Episode 56: The HRT and Menopause Video
In this episode of Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne, we’re discussing HRT and menopause. Learn the difference between bioidentical hormones and traditional hormone replacement therapy.. We also discuss going through menopause naturally.
As if we aren't dealing with enough already, lucky for us, in this phase of life, our hormones are shifting and we get to navigate MENOPAUSE.
Around the age of 40, our hormones begin to shift. Our ovaries slow down and estrogen levels decrease. We may notice things like our cycle becoming irregular, heavy bleeding, night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety, even heart palpitations. The symptoms of menopause look different for each woman. But, one thing is the same, navigating menopause can be a struggle. So much so, that many of us turn to treatments like HRT and bioidentical hormones for relief. So in this week's episode of Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne, we're discussing Menopause and HRT.
You may be surprised to know that HRT and bioidentical hormones aren't always what they seem. And, eventhough they've become a popular treatment for menopausal symptoms, you may not want to rush into choosing one of these treatments to manange menopause. In fact, there may be other underlying causes to your hormone imbalance, so it's important to stop and ask why your hormones are doing what they're doing. Stop to consider whether or not there are other things that need to be addressed before treating your hormones specifically. Below we've listed a few highlights from today's episode.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically just like human hormones and they're derived from a plant. But, they are still a chemical and can have side effects in your body if not managed properly.
Traditional HRT is synthetic hormones, made in a lab. They aren't exactly like our hormones chemically. Therefore, our bodies don't always handle them as well.
Both HRT and bioidentical hormones can be administered in a number of ways like creams, pellets, and capsules.
When choosing either of these treaments, it's important to test you hormones before, during, and after treatment. Otherwise you're guessing on how much and what horomone your body needs and how much your body is getting, which could lead to even worse side effects
Underlying issues may need to be addressed before jumping to HRT, like: stress levels, eating habits, and weight. All can contribute to hormone imbalance.
Other things like gut dysbiosis and chronic infection, such as mold toxicity and lyme, could be causing hormone imbalance as well.
Clearly, menopause isn't a clear cut issue for us and there are alot of gray areas, which is why it's so important to do your research and check in with yourself before you jump to HRT. Always start by asking the question "why?" It's important to address the cause of hormone imbalance and not just mask symptoms. If you have underlying issues that are causing hormone imbalance and you don't address those issues, choosing HRT instead, you may feel better in the short term, but take heed. Since you didn't heal the intial problem, it's still there and it will likely manifest itself in other ways.
For more, click the picture above to watch this weeks episode of Life after Kids, The HRT and Menopause Video. And before we go, remember, women have been going through menopause for centuries. Our bodies were designed for it, and when they're treated properly, they know exactly what to do. A decrease in hormones in this phase of life is perfectly natural to some extent. Have we taken time to consider what may come up down the road if we do to much interfering with a natural process? In some ways menopause is a right of passage. It can be a bit of a struggle, but there can also be beauty in it, an awakening so to speak. Don't be so quick to stifle menopause that you miss the wisdom it imparts.