Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to supplement hormones when the body is not producing adequate amounts. There are natural options that can potentially provide similar benefits to traditional pharmaceutical HRT.
Some natural hormone therapy alternatives include:
- Bioidentical hormones - These are hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. They can be customized to match a person's individual hormonal needs. Bioidentical hormones can be prescribed as creams, pills, pellets, etc.
- Herbal supplements - Certain herbs like black cohosh, red clover, and chasteberry have historically been used to support female reproductive health during stages like perimenopause and menopause. They cannot directly replace hormones, but may help mitigate certain symptoms.
- Diet and nutrition - Eating foods high in phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) like flax seeds, soy, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables may help mildly promote hormonal balance. Optimal nutrition can support the endocrine system.
- Lifestyle changes - Improving sleep, managing stress, minimizing alcohol intake, and exercising regularly may support natural hormone levels without the use of supplements or medicines.
Potential benefits of natural hormones or supportive treatments include reducing
hot flashes,
night sweats,
mood swings,
irritability, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, etc. However, the degree of efficacy varies greatly between individuals.
Risks and considerations for choosing natural options:
- Results can be highly variable compared to consistent pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs and diet alone might not adequately control severe symptoms.
- Quality assurance varies greatly between herbal brands. Not all supplements have efficacy data behind them.
- Herbs can interact with other medications a person is taking. It is important to disclose natural treatments to healthcare providers.
- Can discuss options with doctors at New Beginnings HRT Clinic to design a customized, natural treatment plan targeting root causes with the latest scientific research in hormonal health. Individualized care aims to help patients optimize their wellbeing during major hormonal transitions.
Overall there are natural treatment approaches that
may partially reduce symptoms and support healthy hormone levels. However, perimenopause and menopause ultimately result from physiological changes that herbs cannot fully replace.
Natural options work best alongside pharmaceutical hormones or medications if those prove necessary to control more disruptive symptoms. Fully comparing approaches with a doctor is wise to determine what will provide a woman the greatest benefits given her individual health profile during this transition. Lifestyle and nutrition help create a foundation. From there, supplemental and prescription treatments can be added according to need.
