Life After 40: You Don’t Have To Push Through Menopause Symptoms
As women approach or enter menopause, they can experience significant side effects that make life uncomfortable. However, women don’t need to view perimenopause or menopause as just a phase of life to push through. There are many treatment options to help women find relief. Bioidentical hormone therapy is one treatment that can be beneficial for women over 40 who are dealing with perimenopause or menopause symptoms.
The natural alternative for menopause treatment
Most women are familiar with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT involves medications containing the female hormones that women stop producing during menopause. This can help treat hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other menopause symptoms. HRT has also been shown to reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is like HRT, in that treatments include taking female hormones that the body has stopped producing. However, bioidentical hormones are hormones made from plant estrogen that has a makeup identical to the makeup of human hormones. Some people prefer bioidentical hormone therapy because bioidentical hormones are from natural sources. The hormones used in HRT are made from synthetic hormones.
How can bioidentical hormones improve my life?
HRT and bioidentical hormone therapy are one of the most effective treatments for women going through menopause. About 1.4 million women in the United States are using bioidentical hormone therapy for menopause symptoms. These symptoms can include hot flashes, mood swings, loss of interest in sex, pain during intercourse, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness. There is also some evidence that bioidentical hormone therapy can decrease risk for diabetes, cataracts, and tooth loss. It can also promote skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
How can I get started?
Bioidentical hormones can be taken through pills, patches, creams, gels, or injections. Some methods may work better for some women than others. At first, women may experience some minor side effects of acne, bloating, or increased facial hair while the body adjusts to new hormone levels. Each woman should consult with her doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy to determine the course of treatment that is right for her.
