Episode 49: Hormone Therapy Uncovered: Risks, Benefits & Smart Questions to Ask with Dr. Becky Howie

This is the third episode in Gloria's HRT mini-series on Beyond Hormone Symptoms. After exploring HRT from a holistic perspective and hearing the powerful lived experience of a client who combined HRT with a whole-body protocol, Gloria sits down with GP Dr. Becky Howie to complete the picture with the medical evidence.What do the options actually look like? When should you start? What do the real breast cancer numbers say - not the 2002 ones? And what are the exact questions to bring to your next GP appointment? Dr. Howie answers all of it.Whether you're mid-perimenopause, already on HRT and wanting more confidence in your decision, or you've been dismissed by a doctor and don't know what to do next - this one's for you.In this episode:The different types of HRT and how to know which might be right for youThe real data on breast cancer risk and why the story is more nuanced than you've heardTiming, is there a 'right' moment to start?The biggest myths, debunked by a GP10 questions to ask your doctor, so you leave the appointment with answersTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Dr. Becky Howie's expertise00:32 - The holistic perspective on hormonal health and empowerment04:15 - Overview of HRT categories: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone10:17 - Vaginal DHEA and other treatment options outside standard HRT21:38 - When is the optimal window to start HRT?28:45 - Managing menopause with breast cancer history and balancing risks36:20 - Benefits of HRT for bone health, heart, and aging well44:45 - Myth busting: HRT safety and misconceptions50:50 - The differences between bioidentical and compounded hormones55:39 - How to prepare questions for your GP about HRT58:54 - The importance of lifestyle, strength training, and prevention in menopause62:56 - Resources for support and advocacy in menopause care65:12 - Final thoughts: self-advocacy and personalised careResources & Links:British Menopause Society⁠⁠NHS Inform Menopause Section⁠HRT Questions to ask your GP/Healthcare Provider⁠Women’s Health Concern⁠⁠Lisa Mascone - Brain health & menopause⁠⁠Maldott Life - Dr. Becky Howie’s practice⁠