HRT Facts for Menopause: What Women Are Often Not Told episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 18, 2026 · 21 MIN

HRT Facts for Menopause: What Women Are Often Not Told

from Menopause - The Real Deal · host Michelle Rowlinson

This time I’m diving deep into the often-confusing world of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to clear up the misinformation that keeps so many of us from feeling our best.  I’m sharing four critical facts about HRT that are rarely discussed, from how your daily habits like swimming or saunas can impact your patches, to the truth about medical deal-breakers like migraines or high BMI. Together we’ll shift the narrative from fear to empowerment, showing you that menopause isn’t a temporary phase to get through, but a time where you deserve a high quality of life and evidence-based care.  Whether you’ve been told HRT isn’t right for you, or you’re worried about fixed time limits on your treatment, I’m here to give you the clarity and hope you need to advocate for your health and reclaim your vibrancy. Michelle Reveals How your daily routine, particularly activities involving high heat or prolonged water exposure like swimming, hot tubs, and saunas, can affect how well HRT patches adhere and how quickly the hormones are absorbed into your system. Why many common health conditions, such as migraines, high blood pressure, or diabetes, do not automatically rule out HRT Why there is no fixed time limit for how long a woman can stay on HRT; since the body does not restart hormone production on its own, treatment can be continued as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. How Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause affects roughly half of post-menopausal women, and local oestrogen can reduce symptoms like bladder urgency and vaginal discomfort by 60% BEST MOMENTS "Menopause isn't temporary. Once we are menopausal, our ovaries don't suddenly restart hormone production a few years later." "Having certain medical conditions does not automatically rule HRT out. It's about looking at each woman individually, weighing up whether the benefits outweigh the risks, and making informed decisions." "Local vaginal oestrogen can reduce genitourinary symptoms by around 60%. 60%! That is huge." "Menopause care is not one size fits all. It's about understanding what's happening in your body” HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 18, 2026

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HRT Facts for Menopause: What Women Are Often Not Told

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