To HRT or not to HRT. That is the question.
To make a decision to start on a hormone therapy, of any kind, you need several things.
Good information about what the therapy is and what it is expected to do for you
Good information on any side effects you might experience and what to do if these appear
Good information about the alternatives available to you, what they are expected to do, and any side effects.
For so many women, they are suffering so much by the time they make an appointment with their health professional that HRT, with it’s offer of turning down the volume significantly on the effects of menopause, seems like the obvious choice.
As my readers and patients know, I’m not “anti” pharmaceutical medication. My father was a pharmacist all of his life in fact, and I have worked alongside pharmacists, GP’s and many other health professionals throughout my life. I am more “pro” good information, a considered approach, and good choices that you understand and are comfortable with.
The first two questions in the list above are for your GP. I could write for miles on the many different types of HRT, their expected outcomes and side effects, however I’m more motivated to share information with you on my field of expertise: the alternatives available to you. (PS: if you do want to know more about HRT, make a time to talk with me).
In the course of my career I have worked with thousands of women transitioning through menopause, and I love discussing ways to support this naturally where possible.
Some questions I like to start with:
How long would you be prepared to go on HRT for?
Are you willing to make some dietary changes to help you have an easier transition?
Are your blood sugars an issue? (do you have sugar and carbohydrate cravings?)
Are you willing to look at your stress levels and make some supported changes?
Are you ready to look at your caffeine intake?
Are you happy to have testing done to establish what’s going on for you as an individual?
Do you have problems with your digestive system currently?
Are you happy to have your supplements reviewed?
Are you happy to talk about your mood and emotions?
Are you happy to talk about your heart health and hormones?
Do you know how your thyroid function?
The answers to these questions are important, as they inform So what’s in the naturopath’s toolbox? Bearing in mind these are just some of the amazing alternatives for you to consider:
Herbal medicine (evidence-based)
Nutritional supplementation (evidence-based)
Nutrition (evidence-based and personalised)
Stress support
Testing options (comprehensive, so you know where you’re at)
A compassionate approach, where we walk beside you as you make the healthiest transition possible
If you want to discuss your options, or find out more about alternatives, drop me a line - I’m happy to help.
Tracey.
