The Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Menopausal Runners
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, often accompanied by a host of challenging symptoms. For menopausal runners, these changes can pose unique challenges, affecting their performance and overall well-being. However, hormone therapy offers promising benefits that can help to alleviate these symptoms and enhance the quality of life for menopausal athletes.
Understanding Menopause and Its Impact on Runners
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, typically occurring in her early 50s, although the transition, known as perimenopause, can last several years. Symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, fatigue, irregular menstruation, and osteoporosis can significantly impact a runner’s ability to train and perform.
Mary Claire Haver, M.D., an OB/GYN, notes, “The advanced athletes in my practice … are the ones really struggling with perimenopause and menopause. They seem to enjoy this great level of cardiovascular fitness, but they usually come in because they’ve been gaining weight. It’s frustrating because nothing else has changed in their lives.”
How Hormone Therapy May Help Runners in Menopause
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), involves the administration of estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. This treatment aims to relieve the symptoms of menopause by balancing hormone levels.
Dr. Jessica L. Chan, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, said, “A vast majority of my patients experience immediate relief of their menopausal symptoms once they start their hormone therapies. I’m a huge proponent of using hormone therapy to treat menopausal symptoms in appropriate patients experiencing poor quality of life.”
Benefits of HRT for Runners
- Improved Sleep Quality — Sleep disturbances, particularly due to night sweats and hot flashes, can hinder a runner’s recovery and performance. Hormone therapy has been shown to significantly improve sleep quality, as evidenced by Judy Stobbe of the Central Park Track Club. “Within days of receiving hormone therapy, I was able to sleep through the night and felt normal again,” she said.
- Enhanced Recovery — Better sleep translates to better recovery. For runners, efficient recovery is crucial for maintaining performance and preventing injury. Hormone therapy helps stabilize hormone levels, allowing athletes to recover more effectively from their workouts.
- Mood Stability — Mood swings and anxiety can disrupt training schedules and overall motivation. By stabilizing hormone levels, hormone therapy can help improve mood and mental clarity, enabling runners to stay focused and committed to their training.
- Bone Health — Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining bone density. Menopausal women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures and other injuries. Hormone therapy helps preserve bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and supporting overall athletic longevity.
Real-Life Success Stories for Women Runners
Many accomplished masters runners have turned to hormone therapy to maintain their performance levels. Jeannie Rice, who set a world record in the women’s 75–79 age group at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and Jenny Hitchings, who set the women’s 60–64 age group world record at the same event, both attribute part of their success to hormone therapy.
Catherine Watkins, a Canadian runner who started hormone therapy at around age 48, also noticed significant improvements. “After getting on the [estrogen] cream, I no longer woke up in a pool of sweat. Last year I switched to the Estradiol patches, because the cream wears off easily with sweats. And I take an oral progesterone at night,” she explained.
What to Consider Before Choosing HRT
Despite its benefits, hormone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is essential to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits. The Mayo Clinic states that hormone therapy started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause confers more benefits than risks.
For women with a family history of breast cancer or cardiovascular disease, the risks may be higher, and close monitoring is advised. Dr. Chan recommends routine breast exams and personalized care for each patient.
What to Expect from Hormone Therapy Treatments
Hormone therapy is generally prescribed in one of two different forms: systemic or vaginal. Systemic estrogen comes in pill, skin patch, ring, gel, cream or spray form. These are absorbed throughout the body. Alternatively, some women benefit from vaginal preparations of estrogen. These have a lower dose and come in cream, tablet, or ring form. Systemic hormone therapy is more effective for a wider range of menopause symptoms, while vaginal treatments can help with localized concerns.
There is no set treatment length, but most people take HRT for five years or less. How long a patient chooses to stay on this treatment depends on personal preferences, the severity of symptoms, and the potential side effects.
Ask Your Doctor If HRT Can Help You Run Through Menopause
Hormone therapy can be a game changer for menopausal runners, offering relief from debilitating symptoms and helping them to maintain their performance levels. By improving sleep, stabilizing mood, and preserving bone health, hormone therapy supports runners in continuing to pursue their passion and achieve their goals.
As always, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs. With the right support and treatment, menopausal runners can continue to thrive and set new records on the track and beyond.
