Davina McCall's Influence and Candid Approach to HRT
For years, Davina McCall has been a vocal advocate for menopause awareness, using her platform to break the silence and stigma surrounding this natural phase of life. Her openness stems from her own difficult experience with menopause, which began when she was in her mid-40s. She experienced severe symptoms, including crippling brain fog, low mood, and anxiety, which she initially mistook for early dementia. Her journey to find the right treatment was not straightforward, with some doctors incorrectly advising against HRT based on outdated information. However, once she found a supportive doctor and started her bespoke body-identical HRT regimen, she experienced significant relief.
Her detailed and transparent accounts of her HRT routine, often shared on social media, have inspired countless women to seek help and have informed conversations with their healthcare providers. By showing her daily application of gels and patches, she has made the process seem accessible and normal, challenging the shame and secrecy that many women feel about their menopause treatment.
The Specific Components of Davina McCall's HRT
Davina's HRT is a multi-pronged approach designed to address her specific hormonal needs, which she developed in consultation with experts like Dr. Louise Newson. The key components are delivered via the skin and a coil, a method favoured for its safety and effectiveness in many women.
Oestrogen: Patches and Gel
Davina utilizes a combination of two forms of transdermal oestrogen: an Estradot patch and Oestrogel.
- Estradot Patch: She applies a clear oestrogen patch called Estradot, alternating hips with each application. The patch provides a steady, continuous supply of oestrogen, absorbed directly through the skin into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver.
- Oestrogel: In addition to the patch, Davina uses Oestrogel daily, which she rubs into her upper arm. She started using the gel to support her oestrogen levels after her doctor recommended it. This approach can allow for flexible application and further support consistent hormone levels.
Progesterone: The Mirena Coil
Progesterone is a necessary component of HRT for women with a womb, as it helps protect the uterine lining from thickening due to oestrogen exposure. Instead of taking oral progesterone, Davina receives progesterone from a Mirena coil, a small intrauterine device. This method provides localized progesterone delivery, which is highly effective and can offer the added benefit of contraception for some women.
Testosterone: A Crucial Female Hormone
Davina also uses testosterone cream daily on her thigh. Often overlooked in female HRT, testosterone is an important hormone for women's energy levels, cognition, and libido. She emphasizes that women's testosterone levels naturally decline with age and that supplementation does not cause masculine side effects when used appropriately. This is an aspect of her regimen that she has actively highlighted to inform other women about this often-unrecognised option.
Transdermal vs. Oral HRT: A Comparison
Davina's choice of transdermal delivery over oral tablets is a key feature of her regimen, aligning with modern recommendations for body-identical HRT. Here's a quick comparison of the two main delivery methods:
| Feature | Transdermal (Patches, Gels, Sprays) | Oral (Tablets) |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption | Absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver. | Absorbed via the digestive system, passes through the liver before reaching the bloodstream. |
| Risk Profile | Not associated with the same risks of blood clots as oral HRT. | May carry increased risk of blood clots, particularly for high-risk individuals. |
| Consistency | Provides steady, consistent hormone levels. | Hormone levels can fluctuate after each dose. |
| Convenience | Patches are applied a few times a week, gels/sprays applied daily. | Requires daily pill-taking. |
| Liver Impact | Minimal effect on liver function. | Can increase liver enzymes and affect liver processes. |
Making an Informed Decision About HRT
Davina's experience underscores the importance of a personalized approach to HRT. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and a woman's needs may change over time. She is a strong advocate for doing personal research and seeking expert medical advice to make an informed choice. Speaking with a healthcare provider who specializes in menopause can ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your individual health profile, symptoms, and preferences. It's a journey of self-advocacy and exploration, with the goal of feeling 'normal' again, or even better. For further information and resources on menopause and HRT, the website for Dr. Louise Newson provides a wealth of information and support via her Balance app.
Conclusion
What HRT treatment does Davina McCall use? She utilizes a tailored body-identical regimen that combines an Estradot patch, Oestrogel, testosterone cream, and a Mirena coil. This comprehensive approach allows her to effectively manage her menopause symptoms through a transdermal delivery method, which offers a favorable safety profile compared to older oral treatments. Beyond detailing her specific treatment, Davina’s most significant contribution has been her candid advocacy for open dialogue and informed choice. By sharing her journey, she has empowered countless women to take control of their health and actively seek personalized, effective treatment, proving that managing menopause is a challenge that can be overcome with the right information and support.
Visit the Balance Menopause website for expert information and resources
