Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about menopause and hormone replacement therapy:
Menopause is defined as a single day in time that occurs one year after the last menstrual cycle.
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause, typically starting in a woman’s 40s (but we are seeing that it can start as early as the mid 30s), lasting up to 10 years before that final menstrual cycle. It’s marked by wildly fluctuating and declining hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) as ovarian function declines.
There are over 70 associated symptoms associated with perimenopause that occur literally from head to toe! Some of the most common are: Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, brain fog, vaginal dryness, low libido, weight gain, and sleep disturbances.
These symptoms aren’t just annoying but they can affect quality of life, relationships, and overall health, making early intervention valuable.
Both HRT and MHT are used interchangeably to describe bioidentical hormone replacement and the supplementing of hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) to alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms and support long-term health. Well North Functional Medicine is excited offer women’s hormone replacement therapy in Denver, CO!
- Reduces hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
- Improves mood, energy, sleep, and libido.
- Protects against bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- May prevent cardiovascular disease, neurovascular disease like dementia and Alzheimer’s and improve overall quality of life and well-being.
Systemic HRT: This refers to HRT that affects the whole body and is found in different formulations including pills and capsules, patches, gels, creams and pellets.
Local HRT: Targets specific symptoms of vaginal dryness, recurrent urinary tract infects and genitourinary syndrome of menopause and is applied locally (ie: vaginally) to relieve these symptoms.
Bioidentical vs. Synthetic: Bioidentical hormones refers to hormone replacement therapy that is chemically and structurally identical to our own endogenous hormones. These are the preferred HRT formulation for their natural compatibility. Synthetic hormones on the other hand are not bioidentical and can be found in hormone formulations such as birth control and oral contraceptives.
Traditional FDA Approved vs Compounded HRT: Traditional forms of HRT refers to FDA approved formulations found at any standard pharmacy. These are often covered by insurance and very affordable and come in fixed doses and routes of administration. Compounded HRT allows for personalization of dosing and route of administration and may be ideal for some patients. While the compounded medications themselves are not FDA approved, compounding pharmacies are FDA regulated and there are many high quality compounding pharmacies both locally in Colorado and throughout the US.
HRT is generally safe for most women when personalized and monitored appropriately with lab work and symptom monitoring, but risks depend on age, health history, and HRT type. Here at Well North Functional Medicine we utilized shared decision making and personalized HRT, not a one size fits all approach. All risks and benefits are discussed thoroughly with each patient including the latest research, with an opportunity to ask any questions.
Integrating HRT with Functional Medicine
At Well North Functional Medicine, we believe in truly personalized, holistic care and this includes hormone replacement therapy. If it is decided that HRT would be beneficial for you, we are still going to work to optimize all other aspects of health including nutrition, sleep, nutrition and nutrient status, supplements, stress resiliency and more. I like to describe HRT as the cherry on top when we have worked to optimize the core foundations of health. You are not just going to walk out the door with a prescription for HRT, you are going to be given a full assessment and deep dive of your health and the tools to remain healthy and active lifelong.
