HRT: Is Natural Safer?
There is always much debate on this. After-all most traditional medications are derived from plants therefore; isn’t Compounded Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy safer or better than what my GP or Bourne2care prescribes?
Well let me explain. Most women who want my help with HRT have read about Compounded Bio-Identical HRT, some have tried it and then sought my help. So why have they found me? Didn’t this other HRT work for them? In my experience many women read about these “natural” types of HRT assuming it’s safer and more effective but menopause specialists such as myself question the safety and effectiveness of these.
As a qualified health professional I can only discuss, prescribe and advise treatments based on research. Tried and tested treatments, medications and opinions. As health professionals we are accountable; if I give you the wrong advice, promote treatments that aren’t based on best practice or prescribe unsafe, untested, unregulated medications; let’s just say I wouldn’t be nursing for much longer!
Compounded Bio Identical HRT is often promoted as natural and therefore safer than the “traditional HRT” that I prescribe. I’ve read the social links to this; how much it costs, the claims and explanations on how it works in the body. So if it was that safe and effective why aren’t the leading Menopause Experts Like the British Menopause Society, NICE and International Menopause Society promoting it? Hmmm…
What we do know about Compounded Bio Identical HRT;
• This type of “HRT” is unregulated and often prescribed by clinicians who don’t have recognised menopause qualifications ( i.e. from The British Menopause Society).
• There aren’t any robust research studies to support they are more effective than traditional HRT.
• There is often a lot of “scaremongering” by companies promoting their compounded HRT saying it doesn’t cause cancer like Traditional HRT. With what I have read; especially on social media, this is a common theme. Those of us who understand HRT; know the risks of developing cancer from taking HRT are very low indeed!
• Compounded Bio Identical HRT is often “prescribed and given” in types, routes and doses that aren’t easily absorbed or effective in the body. But could they cause harm?
• This type of HRT is often very expensive and many women I see tell me that the investigations needed i.e. mouth swabs and finger prick blood tests can be costly. I would also question are these effective ways of monitoring hormone levels?…
• Traditional HRT has huge benefits to long term health; especially in heart and bone health but does Compounded Bio Identical HRT? I certainly haven’t seen any evidence in Menopause journals.
My moto is if NICE aren’t advocating its safety or effectiveness as a HRT, then I would be questioning why choose this type of HRT over what Bourne2care or your GP can prescribe you.
I only prescribe HRT that is safe, effective and based on years of research!
For my advice on HRT to reduce your menopausal symptoms and improve your long term health, drop me an email; enquiries@bourne2care.co.uk
Speak soon. Diane.
