Menopause is a biological process that signifies the end of a woman's reproductive years. It causes a disruptive range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. For decades, hormone replacement therapy has been a very popular treatment used in eliminating these symptoms. However, side effects, as well as the synthetic nature of conventional HRT, have driven many women towards the search for natural HRT options.
HRT vs Natural HRT: Which is Right for Me?
Understanding HRT
Traditional HRT uses artificial hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, to replace the hormones that decrease at menopause. It is available in the following forms: pills, patches, creams, or injections.
What is Natural HRT?
Natural HRT, also known as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, involves using hormones that are chemically similar to those that occur naturally in human bodies. Some of them include plant-based hormones such as yams and soybeans. Unlike traditional HRT, natural HRT helps to restore a balanced hormonal level in the body without introducing any foreign substance to the system.
Advantages of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Relieving Menopause Symptoms
The most significant advantage of HRT is it reduces many symptoms of menopause. Most of the most common discomforts associated with this stage of a woman's life involve hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. HRT can reduce most of these symptoms, thereby enhancing women’s quality of life.
Preventing Osteoporosis
Menopause leads to a significant decrease in oestrogen levels. HRT can prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. It also reduces the risk of fractures and improves bone density.
Maintaining Muscle Strength
Oestrogen helps to preserve muscle mass. During menopause, the oestrogen level decreases, which is when women start losing muscle mass. HRT is known to help maintain muscle strength, which is considered crucial for overall health and function.
Improving Mood
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to depression in women. HRT can help level out and stabilise the hormone levels, thus improving mood and preventing depression.
Improving Sleep
Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep during the transition to menopause. HRT reduces such symptoms, improving sleep quality and overall well-being.
Improving Joint Pain
Many women experience joint pain as a menopause symptom. HRT reduces pain in joints as it balances hormones and thus reduces inflammation.
Improving Memory
Some women experience memory difficulties during menopause. Although further research is needed, studies indicate that HRT promotes improved cognitive abilities and memory.
Disadvantages of HRT
Breast Cancer
One of the biggest concerns of HRT is a higher risk of breast cancer. The long-term use of HRT may have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, although the risk remains relatively low. The risk does rise with duration of use and whether oestrogen is combined with progesterone.
Other Risks
In addition to the risk of breast cancer, HRT has also been linked to other health issues, including:
● Ovarian cancer: Women who use HRT for quite a long time are more likely to suffer from ovarian cancer.
● Blood clots: HRT can increase the risk of blood in women who have certain risk factors, like a history of blood clots or smoking.
● Cardiovascular disease: Some studies have indicated that HRT has favourable effects on the cardiovascular system, but other research has reported little to no benefit or a slight increased risk.
● Dementia: There is ongoing research into the link between HRT and dementia. It's been suggested that long-term HRT increases the risk of dementia, although this has not been found in all studies.
Side Effects
In addition to the above-mentioned risks, HRT can also produce a variety of side effects, such as:
● Bloating
● Breast tenderness
● Headaches
● Weight gain
● Mood changes
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider about HRT's potential risks and benefits to determine whether it is appropriate for you.
Advantages of Natural HRT: A Holistic Approach to Menopause
Protecting against Osteoporosis
One significant advantage of natural HRT options is that they can prevent osteoporosis. Oestrogen levels decline during menopause, typically exposing women to higher risks of fractures and bone loss. Natural HRT maintains bone density by mimicking the effects of natural oestrogen, reducing osteoporosis complications.
Improving Sleep
Hot flushes and night sweats cause sleep disturbances in most women during menopause. Natural HRT often works by balancing hormones, reducing disturbances and improving sleep quality. A good night's sleep will increase energy, improve moods, and boost overall well-being.
Controlling Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are considered one of the most inconvenient symptoms during menopause. They cause discomfort, which disrupts a woman's daily routine. Natural HRT decreases hot flashes' occurrence and intensity, enhancing a woman's quality of life.
No More Night Sweats
Night sweats are another common symptom of menopause. They usually disrupt sleep and result in tiredness. Natural HRT may alleviate night sweats; it results in pleasant sleep and an overall increase in energy.
Healthy Ageing
Applying natural HRT options ensures healthy ageing primarily by addressing the hormonal imbalance that occurs during menopause. A woman using natural HRT can maintain strength and prowess well, even in old age.
