Do I NEED Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Should I Take Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Most doctors will tell you yes. The school of thought is by taking a synthetic hormone you protect your body against heart disease and osteoporosis. It will also make their job easier because the belief is HRT will manage the symptoms associated with menopause.

But do you really NEED to take HRT? How did our fore mothers get through menopause before HRT? After all HRT has only been around for about 50 years. They did it why can't we?

I believe you can do it. You may change your ideas about health and learn some new things about how your body works, but you can do it. Don't be afraid because you do have choices. Do remember that as you go through this journey you are in motion and so are your hormones so symptoms may change month to month and even week to week. Still, these can be managed with knowledge and patience.

What should you do before going on HRT?

• If you are someone who wants a more natural approach to balancing your hormones, there are many options available. The key is working with a practitioner or ND (naturpathic doctor) to find what makes sense for you. This is not the time to get a recommendation from the supplement advisor at Whole Foods. There are just too many elements that need to be factored in before going on supplements or HRT. Your practitioner may even recommend hormonal testing (not the kind your MD does) to get a baseline mark for you.
• Ask your doctor the reasons why she wants you on HRT. Make sure it makes sense to you and that your doctor has a full picture of your family history and risk factors. There may be an interim step such as compounded HRT, which is generally prescribed by an ND.

In the weeks to come I will be covering more on HRT and the female body in relation to the hormones involved in the "change" known as menopause. I will be addressing many of the more common symptoms women experience as they progress through peri-menopause and menopause and how to handle them with grace.