Managing menopause symptoms
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Ah, menopause! Hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain, mood swings, brain fog, thinning hair, headaches... and the list could go on forever, right?
But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be this way.
Let’s flip the script! I’ll kick things off by sharing what worked wonders for me and what I still swear by to keep things sailing smoothly. Ready? Let’s dive in! 🌸
There are 3 HRT ways of addressing menopausal symptoms:
1-The old-fashioned/traditional HRT derived from the urine of pregnant mares, Premarin.
2-Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, BHRT: Plant-based hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces compounded to suit your exact needs in terms of the different hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and others).
In the UK you have to go private for this. There’s often a focus on balancing estrogen and progesterone, but BHRT can also address other hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, which is less commonly talked about but still important for women.
3-Body identical hormone replacement- There is now a third version which the NHS call body identical (similar to the second version, also plant based) which is a one size fits all standardised percentage, using hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally by your body, such as oestrogen and progesterone.
The main difference between bioidentical(2) and body identical(3) is the level of customization and some of the hormones used.
I took and still take Option 2, Bio Identical hormone cream. It also helps prevent osteoporosis. I have never felt joint or muscle pain so maybe it works ;)
For youngsters in their 40’s, with early symptoms (yes, it starts in your forties), a simple micronised progesterone cream or drops can help a lot.
Best menopause supplements and herbs that worked for me:
The herbs that worked best for me were Black Cohosh, Sage, Ashwaganda and Red Clover to manage my night sweats (my biggest issue).
There are other herbs that can help as well. I’ll discuss my favorite adaptogenic herbs in a future post. Other key supplements I used and some I still use include Reishi Mushroom, Evening Primrose Oil, Krill oil, Gelatinized Red Maca, Holy Basil (Tulsi), Liposomal Vitamin D3+K2, Liposomal Vitamin C and a good Vitamin B complex.
Night Sweats - Bed tactics (Ooooo!)
My bed? Basically a sleep sanctuary! I swear by bamboo bedclothes and nightie—way more absorbent than cotton, so no waking up in a sweaty puddle. Plus, they keep things cool all night long.
And my secret weapon? A wool duvet! It’s like magic—breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and a total sleep game-changer. Cosy in winter, cool in summer—pure bliss!
A friend says her saviour is a cool mat.
Not all women need such an all rounded approach. Some are fine with just a little help from herbal supplements/teas. Unfortunately, I had to go the whole hog!
Has anyone discovered something else that I have left out and it’s worked really well? Please share in the comments below.
Helpful links: