Can BHRT Control Those Hot Flashes?

For women, menopause is like the final boss of life stages that impacts hormones. Just like puberty brings on menstruation and mood fluctuations, when that significant monthly event begins to slow and eventually stop, the process is far from imperceptible for most people. One of the most frustrating symptoms a person experiences is hot flashes. However, other side effects like insomnia, low sex drive, and even mood swings can occur. In most cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a primary treatment that helps to supplement hormones lost during menopause as well as manage symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a variant that can be successful for some women.

The purpose of HRT

Not every woman will be encouraged to undergo HRT in any form. For example, people who don’t experience intense menopause related symptoms, aren’t at a high risk for developing osteoporosis, or don’t shift into the life phase in the early 40s, managing the change with simple lifestyle adjustments and non-hormonal alternatives may be enough. However, women who do fit the previous categories are strongly encouraged to take HRT to avoid adverse reactions later in life.

The BHRT variant

Multiple types of HRT treatments can be administered for women in menopause. Most options focus on supplementing the estrogen hormone with variants that include progestin or progesterone, or low-dose supplementation to minimize side effects. BHRT is slightly different from the standard form because of how the hormones are sourced. In HRT, synthetic materials are used, whereas bioidentical hormones are derived from plant-based materials and then modified to chemically match human hormones. Similar to traditional HRT, BHRT treatments can be customized in dosage and delivery method.

Making the choice

BHRT is an incredibly effective medical innovation that does help to control and relieve menopausal symptoms. Similar to standard HRT, this feat is achieved by supplementing hormones that the body is no longer producing at previous levels because of menopause. Women are reminded that BHRT is not regulated by federal governing bodies in the same way as standard HRT. However, the fairly new therapy can be a great alternative for people who experience allergic reactions or serious side effects to traditional menopause treatments.

BHRT and compounding

Just like with HRT, BHRT can be delivered in a wide range of formats, including topicals, commercial options made from standardized formulas, or even compounded. However, scientific organizations caution that compounding should only be performed if a person is allergic to the already government-approved formulations. As with any medications, BHRT isn’t without side effects. Common symptoms include weight gain, acne, bloating, cramping splitting, mood swings, and headaches. Before choosing BHRT, be sure to speak with a gynecologist or obstetrician to determine if hormone therapy is the right choice and to understand the risks and benefits.