40 and none of my friends have been doing it. A quick google search tells me HRT is for women who need relief from menopause symptoms . You aren’t old enough for that? Also read about a lot of risks. Can you point to any research that says it’s safe/rec’d for younger women?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I think you should totally ask Dr. Riegel (or your own doctor) the medical questions. Right now, I’m post-menopausal, but even before, my levels were no where near the normal range…so the HRT got me to “normal” for a woman of my age.

  7. M says

    Interesting! I’ve been fascinated by HRT since Robin McGraw raved about it on Dr. Phil about 15 years ago.
    You mentioned your energy level. Were you diagnosed with hyperthyroidism?
    Do you have energy past 6 pm now? I think most moms are exhausted by then 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I was with hypothyroidism (a few years ago when I first started doing HRT). I find that my energy levels are steady all throughout the day!

      • Erika M says

        Shay with your levels where they are now, does your doctor still consider you having hypothryroidism? Did you ever take any thyroid medication or are the injections in place of that? I have hypothyroidism and currently taking thyroid medication, but still have very low energy and other symptoms. Thank you for being so open and sharing your story. I so appreciate hearing other people’s experiences.

          • Cym says

            Thanks for your response! Just starting down the hypo journey. Tried one med, didn’t work for me. Starting another tomorrow, nervous. Will def contact your doc for hormone bloodwork. Thank you!! Glad you’re feeling better!

  9. Lauren says

    So happy you posted about this! I just had my second baby in September and my hormones have been all over the place since then. I understand that it takes awhile for postpartum hormones to regulate but this seems to be more than what is typical. I’ve met with my OB but we haven’t discussed HRT yet. I’ve been looking into changing my diet, various birth control pills, and now I’ve had several people recommend acupuncture. I will continue looking into all my options, including HRT! Thank you for posting this!!

    Lauren
    http://www.allaboutthatmommylife.com

  10. Crystal says

    Hi Shay! Quick question for you – what kind of dr did you see initially when wanting HRT? I see an endocrinologist currently but based on my test results, I don’t require any type of medication but I do feel all of the things you mentioned (sluggish, night sweats, weight gain, etc). As I read your post, it seemed as if a different type of dr might be where I want to go next.. Thanks!

  12. Brenda says

    Are you able to share some of the expenses for this? I’ve heard it can be pretty expensive, and many insurances companies will not cover it. Thanks!

  13. Brooke Taylor says

    I’ve done a lot of research about this and tried creams, patches and pills. I am also hypothyroid and trying to get optimal with that. I appreciate your sharing what you’ve learned and I’m really intrigued as I’ve never heard of being able to give yourself injections. I’m scared of pellets because you can’t really control them once they’re in. Are you getting estrogen and progesterone in the injections? So thankful that this is starting to become more mainstream

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Estrogen and testosterone. I don’t need progesterone since i don’t have a uterus.

  14. Lisa Richardson says

    I feel like I need to book a flight! LOL Thanks for the info. I’m so thrilled you have him!
    XOXO

  15. Lisa says

    Hi Shay! I have had a lot of symptoms you mentioned from around the same age (18- I’m now almost 27). My hormone levels have always come back normal so I’ve never done anything to address my symptoms besides trying out different methods of birth control. Do you think HRT could still help? Or do my levels technically have to fall into “abnormal” for HRT to make sense? Thank you so much for sharing all of this!!!

  16. Ahna @ Hammers N Hugs says

    I am still stuck on the fact that at one point you were taking 18 pills a day for your hormones! Girl, that’s a full time job! ?

  17. Ronda Petrin says

    Hi Shay,

    I love that you wrote about this, and I have tried it, but my big question is, what about insurance? I am a struggling single mom and as much as I would love to continue HRT, the Dr. I went to says insurance does not cover any of it.

    I hate that my health depends on insurance, but when you have only on (small) income other things have to come first.

    Thank you!

    Ronda

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I hate that too!! I wish it were something so much more economical and feasible for everyone!

      • Ronda Petrin says

        Thank you for the response!

        I am going to talk to my Primary care doc and see if he has any recommendations for HRT that take insurance.

        Also, I am a 6 year Breast Cancer survivor, my cancer was ER, PR positive, so I could only do the testosterone pellets. I liked the results, but would prefer something more tailored to my specific needs.

        Love your blog, and glad to see you are doing so well post surgery! 🙂

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          Awe! I’m so happy to hear you’re a 6 year survivor!!! You made my heart so full just now!

