Lately I have had some ladies tell me they are using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) but it is the natural one and ask me what I thought about it. So here is some information on BHRT and HRT to inform you about them.
What is BHRT?
Bioidentical Hormone Replace Therapy is often referred to as a "Natural" solution for hormone issues. BHRT has an identical chemical makeup as the bodies own hormones. It is made from plant oestrogens. It is available as an injection, pill, patches, creams, or gels and may also be compounded to suit the individuals needs by a pharmacist. There is some concern about the progesterone in BHRT as it is often poorly absorbed. There is lack of scientific evidence to show that BHRT is any safer than traditional HRT therapy and there is some concern that the compounding component of BHRT haven't undergone vigorous testing.
How does BHRT differ from traditional HRT prescriptions?
The biggest difference of BHRT and HRT is the manufacture of the product. With BHRT being made from oestrogen derived from plants while HRT is made from the urine of pregnant horses or synthesized in a laboratory.
While the use of both BHRT and HRT have been shown to reduce the symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats there are concerns with BHRT that the uterus lining may thicken, according to Jean Hails website there have been three cases of endometrial cancer and one death in Australia associated with BHRT.
Benefits of HRT
As well as reducing some of the symptoms of menopause possible benefits from scientific studies on traditional HRT are reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and brain function
Hormone replacement therapy in general has been shown to increase your risk of;
blood clots
breast cancer
gallbladder disease
stroke
Are there other options.
Yes, there are many herbs and foods that are able to assist in the treatment of menopause and oestrogen disregulation.
How is using herbal medicine different from using BHRT, after all it is made from plants?
Plants are made up of many different constituents, some herbs have hundreds of constituents, these work in what we call synergy where they enhance or balance the effect of each other. Each constituent has a role to play in the structure and purpose of the herb, that includes its benefit to the consumer.
Let herbs assist you with your menopausal symptoms? Book an appointment and lets get you started on your journey.
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