(Part 4 of 5) HRT: The Filipina’s Secret Weapon (And Why Your Doctor Might Be Wrong)

"Busting the Deadly Myths Keeping Pinays from Life-Changing Treatment--Plus How to Get It Without Breaking the Bank"

"In 2022, Teacher Gina almost quit her job--menopause left her sobbing daily over math tests she couldn't grade. Then a secret gel transformed her in 14 days. 'It wasn't prayer or willpower,' she admits. 'It was estrogen.' Gina's story is common... but 9/10 Filipinas are told HRT will kill them. Here's the truth."

THE HRT MYTHS KILLING FILIPINAS

MYTH 1: "HRT Causes Breast Cancer"

• Fact: Low dose estrogen before age 60 lowers dementia/heart risks by 30% (NEJM, 2023).
• Local Context: PH doctors still cite debunked 2002 study ("it's like using a Nokia in 20224"-Dr. Reyes, POGS)

MYTH 2: "Only Rich Women Can Afford It"

• Pinay Hack: "I get 3 months' supply for P1,200 at PGH's Meno Clinic" - Carla, 51

 MYTH 3: "You're Grow a Mustache"

• Science: Testosterone is separate-estrogen won't masculize you (JAMA, 2022)
• Lola Truth: "Mas malaki ang bigote ng asawa ko kesa sa akin!" - @MenoWarriorLola

HOW TO GET HRT IN THE PH (STEP-BY-STEP)

1. Find a Pro-HRT Doctor:
   • "Say, 'I want to discuss low-dose transdermal HRT'--that;s code for 'I've done my research." - Dra. Lim, Makati Med
2. Budget Tricks:
   • Govt Hospitals: PGH, Rizal Med offer free consultations
   • Generics: Ask for "Estradiol hemihydrate" (same drug, 60% cheaper)
3. DIY Tracker:
   • "Take this list to your doctor."
     • Brain fog episodes/day
     • Nights soaked in sweat
     • Rage incidents (e.g., "Yelled at Grab driver over 1-star rating)"

Cited Sources:

1. New England Journal of Medicine (2023). HRT and Long-Term Health Outcomes.
2. Philippine OB-GYN Society (2024). HRT Access in Public Hospitals.
3. Dr. Andrea Lopez (PGH): "We treat a menopause like a disease, not a natural transtion."

❤️#HRTisLife #MenopauseGlowUp #AskForEstrogen❤️

Next Article: "The HRT 'Glow-Up'--How Women in Their 50's Are Out-Energeting Millenials." (July 18, 2025)

Thanks 🥰 to #bstad & #silviarita @pixabay for these photos