  19. Andi Fairley says

    Does he manage your thyroid also or do you have an endocrinologist? I also have hypothyroidism (Hashimoto) and early menopause. I’d love to have one doctor to go to for both!

  21. Amy Jarrell says

    Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve been doing the pellets and felt better. But, hated the scars it was leaving from the incisions all over. I stopped doing them. And now don’t feel as good. I did IVF so shots at home are not a biggy for me. I live in DFW area so I can’t wait to check him out.

  23. Rebecca Brittain says

    Thank you for sharing! This piques my interest because I have been battling “not feeling myself” and unexplained weight gain (15 lbs!) for almost three years. I finally was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and have been through six doctors to even get that answer and find help. I feel about 1/4th back to myself but perhaps something like this would help! Thank you again.

  24. Jaime Scott says

    Do you know he treat patients from afar? Blood work and phone consults? I’m so interested! I’ve been feeling like my hormones are out of whack for awhile and I deal with hormonal acne amid other things, but I live far away.

  25. Susan Christian says

    I literally could almost cry reading all your symptoms as I am suffering from most of them at one time or another and I keep thinking, “I should not be going through this at 45!” I had to have a partial hysterectomy in 2008, so I’m now wondering if my levels have been tapering off since then? I have already contacted Dr. Riegel’s center for a virtual appointment since I’m in The Woodlands. I’ll do whatever it takes to feel like “me” again. Thank you sooooooo much for all this information. Praying it can give me some answers I didn’t even know I needed!

  26. Shana says

    Thanks, Shay! I just called their office and Dr. Riegel actually answered, lol. I live in Washington St. so I was calling to see if he treats out of state patients and he does! He was super chatty and nice and informative and said they’d already had over a hundred emails and messages from your blog readers, lol. I’ve been on hormones for about ten years, I’m 49, but still don’t have the energy and vitality I should be having and I lead a very healthy lifestyle. So, I’m really hoping Dr. Riegel can help! Thanks so much for this blog post!

  27. Kristen Gerdel says

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have had similar symptoms for years and always just chalked it up to being a busy wife and mom. I am going to reach out to my doctor today and hopefully get some answers. Thanks again Shay.

  28. Kelli says

    Sounds amazing! However, my mom is a 3 time breast cancer survivor (still in radiation as we speak!) and her last battle was hormone induced! So wish this could work for me, because it’s what I need! So glad it’s working so well for you!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I would tell Dr. Riegel that’s your concern (or your HRT doctor). He actually treats patients for this very reason.

      • Rebecca says

        Oh wow. I’m just coming up one my one year anniversary of breast cancer diagnosis and battling all the awful side effects of these long term medications I have to be on (since my BC was hormone positive). I assumed his clinic wouldn’t be a good fit since I can’t tinker with estrogen but now I’m intrigued ?.

  29. Kim says

    Shay, I’m in a rut, I had many big life changes happen to me at once…empty nest, job change, move to a new city all while dealing with menopause. My Dr. put me on an antidepressant but also recommended hormones. I’m also post menopause and trying to decide if I should try them. My mom and sister both take hormones so I don’t know why I’m hesitant. You definitely shed a very positive light on them so I think I will try them. Have you ever been on an antidepressant? I feel like I don’t have the patience to work with the Dr to get the “right” hormone for me?!?! I had a partial hysterectomy in my thirties and the Dr assured me some estrogen would make me feel much better. I have hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, low energy etc. I have often wondered how you do all you do and I’m thinking I need to take better care of myself like you do. I miss my kids, family, coworkers, friends and my old self. I’ve read that menopause symptoms can be treated with antidepressants and sometimes hormones are not necessary so I’m conflicted on trying them. Thank you for being a positive influence and encouraging your readers to take care of themselves, I’ve been reading your blog for years.

  30. Emily says

    Thanks for being open and discussing this topic. Question for you – did you have your hormone levels first tested by your GP or your OBGYN?

  31. Sandy says

    I talked to my doctor about it today because after I read this I did some research and I have so many of the symptoms and my doctor said no to testing them. She said the levels vary and even if I had the levels checked there is nothing they would do before menopause to correct it?? She recommended going on birth control. Did you go the birth control route first or did you go directly to HRT and have you heard other doctors with this kind of theory?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Over the years, the cost has changed depending on what my treatment plan was and/or who was doing the treatment. It varies.

  33. Teresa Coose says

    First, I live your blog. Second, thank you for sharing the information about HRT and Dr. Reigel! I called to schedule my virtual appointment this morning and Dr. Reigel just happened to answer the phone. After just the few moments of giving him my info I felt like this was going to be one of the best decisions o have ever made! He was so kind and assured me we would be able address my health issues. I can not wait to get this process started.
    Thank you for your post today! Also, I am so happy you are feeling great!