Improving Joint Pain
Some of the most common complaints by women during menopause include joint pain. Natural HRT can help relieve the ache of joint pain, improve the hormonal balance, and reduce the levels of inflammation that increase mobility and comfort.
Improved Cognitive Function
Some research has shown that natural HRT can improve cognitive functions and memory. This can prove to be helpful whenever a woman suffers from memory loss or even brain fog during menopause.
Improving Vaginal Lubrication
Dryness of the vagina is one of the most common complaints during menopause and always poses a problem as it results in painful or uncomfortable sexual intercourse. Natural HRT restores vaginal lubrication, making sex easier and more comfortable.
Reducing Irritability and Mood
Menopause triggers many hormones, resulting in mood swings and irritability. Natural HRT stabilises the levels of hormones, improving moods and reducing irritation.
Every person may react differently; thus, discussing with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, including natural HRT options, is recommended.
Disadvantages of Natural HRT
● Less scientific evidence: There is minimal scientific evidence available to support the effectiveness and safety of natural HRT as compared to traditional HRT
● Quality and purity matter: The quality and purity of a natural HRT product vary from brand to brand; hence, be wise before making a decision
● Individual variability: Natural HRT is relatively effective from one person to another. It means what works well for one woman may not be so effective for another
Natural HRT Options or Alternatives for Menopause Symptoms
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is regarded as the primary treatment for all menopause symptoms, even though many women are looking for a natural approach to the condition.
Alternatives to natural HRT include:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice. In this ancient method, thin needles are implanted at a few points in the body. Acupuncture is believed to regulate body energy and thus help in the healing process. Some studies have discovered that this treatment is effective in reducing both hot flashes and night sweats during menopause.
Aromatherapy
This therapy uses essential oils extracted from plants. These oils can be inhaled, applied to the skin, or used in diffusers. Aromatic oils such as lavender and clary sage are known to calm and relax the body, potentially easing the symptoms of menopause.
Yoga
Yoga is a mind-body activity; its goals are to integrate the body's physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga practice over time may increase flexibility relaxation, and reduce anxiety, which can help manage the symptoms of menopause.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a technique used for concentration and deep relaxation. Hypnosis calms down the mind and helps overcome stress as well as nervousness and all other painful symptoms during menopause.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps change negative thoughts and behaviours. It is beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and mood swings during menopause.
Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for improving mood, losing weight, and reducing menopausal symptoms. It also helps maintain bone density and decreases weight gain during the menopausal period.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Some herbal remedies and supplements will alleviate the menopause symptoms, including:
● Phytoestrogen: These are plant-based substances that have oestrogen-like properties. They may help alleviate the hot flashes, night sweats, and also the vaginal dryness. Most sources of phytoestrogen are soybeans, flaxseeds, and red clover.
● Black cohosh: This herb has traditionally been used to treat menopausal symptoms, especially by individuals with hot flashes and night sweats.
● Red clover: Red clover has phytoestrogen and may help alleviate the frequency of hot flashes and night sweats.
Remember, herbal medicines are not regulated like prescription ones, so they may be unsafe. Some herbal medicines, such as St. John's Wort, may have severe side effects if taken with other medicines.
Always see a doctor before using herbal products or supplements. They can diagnose your condition and advise whether you should choose natural HRT options.
Conclusion
Natural HRT options are an excellent alternative to conventional HRT for any woman seeking relief from menopausal symptoms. However, this must be done carefully and under professional guidance. Remember that the information presented here is for general awareness purposes only. Consult with your healthcare professional for personalised recommendations.
How Can I Help You?
As a naturopathic practitioner, I adopt a holistic approach to understanding how your body's systems relate to one another. Whether you're years into menopause or just beginning the journey of perimenopause, I'm here to work with you. By examining your body's underlying systems, we are more likely to identify the root cause of these symptoms and understand whether they are due to menopause or other factors.
Some areas must be addressed, such as whether you take HRT or natural HRT options. Alternatives are available, depending on your age, symptoms, and whether you have had a period lately. I can help you tailor a personalised plan with herbal and nutrient support to fit your requirements.
Your body is constantly changing as you go through menopause, and at this age, it will require fuel differently than it did when you were younger. I can assist you in changing your diet to fuel your body correctly during menopause.
Together, we can navigate the challenges of menopause and explore the cause of your symptoms to create a plan that can effectively address your specific needs.
Interested in learning more about natural HRT options or have other questions related to menopause? Get in touch with me.
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