Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most well-known treatments for managing perimenopausal symptoms (more on peirmenopause HERE). It involves supplementing the body with bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both to relieve symptoms caused by fluctuating hormone levels. There are two main types of HRT:
- Systemic HRT: This involves taking estrogen (usually with progesterone) in the form of pills, patches, creams, gels, or sprays to address broader symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.
- Localized HRT: This is used for more specific symptoms, like vaginal dryness, and often comes in the form of creams, tablets, or rings inserted into the vagina.
Benefits of HRT:
- Effective relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances
- Improves vaginal health, reducing dryness and discomfort and improves libido
- Improves bone density
- May improve mood and cognitive function
- May improve cardiovascular health
- …and much more!
Risks of HRT:
Despite its benefits, HRT does come with risks. For this reason, it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider (like Alison at Wild Rice Wellness!) to determine the safest and most effective option. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which uses hormones identical to those produced by the body, is often the preferred option.
Combining Functional Medicine and Hormone Replacement Therapy
One of the strengths of the functional medicine approach is its focus on personalization. Some women may benefit from lifestyle interventions alone, while others might need a combination of lifestyle interventions and hormone replacement therapy.
For example, a woman experiencing severe hot flashes and mood swings may start on a low dose of systemic HRT, while simultaneously working on stress management and sleep hygiene to naturally regulate cortisol levels and support adrenal health. This is the sweet spot!
Book a Free 15 minute call today to learn more!