  34. Kara says

    Curious if you use insurance if it is considered medically necessary or if you pay out of pocket? Thanks for sharing!!

  36. Sheaffer Sims says

    I hope they hired an extra front desk person, because I’m thinking they are going to need it. 🙂

  37. Alli says

    I’m definitely intrigued. Is this something insurance generally covers? It sounds expensive long term.

  38. Robin says

    I am so thankful for bioidentical HRT! It saved my life, as I was suffering with a debilitating hormonal depression. I see Dr McMinn in Birmingham AL. He’s amazing. This dr of yours sounds wonderful too. 🙂

    • Anna Hochstetler says

      I’m not far from Dr McMinn, so this makes me so excited! Shay, thank you so much for this post. I’ve been really struggling with most of the symptoms you listed. Your blog post came just at the right time. I woke up saying I just feel like this is all hormonal, then I read your blog and it was like YES!!!! This makes so much sense! I wanted to book a flight immediately! But finding out there’s one highly recommended close to me gives me so much hope!

  41. Raquel Whatley says

    Oh my goodness, I just went to see an Endocrinologist today because there is suspicion I have hypothyroidism. What kind of doctor diagnosed your need to have HRT?

  42. Dee says

    Are you worried about the increase of your chances of developing breast cancer?

    A woman on hormone therapy usually takes both estrogen and progestin. Women who have had a hysterectomy can take estrogen alone. … Not only does combined HRT increase the risk of developing breast cancer, but it also increases the chances that the cancer will be discovered at a more advanced stage.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You should ask Dr. Riegel (or you medical provider!) that question. I am one hundred percent not worried about it at all.

  43. Melinda Marona says

    Hi Shay! Thank you for the info. I also had gone to someone for HRT but they offered all of the daily pills plus a B12 shot each week. I’m one who has a REALLY big problem swallowing pills so I finally gave that up. I’m would be very interested in the once weekly injection. Do you mind telling what the injection is actually called? I want to look into this either locally or calling your doc

  45. Becky Carl says

    We will be in that area in about a month. I need help bad but I’m 64 so hoping there is still hope for me. I should be over all this stuff by now….complete hysterectomy in 1995, years of taking Premarin, then years of anti anxiety meds to keep me from going crazy I guess. Some GYN Dr told me that would be my hormone medication. But I now know better but hooked on it now. So going to call him to see if he can help me. Thank you and glad you are recovering so well.

  46. Elizabeth Jeanes says

    I am just over 2 weeks post op from my hysterectomy. I left my ovaries because I have a lung tumor that we were afraid would respond poorly to HRT. However, my story is similar to yours-infertility, considered “post menopausal” when trying to have our babies, etc. I was taking 18 pills a day just trying to breastfeed our Babies and keep my hormones steady. I commend you on your openness and I’m praying that leaning my ovaries was my best option! I will say-2 weeks post op and I’m still having a rough time recovering! Ready to feel better soon!

  47. Susan Jeffries says

    Thanks for sharing! I have been suffering – really suffering – through early menopause for over a year now. It honestly has been terrible. I have several appointments coming up so thanks for this info!

  48. Leitha Lind says

    I just started the pellets a few weeks ago(had a hysterectomy with oopherectomy in Sept and the patch wasn’t working) and saw your post. I immediately called Dr. Riegel and left a message, he called back and talked to me for like 15 min. It is pricey(bout 5k for the first year)and not covered on insurance, he takes cash checks and HSA cards. After the first year, it’s about the same as pellets! I’m all in and can’t wait to get started! Thanks so much for posting about this!

  50. Sarah says

    So I was born without a uterus, but I have one ovary. I’m 37 yrs old now, but over the past 3 yrs I’ve been gaining weight, thinning hair, trouble with sleep, no energy, acne out of nowhere, etc. I need to get in to my doc to get my hormone levels tested. I’ve always heard that they suggest you do HRT for a very short period of time. Has anyone ever told you this and do you know why that is?

  51. Jolene E. says

    God blessed me with finding your website. I have been following for many years and I just love your energy and way you care about people enough to share your private health journey with us. Just know you have blessed so many people with this post!

  52. Mary says

    Shay, thank you for being so candid and posting about this! I just turned 35 and have had PCOS for years. My hormone levels have always been low. After looking on your doctor’s website about symptoms and everything, I think this is something I need and should look into! Thank you for this post!

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