Is BHRT Really a Natural Solution to Menopause Hormone Imbalance?
You wake up dripping in sweat at two in the morning. The sudden hot flash and your insomnia keep you from falling back to sleep...again. It’s the third time this week you haven’t slept through the night.
Sound familiar?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause hormone imbalance, you’ve likely been putting up with this for months now. And there’s no end in sight.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help by increasing your level of female hormones like estrogen. But you’re hesitant to try a synthetic hormone medication because of its side effects like mood swings. That didn’t go over well when you used the birth control pill.
You prefer an alternative solution that won't interrupt your body’s instinctive process.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is often promoted as a “natural” alternative to traditional HRT. But there’s actually no conclusive evidence that supports that, and the side effects for both are similar.
There are plenty of natural hormone replacements for menopause that you can try if you decide that HRT is not right for you.
Menopause Hormone Imbalance Symptoms
You knew that transitioning into menopause would be uncomfortable. But you never thought it would be this unbearable. It’s not just the night sweats – with the hot flashes and fatigue it feels like you’re not in control of your own life anymore.
On top of night sweats, these are just a few of the menopause hormone imbalance symptoms you might be experiencing (6):
Sleep problems
Fatigue
Weight gain
But you keep soldiering on without complaint while no one around you knows what’s really going on inside.
If you’re ready to set your hormones straight, the first step is deciding if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Two common options use either synthetic or bioidentical hormones.
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
As you transition into menopause, the levels of hormones produced by your ovaries change. Your estrogen, the primary female hormone that contributes to essential bodily processes, starts to decline. And your progesterone and testosterone get affected too.
With all of these hormonal fluctuations, no wonder you’re feeling out of sorts.
HRT is commonly used to increase those dropped levels of estrogen. In turn, this can improve your symptoms – like those hot flashes that force you to drop everything when they come on.
The two common methods of HRT use either synthetic or bioidentical hormones. So, what’s the difference between the two?
Bioidentical Hormones: Hormones engineered from plant estrogen that are chemically identical to your natural ones. This is why they call them bioidentical.
Synthetic Hormones: Hormones synthesized in a lab out of substances like pregnant horse urine. Traditional HRT uses these.
Since bioidentical hormones are identical to the ones your body produces naturally, they are often promoted as safer, more natural, and more effective than synthetic hormone replacements. (2)
But there’s actually no conclusive evidence to support those claims. And in many cases, these hormone products are commercially processed in order to become bioidentical. (4)
While these hormones come in various forms like pills, patches, and creams, bioidentical hormone pellets are increasingly popular. These pellets get placed under your skin and release hormones on a recurring basis.
The automatic hormone release might appeal to you since you won’t have to remember to take a medication. But there are unpleasant side effects that can come with any form of HRT, including:
Increased chance of getting blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease.
Increased chance of getting cancer within your uterine lining.
These negative side effects tend to be higher in women who use bioidentical hormone pellets. The high level of hormones can cause dangerous bleeding, anxiety, and even weight gain. (1)
You need to solve your hormonal imbalance quickly so the symptoms stop interrupting your day. HRT might help achieve those quick results. But it’s best to combine them with therapies that kickstart your body’s ability to balance your hormones naturally.
Even if you decide to use synthetic or bioidentical hormones at first, these natural replacements can help sustain your hormonal balance when you stop HRT.
Best Natural Hormone Replacements for Menopause
Although traditional and bioidentical HRT’s are effective for some women, it’s clear they both involve similar risks. You’re desperate to get rid of the hot flashes. But abnormal bleeding isn’t something you should have to experience either.
Therapies like acupuncture can kickstart your hormonal balance naturally without the unpleasant side effects. A few of the most effective, all-natural remedies for menopause hormone imbalance include:
Acupuncture
Your endocrine glands are responsible for releasing estrogen hormones directly into the bloodstream. Acupuncture stimulates this process of hormone release by placing needles at key points of energy.
Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine specializes in acupuncture that treats perimenopause symptoms. Book an appointment today to work with a skilled acupuncturist who can help kickstart your hormonal balance.
Diet and Nutrition
The number of vitamins and nutrients you consume can have a huge impact on your hormones. Eating foods that are high in phytoestrogens can actually mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Yes, plants are that powerful! (3)
Not sure which foods contain the right phytoestrogens? A holistic nutritionist can make you a tailored nutrition plan that’s designed to treat your symptoms.
Superfoods
You’ve probably heard of the term “superfoods,” but what does that mean exactly? Superfoods are plant-based and very nutritionally dense foods. They’re proven to be powerful in boosting your overall health and addressing specific symptoms. Superfoods that help with perimenopause symptoms are:
Maca: Incas used this adaptogen hundreds of years ago for more energy and hormonal balance.
Amla Berry: an ancient fruit that balances your body’s estrogen levels.
Baobab: a vitamin and nutrient-rich fruit that balances your hormones and decreases mood swings.
Yes, the grocery store clerk might give you a strange look if you ask for “Baobab.” You can get these superfood powders online instead, from brands like YourSuper. (5)
Regular Exercise
Exercise isn’t scientifically proven to help the root cause of hormone imbalance. But the benefits it provides to your overall health can address some of the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Exercise can increase your energy levels, which might help if you’re battling fatigue. Plus, it can keep off the extra weight that’s commonly gained during the transition to menopause.
Restore Your Hormone Balance
Night sweats, anxiety, and hot flashes disrupt your day. No wonder you’re looking for a solution for menopause hormone imbalance. You shouldn’t have to put up with any more sleepless nights.
Traditional HRT’s that use synthetic or bioidentical hormones can help in some cases. But bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) isn’t as natural as you might think. And it can cause the same side effects as traditional HRT.
If you’re looking to restore your hormone balance naturally, start by trying acupuncture and assessing your diet and exercise routines.
Book a consultation with Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine to learn more about hormone replacements for menopause. Speak with Dr. Martina about whether BHRT is right for you and get a tailored treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal therapies, nutritional supplements, nutritional and lifestyle counseling.
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