What Every Woman Needs to Know about HRT

If you're confused about hormone replacement therapy, then you're not alone. There's a lot of info to sort through, so here's what I think all women should know. It's not an either/or choice!

You can do HRT

You can choose a non-hormonal approach

You can do both

But, it's important to know that it's unlikely that ONE single approach will address all of your symptoms. Which is why many women find a combination approach that can include hormones, integrative options, nutrition and lifestyle to be a winning combo. And while recent research reassures us that HRT can safely be used in the short-term, it doesn't offer the heart, bone and brain protection we once though it did. So, nutrition and lifestyle still come out on top in that regard!

What we know about HRT ‘s safety and effectiveness

Most of the confusion and concern around HRT comes from the Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002 that identified significant risks associated with HRT, mainly an increased risk of breast cancer. They also did not find any evidence for the assumed benefits of HRT including heart, bone and brain protection. As a result, many women stopped taking hormones and starting looking for alternatives.

But, since that time, several studies have found that women can safely take HRT if needed, so long as they don’t have contraindications such as a history of blood clots. For some women, HRT can be very effective for symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. But, it doesn’t seem to offer much in the way of other health benefits, so it’s unlikely to help protect you from having a heart attack or developing dementia.

Which is why HRT shouldn’t be the only option you include in your menopausal treatment plan

The benefits of an integrative approach

Women often start to experience symptoms of perimenopause years before they start experiencing classical symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. In fact, women may start to notice changes in mood, sleep and their bodies 5+ years before they ever have a hot flash! And while achieving hormone balance will help tremendously in these early years, HRT may not be the most effective option for women in early perimenopause.

An integrated approach can offer:

Herbal alternatives to HRT that address both estrogen and progesterone changes
Sleep and stress support to help manage the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
A food first approach to health that’s weight neutral and body positive
Acknowledgement and support of the tremendous amount of change that women go through in this phase of life.

My best advice: Find a team that can listen and support you through these years as symptoms come and go. They’re likely to change many times, and having a personalized plan will set you up for success.

Would you like to work with me?