Whilst some women choose to stay on HRT until their menopausal symptoms have subsided, treatment should be lifelong.
As bioidentical HRT (BHRT) uses plant derivatives as opposed to synthetic animal hormones (as in the case of standard HRT), many more women now recognise that bioidentical hormones can be part of a healthy lifestyle in the long term.
Are bioidentical hormones safer?
A clinical study conducted in 2009 demonstrated that bioidentical hormones are safer for long term use than standard HRT, which is usually prescribed by GPs. The data from this study showed that bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease than their animal-derived counterparts. Bioidentical hormones are created from Mexican yam plant extracts, which are then modified to be chemically indistinguishable from the hormones your body makes naturally. As your body does not see bioidentical hormones as being foreign, they produce minimal side effects.Long term use of bioidentical HRT
Ideally, you should start bioidentical hormone replacement therapy during the early stages of perimenopause, when you first begin to experience symptoms. Your dose can then be gradually increased over the years, avoiding the worst menopausal symptoms that would typically present in your 50s. By the age of 60, the symptoms of menopause have usually passed. However, you can still continue to enjoy the benefits of bioidentical hormones at a lower dose. These benefits include:- Reduced severity and frequency of hot flushes
- More restful sleep
- Improved libido
- Reduced anxiety
- Easier weight management
- Better focus and memory
- Enhanced energy
- Stronger bones
- Improved mood