5A lternatives to Bioidentical Hormones Therapy
Although bioidentical hormones are manufactured in the laboratory, they are similar to the ones your body and plants produce naturally. Bioidentical hormones are usually derived from a plant steroid known as diosgenin. Diosgenin comes from different plants like wild yams and soy, and after its extraction, it is converted in the lab chemically to create Mount Pleasant bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones look and produce the same effect as your body’s natural hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. And because bioidentical hormones may contain one hormone or a combination of hormones, they can be useful in treating various symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, sleeping difficulties, vaginal dryness, painful vaginal sex, bladder issues, and mental fog.
Also, some formulations of bioidentical hormones can minimize the risk of certain medical conditions due to hormonal imbalances.
Consequently, below are the alternatives to bioidentical hormones.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
As you approach menopause or during menopause, your body naturally reduces its production of hormones, including reproductive ones. Therefore, you can undergo hormone replacement therapy to boost your levels of hormones. As a result, you can benefit from a reduced risk of weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, skin cancer, and joint pains. You can also get relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, which causes vaginal sex to be painful and uncomfortable.
Even though hormone replacement therapy may help relieve your menopause symptoms, it can also put your health at risk. For example, you may become more susceptible to dementia, endometrial cancer, stroke, blood clot, breast cancer, and gallbladder issues.
- Lifestyle choices
There are various healthy lifestyle choices you can adopt that can assist in reducing or preventing symptoms of menopause.
You should remain physically active, eat healthily, sleep in a cool environment, wear comfortable clothes that promote sleep, reduce your intake of foods and drinks that may trigger or worsen hot flashes, and avoid stress. Also, stay away from smoking and lubricate or moisturize your vagina before having sex if you have vaginal dryness. Stopping or reducing smoking can help minimize hot flashes and your risk of severe health problems like cancer, stroke, and heart illness.
- Tibolone
Sold under the brand name Livial, Tibolone is a medication that can boost your estrogen production to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Your doctor will require you to take the pills for the prescribed duration daily.
Research shows that Tibolone may only suit you if your last menstruation occurred about a year ago. Still, Tibolone may not be as effective as hormone replacement therapy in relieving post-menopausal symptoms.
Tibolone also comes with side effects associated with hormone replacement therapy.
- Antidepressants
Health experts believe that some antidepressants can help you stop or reduce hot flashes resulting from menopause. Your health provider will discuss the benefits and risks of using antidepressants, depending on your condition.
- Complementary and alternative medicine
Research suggests that it can be possible to reduce your symptoms of menopause by relying on complementary and alternative medicine such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, yoga, and aromatherapy.
Contact Menopause Solutions today to schedule an appointment with a menopause specialist.