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Welcome, beautiful souls, to another empowering journey with Clinical Hypnosis & Healing Arts for Women! Today, we're delving into a topic about menopause close to the hearts of many women: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). We'll demystify what BHRT is, explore its contraindications, and dispel the myths that have lingered for decades. So, as is our ritual, grab your favorite cozy beverage, settle in, and let's embark on this enlightening exploration together!
UNDERSTANDING BHRT:
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) has emerged as a known, safe, and transformative success in women's health with regard to the treatment of menopause. Offering a natural and customized approach, BHRT has shown remarkable efficacy in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and insomnia. After lifestyle modifications, BHRT is the first line therapy for suitable candidates who experience vasomotor symptoms of menopause, and employs hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) identical to those produced by the body, promoting a harmonious balance from within.
BHRT has also been shown to have impactful health benefits that include:
1. Wellbeing Boost:
BHRT enhances feelings of wellbeing.
2. Bone Health:
Preserves bone density, reducing the risk of hip fractures, a crucial concern in women's health with age.
3. Sleep Quality:
Decreases insomnia by promoting restful sleep and less brain fog.
4. Skin and Health Preservation:
Maintains smooth skin, and preserves optimal sexual, pelvic floor, and urinary health.
5. Cardiac Health:
Studies suggest a positive impact on cardiac health during menopause.
6. Diabetes Risk:
Significantly decreases the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, although not indicated solely for this purpose.
The personalized nature of BHRT allows for tailored treatment plans, addressing individual needs and fostering a positive and empowering menopausal journey. It stands to reason that all women deserve to make an informed decision about available treatment options for menopause, and they deserve to be provided with reliable, evidenced based, and current research findings and recommendations.
It’s important to note that for healthy women younger than 60 years with bothersome menopause symptoms, who are within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of BHRT generally outweigh the risks.
While BHRT has proven benefits, it's crucial to understand its contraindications – situations where its use may not be advisable.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Breast, endometrial, or other estrogen dependent cancer history: If you or a first degree relative have a history of breast cancer or certain estrogen-sensitive cancers, BHRT may not be recommended due to concerns about hormonal influence on cancer growth. However, discussing the use of local vaginal estrogen cream is essential. Even women with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer deserve this conversation. It allows each woman to assess risks and benefits based on her quality of life, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making.
Blood Clot Risks/Heart Disease: Individuals with a history of blood clots and clotting disorders such as thrombophilia, history of stroke, coronary heart disease, and untreated hypertension may be at an increased risk with BHRT.
Liver Disease: Conditions affecting the liver's function may influence how hormones are metabolized, making BHRT less advisable for individuals with severe liver diseases. However, certain BHRT patches are designed to bypass the liver's first-pass effect, making them a safer option. Women with liver disease should have an open conversation about their specific risk factors and the benefits of BHRT. Collaborating with a menopause practitioner and hepatologist is recommended for shared decision-making.
Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding: If you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding, it's crucial to identify the cause before considering BHRT to avoid masking potentially serious issues.
Fun Fact: Did you know that menopause is defined as one calendar year without a period?
A CRUCIAL FACT TO SHARE: Any bleeding post-menopause is considered potentially cancerous until proven otherwise. Tell all your friends and say it loud for those in the back: Bleeding after the completion of menopause is never normal and should be investigated right away. I once saw a 62-year-old patient who had been having “periods” for a year, although she was ten years remote from her last menstrual period. She was told by her gynecologist, who was an older gentleman doctor and who had also delivered all her babies, that as long as she had been monogamous with her husband for her whole life, then it was nothing to be concerned with and it would eventually stop. I couldn’t make medical horror stories like this up if I tried!
Understanding these contraindications is vital for making informed decisions about your own quality of life and health. Always consult with a trusted Certified Menopause Practitioner to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
Now, ladies! Lean in close. There's a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about BHRT, especially about Estrogen. It's like a wild circus!
ESTROGEN: A BEAUTIFUL QUEEN. BUT IS SHE FRIEND OR FOE?
Friends, let me be clear about Estrogen. It got a bad reputation from a flawed study, causing havoc. This poorly designed study wrongly linked correctly used estrogen to cancer, creating chaos. Despite subsequent studies proving otherwise, the damage was done. Women were left without proper treatment due to this unjustified fear of hormone therapy. Read more from the National Library of Medicine about this controversy. It's time to dispel the myth; BHRT is beneficial when done right!
And in case you need more, I’ll throw in the position statement of The North American Menopause Society here because you deserve to be informed.
In a nutshell, folks, when done right—correct dosage, timing, reasons, method, and for the right individuals—hormone replacement therapy not only is not carcinogenic but can even prevent certain types of cancer! Let's bust the myth, empower women, and ensure everyone has the correct information.
TAKEAWAY:
Remember that the path to vibrant well-being is unique for us all. Whether you are considering BHRT, nonhormonal medication options, exploring the gentle art of clinical hypnosis, or incorporating a mixture of all these treatments into your menopause health plan, the key is making informed choices aligned with your individual needs and circumstances.
Consult with a Certified Menopause Practitioner today and become an informed partner to your healthcare professionals. Embrace knowledge about menopause and your treatment options and trust your intuition as you craft a journey filled with grace and vitality.
At Clinical Hypnosis & Healing Arts for Women, we honor your path and offer support tailored to your preferences and individual health needs. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation today, and let's embark on a transformative journey together. Menopause is just one chapter in your beautiful story, and we're here to help you write it with elegance, health, and energy.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Embrace the choices that align with your true self, and let your inner light shine brilliantly!
For more insights and personalized support, visit Clinical Hypnosis & Healing Arts for Women. Together, let's navigate women's health with love and empowerment.