HRT vs natural remedies to manage symptoms of menopause and perimenopause

During perimenopause and into menopause, the debilitating symptoms you experience, such as hot flashes, mood fluctuations, and insomnia are due to the slow decline of estrogen. Depending on how these symptoms affect you, suitable treatment options are available for healthy aging.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the name suggests, is a replacement of your female hormones, particularly estrogen which declines during perimenopause.

The primary benefit of taking HRT is the reduction in perimenopause symptoms.

Estrogen in HRT also helps with managing age-related diseases such as coronary artery disease. Estrogen is, in essence, cardioprotective, lowering your risk of heart attacks during your reproductive years. Your risk for cardiac events increases 2.6-fold postmenopause.

Additionally, HRT helps maintain bone density, especially for those at an increased risk of early osteoporosis. If you have started strength training, estrogen supplementation can also help maintain muscle strength which also helps with bone density in the long term.

Studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer with prolonged use of HRT. However, this risk is higher for women who are in their 50s, and using HRT for around 5 years, rather than a few months or a year to help manage symptoms. This increased risk was observed in 1 out of 50 women, using a combination of estrogen and progesterone.

Since HRT provides a continuous supply of hormones, it can also increase your likelihood of forming blood clots. The increased likelihood of blood clots also increases the risk of developing an ischemic stroke.

All risks associated with HRT are increased further based on other factors, such as genetics, weight, age-related diseases, and lifestyle.

Natural remedies, based on what you choose, can provide specific symptom relief.

Aloe vera Most of us have aloe vera plants in our homes, using the extract for its numerous natural benefits. Aloe vera’s “cooling properties” can help with managing hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, a randomized study also showed some benefits of aloe vera vaginal cream in managing vaginal atrophy in menopause.

Phytoestrogens Many natural ingredients such as flax seeds, soy, and red clover contain phytoestrogens. These are similar to your natural estrogen, so supplementation can assist with your declining levels of estrogen. Unlike HRT estrogens, there is limited research on their benefits. However, in a similar way as estrogen during replacement therapy works, phytoestrogens can also help manage your perimenopause symptoms.

Consulting with an ayurvedic practitioner can help enlighten you on some natural ingredients, such as shatavari you can use during menopause. While clinical studies are scarce, a few have highlighted some benefits of improvement of menopausal symptoms such as muscle function.

Your lifestyle Incorporating more mindfulness-based interventions into your daily routine is the simplest first step to managing troubling symptoms of menopause. Alternative practices such as yoga, meditation, and even acupuncture encourage building a natural connection between your mind and body.

In addition, regular physical activity, which can be as simple as a daily walk along with higher intensity 2 -3 times a week, has been proven to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms. Most benefits are observed among those who have significant mood fluctuations and insomnia.

Community take:

I didn’t know I was going through perimenopause until I spoke to my gynecologist. After our meeting, I realized I started perimenopause more than a year ago. I visited her today because I have been struggling with sleep, and talked about it during a routine check. I had dismissed my few hot flashes and irregular periods. On further questioning, I was also made to notice that maybe my mood changes are also due to perimenopause. I had never considered treatment for my symptoms before, as I thought it was something we had to deal with. But some days are difficult and I know I need help. I am not sure if hormone replacement is for me, but considering the positive effects, I may consider if my symptoms worsen. It is reassuring to know that there are changes I can make now as soon as I go home that are more natural for my menopause journey.

Most studies have highlighted benefits outweighing risks for hormone replacement therapy when started early for menopause. However, for many women using natural methods, especially if symptoms are manageable, may be the first step for healthy aging during perimenopause. To know what works best for you, it is also good to consult with your healthcare provider, and other health experts to get a wholesome idea of what your options are for managing symptoms of menopause.

Menopause and its symptoms can be unique to you, meaning there is no one right way to treat it. For both HRT and natural remedies, it is always best to be enlightened about your options and outweigh the risks and benefits. Understand for any treatment option, risks always compound over time, so reassess regularly how your symptoms are progressing and what is working best for you.