Hormone Replacement Therapy – Is There A Better Solution?
Hormone replacement therapy…what a world of confusing decisions, symptoms and side effects. There are many pros and cons to weigh up when looking at traditional hormone replacement therapy options, but what if there was a more natural solution?
At Elite Aesthetics, we have been supporting women who are going through menopause with our Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment plans. As a naturally derived product, BHRT has been hugely popular as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
But before we explore what makes Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy so successful, here’s a little background on what’s going on with your body during menopause…
What Is Menopause?
For some, menopause is a breeze. A smooth progression from one time of life to another, but for others it can be a rollercoaster of changes. It’s all to do with how your body manages the drop in oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone – and that’s where we can help.
For women, one of the first signs of menopause is a change in the frequency of their menstrual cycle. Your periods may start to phase out or suddenly stop altogether. While this may be a welcome change for those that dread ‘the time of the month’, the side effects of the hormone shift can make living through menopause difficult and uncomfortable.
Typical symptoms of the menopause stage are;
Hot Flushes
This is when your face, neck and chest are suddenly overcome with a feeling of warmth. You may also perspire more and feel a rapid heartbeat. While it’s unclear why hot flushes are a side effect of menopause, it has been linked to hypersensitivity in the hypothalamus, your body’s thermostat. A subtle change in temperature can set off a dramatic reaction, leaving you red-faced and sweating.
Disrupted Sleep
As well as night sweats caused by hot flushes, you may also find falling or staying asleep tricky. There is a higher incidence of sleep apnoea in menopausal women, with the most severe cases requiring intervention support. As well as apnoea, you may find yourself with restless leg syndrome (where your legs feel twitchy and irritable). Suffering from these symptoms can leave you feeling tired and withdrawn during the day.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness during and after menopause is very common. Medically known as vaginal atrophy (you can read more on this topic here), the dryness is caused by the thinning of the vaginal walls coupled with a decrease in lubrication. The drop in the hormone oestrogen means that there’s a decline in vaginal secretions that keep things comfortable ‘down there’.
Lower Libido
With all of the above, it’s no surprise that you may find yourself with a reduced sex drive. Aside from the physical discomfort you may be experiencing, you will also find that the decreased hormones mean you don’t have the same interest in sex as you may have done in the past.
Mood Swings & Anxiety
If you could choose an aspect of your teen years to revisit, fluctuating moods would probably not be one! But like the onset of puberty, the shift in your hormone balance has an effect on your overall mood and mental wellbeing. Mood changes, anxiety and depression are all commonly associated with menopause.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was developed to help ease the transition for women (and men) throughout menopause. The treatment replenishes your hormone levels so the effects of the drop are diminished.
Traditional hormone replacement therapy medications come in many forms, from pills to patches. They can contain synthetic hormones, which some find can have adverse effects.
What Are The Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
There is no doubting the positive aspects of HRT, but some women find that the side effects of the treatment can make day-to-day living more uncomfortable.
Side effects of HRT might include;
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Acne
- Vaginal bleeding
So, Is There A Better Solution?
Thankfully, the answer is yes. There have been exciting developments made using naturally sourced hormones, meaning that your body more readily adapts to the treatment. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy has transformed the lives of many women and men who are finding menopause difficult.
BHRT is derived from a plant extract, rather than synthetic products. The molecules used in the treatment are identical to those in the human body, so replicate the action that real hormones take.
With this in mind, there are some significant improvements in the side effects of hormone therapy. Those that opt for bioidentical hormone therapy report that they don’t suffer from related weight gain, adult acne and mood fluctuations.
And the really good news is that there’s scientific evidence to support claims that it reduces some of the more serious risks too. Studies have shown that BHRT has fewer cardiovascular risks, reduced breast cancer risks and better tolerance than its traditional counterpart.
How Do I Find Out If BHRT Is For Me?
If you’d like to know more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we’d be happy to arrange a consultation. Because menopause affects everyone differently, at Elite Aesthetics we tailor a treatment plan that is unique to your needs.
During your consultation with leading women’s health and hormonal health practitioner Dr Shirin, you will discuss your symptoms and desired outcomes. We will take a blood sample so we can establish which hormones are lacking, so you receive the right dose of treatment to bring your body back in balance.
Regaining control of your body is easy, it just starts with a discreet and friendly conversation at our beautiful clinic. You can find us in Greenhithe in Kent – we’re just 10 minutes from Dartford and Gravesend station, 15 minutes from Maidstone and 20 minutes from London.
