Posted on June 17, 2024 by Sally-Anne Turner
The menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that marks the end of reproductive functions. It is characterized by hormonal changes, including a decline in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels. These hormones are usually produced in the ovaries, but as they decrease in numbers, the function of the ovaries deplete also, ceasing menstruation and ovulation.
Due to reduced levels of estrogen in the blood stream as a result, this transition can lead to various physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, and changes in metabolism.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment option for managing menopausal symptoms. It involves the use of medications that contain hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA to supplement the body's declining hormone levels. It often comes in gels, creams, patches, and oral medications, and can be the national standard or uniquely personalised depending on where you are treated.
Standard HRT treatments, like the treatments some women can get from their GPs, is a general prescription used for every menopausal woman consisting of estrogen and progesterone.
Bodyline, specialist menopause clinics offer a more personalised approach to HRT prescribing based on blood tests and analysis, targeting the deficiencies specific to each woman. The HRT prescriptions from Bodyline include estrogen, progesterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone, as well as vitamins D and B12 which are also incredibly beneficial for combatting difficult menopause symptoms. This personalised treatment, what we call our gold standard M Plan, is available fully supported for both perimenopausal and menopausal women.
If you are wondering if it is better to go through the menopause with or without the help of HRT, we want to lay out all the information to help better inform your decision. That’s because even though HRT is designed to alleviate the difficult symptoms associated with the menopause, not all women choose to opt for this treatment.
While HRT is a common approach to managing menopausal symptoms, some women may choose to balance their hormones naturally. It can be argued that this can be achieved through lifestyle modifications and alternative therapies, however studies show that with herbal and alternative remedies the evidence is mixed.
The strategies for balancing hormones naturally include:
However, it is important to note that natural hormone balancing methods may not be as effective for severe symptoms, and consulting with a healthcare professional or menopause specialist is recommended. Many women cannot improve their menopausal symptoms with just vitamins, supplements, and lifestyle changes alone. This is why a lot of women would rather use HRT.
The decision to go through the menopause with or without HRT is a personal one and should be based on an individual's unique circumstances, medical history, and her preferences.
If you are struggling to decide whether or not to make use of HRT, here are the benefits and considerations that it’s important to take note of before making any decision.
Blood tests can provide valuable insights into hormone levels and overall health during the menopause. They give healthcare professionals a benchmark to help them assess hormonal imbalances, identify deficiencies, and guide treatment decisions. Blood tests can also help monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments.
By analysing hormone levels, blood tests can provide objective data that supports personalized treatment plans. This information can help women navigate the menopause with more precise and targeted care.
What’s more, thanks to Bodyline M Plan Blood testing kits, you don’t even need to come into our Northwestern clinics – blood tests can be delivered straight to your door, and once posted to an independent laboratory who can analyse the results, we can advise clients on the best treatment plans for them over video call.
Bodyline offers the M Plan, a comprehensive medical wellness program designed to support women during the menopause. The M Plan encompasses various aspects of menopause management alongside bespoke hormone replacement therapy, including personalized guidance on lifestyle modifications, nutrition, vitamin supplement recommendations and exercise, with total support throughout.
With the M Plan, women have access to specialized menopause nurses who can assess individual needs, conduct blood tests, and develop personalized treatment plans. The program offers ongoing support, monitoring, and adjustments to ensure optimal results. Here at Bodyline, we understand that each woman's journey through the menopause is unique and strives to provide tailored solutions.
The decision to go through the menopause with or without HRT is a personal one. Both approaches have benefits and considerations that should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Blood tests can provide valuable insights and support personalized treatment plans. With the guidance and support of programs like Bodyline's M Plan, women can navigate the menopause with confidence and well-being.
If you're looking for personalized support and guidance on managing the menopause, contact Bodyline today at 0800 995 6036 or visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive medical wellness programs.
