Hormone Therapy in relation to Menopause - Are they Necessary, or do they Provide Actual Advantage?
In a recent podcast titled "Hormone Therapy Special (Part 1)" released by AKTUELL on June 30, 2025, Dr. Katrin Schaudig, a renowned gynecologist and the president of the German Menopause Society, delves into the world of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for menopause. The 72-minute discussion sheds light on the potential benefits, considerations, and best practices for women considering this treatment option.
BHRT offers several advantages over traditional synthetic hormones. Being structurally identical to the body's natural hormones, bioidentical hormones are less likely to cause adverse side effects. They have been found to effectively alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, vaginal dryness, and anxiety, thereby improving overall quality of life.
Moreover, BHRT can boost energy levels and enhance mental clarity, helping women overcome fatigue and cognitive issues associated with menopause. The treatment is tailored to individual needs, taking into account factors like age, medical history, and lifestyle, ensuring a safe and effective treatment plan.
However, there are considerations to keep in mind. Bioidentical hormones are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as synthetic hormones, which can raise concerns about consistency and quality. Regular monitoring is necessary to adjust dosages and ensure safety and efficacy, typically involving regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.
Some approaches, like rhythmic hormone replacement therapy, aim to mimic the natural cycle of hormone production, further enhancing the effectiveness of BHRT by addressing the fluctuating needs of the body. It's crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to tailor the treatment and monitor its effects.
For women with additional risks such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases, BHRT can be particularly beneficial. Bioidentical hormones for progesterone, for instance, have a sleep-promoting effect when taken in the evening due to a metabolite called allopregnanolone.
However, it's important to note that continuous dosing of bioidentical hormones in the postmenopause carries a small risk of increasing the risk of breast cancer slightly. Women experiencing severe symptoms like sleep deprivation, daytime exhaustion, and a loss of self-recognition may consider therapy with bioidentical hormones.
Application of bioidentical hormone gel should be done on a large area of skin, such as the thighs or abdomen, for better absorption. Showering, body lotions, or sunscreens can interfere with the absorption of the gel. A simple method to check if the dosage is correct is to press on the breast once a day - if it's tender, it's too much.
In conclusion, BHRT offers a promising alternative to synthetic hormones for menopause treatment, offering symptom relief with potentially fewer side effects. However, it's crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to tailor the treatment and monitor its effects. The Menopause is not an illness, but it can make one feel unwell. Hormone therapy can help many women return to a better quality of life, but it is not a cure-all.
The podcast can be downloaded in MP3 or MP4 format from AKTUELL's website. For more information on BHRT and menopause, tune in to the next episode of "Hormone Therapy Special."
BHRT, being structurally identical to natural hormones, can effectively alleviate menopause symptoms and potential side effects, improving health-and-wellness, specifically for women's-health issues like hot flashes, depression, vaginal dryness, and anxiety. Moreover, BHRT can boost energy levels and enhance mental clarity, addressing fatigue and cognitive issues associated with menopause.
