Why HRT may have health benefits beyond the menopause – by Dr Helen McKeating
A study published in the Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy medical journal suggests that HRT may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease in millions of women at risk of developing the condition, which has prompted a ripple of excitement in the world of women’s health.
Instead of being a go-to remedy solely for hot flushes, brain fog and joint pains, should HRT also be considered to be a preventative health measure?
“When oestrogen levels are low – which they are in the perimenopause and menopause – inflammatory mediators in the body increase, thus increasing future risk of diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and dementia” explains Dr Helen McKeating. “There’s plenty of evidence that oestradiol – a type of oestrogen – is a potent anti-inflammatory and thereby reduces the risk of getting these diseases. In the past, HRT was only available in synthetic form and made from horses urine by large pharmaceutical companies in a ‘one size fits all’ manner, but now we have bioidentical, or ‘body identical’ hormones derived from yam plants, which are chemically structurally identical to our natural hormones produced by the body. They are a lot safer, especially as they’re taken trans dermally through the skin, reducing the risk of blood clotting”.
Historically, menopause was diagnosed when your periods stopped but now we’re aware that hormone turbulence and deficiencies start many years before this. Starting HRT in the early perimenopausal years of your 40’s could have untold benefits, such as protection against cardiovascular disease, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, dementia, macular degeneration, plus helping to maintain muscle mass and strength, helping to promote better sleep and wellbeing – which in turn encourages more exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
With bioidentical HRT we look at not only oestradiol levels, but consider the other sex hormones equally as important to a womans physiological wellbeing, such as progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. The hormone levels are monitored with regular blood tests and the prescription can then be adjusted as required to remain within the normal physiological range and in accordance with any symptoms a patient may have.
Dr Helen offers Bioidentical HRT in her Women’s Health clinic at RejuvaMed Health & Wellness, Clitheroe. If you’d like to know more about this treatment or would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Helen simply call our Clitheroe clinic direct on 01200 538668 or send an email to info@rejuvamed.co.uk
