Hormone Therapy Benefits & Concerns

You may have heard concerns about hormones and their association with breast cancer, which can be alarming. However, it's important to note that estrogen replacement therapy does not inherently increase the risk of breast cancer. In fact, for most women, the benefits of estrogen replacement far outweigh any potential risks.

Any treatment carries its own set of risks and benefits. For many women, particularly those within 5-10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy far outweigh the risks.

Without hormone replacement therapy, you may experience symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, there's a myriad of other symptoms that you might not even attribute to menopause, including fatigue, mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and changes in hair, skin, sexual function, and body composition.

These symptoms can have a profound impact not only on your own well-being but also on your relationships, performance, wellness, energy levels, stamina, and overall quality of life.

It's essential to recognize that not all women are suitable candidates for menopausal hormone replacement therapy, underscoring the importance of a personalized approach.

Even if estrogen replacement therapy isn't suitable for you, or if you opt not to undergo menopausal hormone replacement therapy, ensuring the balance of other hormones like cortisol, thyroid, and insulin is crucial for optimal health.

Benefits of Hormone Therapy

• Overall well-being
• Improved focus and concentration
• Elevated mood and outlook
• Better quality of sleep
• Increased energy and strength
• Enhanced sexual performance
• Heightened libido
• Improved cholesterol levels
• Balanced blood sugar levels
• Improved muscle mass

In addition to hormone therapy, simple lifestyle medicine, and realistic changes can help control peri -and menopausal symptoms such as:

• Quit Smoking- Linked to a decline in estrogen levels.
• Stay hydrated- Be mindful of limiting sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
• Healthy body weight- Eat nutritious meals, fresh low glycemic fruits, and vegetables, reduce trans/saturated fats.
• Physical activity- Aerobic exercise to reduce the risk of heart disease. Weight-bearing and resistance exercise to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Supplements- Vitamin D, B6, B12, Omega 3 Fatty acids, DHA/EPA.
• Reduce Sodium- Can lower blood pressure & decrease the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, & heart failure. Alternate Pink Himalayan sea salt.
• Organic herbs, spices, and Seasonings.
• Limit sugar intake- Eat fresh low glycemic fruits, and vegetables.
• Alcohol- Limit intake and consume in moderation. Alcohol can worsen hot flashes and night sweats.
• Caffeine- Limit intake and consume in moderation. Caffeine can worsen hot flashes and night sweats.

• Pregnant
• History of blood clots
• Heart attack or stroke
• Anyone experiencing vaginal bleeding
• Present or past liver disease
• Present or past cancers such as uterine or endometrial