The menopause diaries part 2: HRT - comment

• Published date: 15 March 2024
• Author: ANDREA SAMUELS
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Although every drug carries the risk of side effects, I have done some rudimentary research, so I'm convinced that I'm fine to take it

Not for me the plethora of herbal remedies that so many try, taking one after the other until eventually they find something that actually works.

Visiting the doctor

Life's too short for that, I decided, before showing up at my doctor's office with a long list of menopause symptoms that include fatigue, bloating, hair loss, poor concentration, and, of course, no period for seven months.

My doctor, a young Israeli woman (everyone seems young to me these days), listened intently as I rattled off my list, silencing me every now and then with a thumb and forefinger gesture that only Israelis can pull off, before tapping away on her computer.

I assumed that she was updating my file, although I wouldn't blame her if she was trying to stay awake by engaging in a game of online chess as I droned on.

Eventually, she referred me for a slew of tests, just to be sure I was "on the turn." "Why waste Maccabi's time and resources?" I wanted to say. "I'm over 50, I've not had a period for seven months, my hair's falling out – and I'm exhausted! Just give me a prescription for HRT, and I'll be on my way."

Of course, I didn't say that.

Instead, I dutifully answered her questions regarding my suitability for HRT, after which she said that not only was I a suitable candidate for the drug, but that she thought I should take it to protect my heart, since I have high cholesterol and a family history of heart problems (I've been taking statins for...