Can HRT work with natural remedies during menopause
Our Naturopath Mel shares that her clinic often works with a range of prescription medicine and during menopause herbs and supplements can be used alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
It is important that this is done under the supervision of a qualified practitioner to avoid contraindications and with the knowledge of your prescribing doctor.
Can HRT work with natural remedies during menopause
Many natural remedies can help complement HRT and assist in reducing side effects. HRT is one of the most effective treatments for hot flushes as it directly addresses estrogen decline. Herbal medicine like sage can also assist with heat and may allow a lower dose of HRT to be effective.
HRT also helps to stabilise mood by balancing estrogen and progesterone. There are many herbal medicine that can assist with anxiety, depression and mood which are safe to use with HRT including Withania, Passionflower and Magnesium. For brain fog and concentration Bacopa and Ginkgo can be effective as well alongside fish oil, DHA and Choline.
Supporting bone health is essential through menopause and ensuring you are getting all bone minerals during this time is essential. HRT supports bone health as estrogen protects against osteoporosis. Vitamins like calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and weight bearing exercise may also assist.
Insomnia is common during hormonal transitions and HRT can be used to improve sleep quality alongside herbs like chamomile, passionflower and even kava. Magnesium will also assist and you can chat to your GP about melatonin if needed.
Using natural herbal based creams and lubricants can assist with vaginal dryness and discomfort during menopause and protect against infections, fissures and tears.
Avoiding paraben based or synthetic creams is essential to vaginal health. HRT does assist by stabilising estrogen but localised support via a cream is also essential.
Many herbalists make individualised cream or recommend those made by other herbalists, for example Mother’s Love made by Skin Doona is a must have for many peri- and menopausal women.
Lastly, it is essential to keep an eye on heart health during this time and while HRT stabilises hormones to support heart health and may improve cholesterol levels, you may need further support in the form of CoQ10, magnesium, Omegas and a diet rich in antioxidants.
Women who have never experienced high blood pressure or cholesterol before may find this change during menopause so it is important to monitor.
Every woman is different and while many may benefit from HRT herbal remedies can be used as adjuncts as well as without prescription medicine. In combination with lifestyle changes and exercise these strategies may be enough to smooth the transition and alleviate symptoms.
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