HRT vs. Natural Hormonal Support: What Works Best for Energy, Skin & Wellbeing?
The shift from the reproductive years into menopause is a time of transformation – alongside the inevitable hormonal changes, symptoms can range from the negative (fluctuating moods and sleep disturbances) to the positive (a feeling of renewal and improved mental health). In the past, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has often been the go-to treatment for managing menopausal symptoms, but as more research emerges, natural hormonal support is used to replace or complement HRT for some women. Our award-winning, clinically tested Morning & Night supplement is designed to support whole body health through all stages of perimenopause and menopause, giving you the power to make menopause your best chapter yet.
Understanding Menopause and Hormonal Fluctuations
Menopause typically occurs around the age of 50, though perimenopause can start years earlier. During this time, the body’s production of key hormones – oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone – declines, leading to various physical and emotional changes. Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, dry skin, hair thinning, and fatigue. These symptoms, particularly the loss of energy and the toll it takes on skin, can significantly affect quality of life.
While every woman's experience with menopause is different, the hormonal fluctuations that accompany this phase are indisputable, creating both short- and long-term effects on the body. This sets the stage for the discussion on how best to alleviate these symptoms through treatment – HRT or natural supplements.
What is HRT and How Does It Work?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has long been the medical gold standard for alleviating menopausal symptoms. By introducing synthetic versions of oestrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both, HRT aims to restore hormonal balance and ease the transition. It works to replenish the hormones that the ovaries no longer produce, thus helping to mitigate symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
While HRT can vastly improve menopausal symptoms, natural hormonal support can boost HRT’s effects, and it can be an appealing option for women who wish to avoid synthetic hormones.
The Appeal of Natural Hormonal Support
While HRT remains the gold standard in treating menopause symptoms, some women are now turning to products that offer a gentler alternative to HRT, such as phytoestrogen-rich foods, adaptogenic herbs, and targeted supplements designed to support hormonal equilibrium. From Ashwaghanda to Sage in our Morning & Night supplement, we’ve designed our formula to help you through every stage of perimenopause and menopause.
1. Phytoestrogens: Nature’s Hormonal Support
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body. Commonly found in soy products, flaxseeds, and legumes, these compounds can help balance oestrogen levels, which fluctuate significantly during menopause. Research has shown that a diet rich in phytoestrogens may reduce hot flushes and support overall hormonal balance. A study published in Menopause (2020) found that women who consumed higher levels of phytoestrogens had fewer menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats.
While phytoestrogens are not a replacement for oestrogen therapy, they may offer a natural, more accessible way to manage mild menopausal symptoms. For those seeking a more plant-based approach, a diet enriched with phytoestrogens or the inclusion of targeted supplements can help support the body through this transition.
2. Adaptogens: Boosting Energy and Reducing Stress
Adaptogens are natural substances, usually herbs, that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance in the face of physiological changes. For menopausal women, adaptogens can provide significant benefits in terms of energy, mood stability, and overall wellbeing. Herbs like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and holy basil have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, boost energy, and improve focus.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2012) found that Ashwagandha, a herb present in our Morning & Night supplement, helped reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress while improving overall energy levels in women. Given that fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of menopause, adaptogens have become a staple for women looking to support their energy levels naturally.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supporting Skin Health
Skin changes during menopause are a significant concern for many women. Collagen production declines, and the skin becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles. Omega-3 fatty acids, present in our Morning & Night supplement, can support skin health by reducing inflammation, maintaining hydration, and promoting collagen production.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids help improve skin hydration and elasticity, two key factors in maintaining a youthful appearance. For those hesitant about HRT, omega-3s are a viable supplement for nourishing the skin from within, helping to restore hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Supplements for Hormonal Balance
Targeted supplements are another avenue for women seeking to manage their menopausal symptoms. These typically contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts aimed at supporting hormonal health. Popular ingredients include:
Vitamin D: Vital for bone health, vitamin D is often deficient during menopause, and studies have shown that adequate levels can help support overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Vitamin B6: This vitamin plays a role in balancing mood and reducing irritability, a common symptom during menopause.
Magnesium: Known for its ability to support sleep and reduce muscle cramps, magnesium is an important mineral for menopausal women.
Each of these above vitamins are present in our Morning & Night supplement, supporting health through every stage of menopause.
Which Option Works Best for Energy, Skin & Wellbeing?
The decision between HRT and natural hormonal support is deeply personal, and ultimately, it depends on the severity of symptoms, health history, and personal preferences. For women experiencing severe symptoms such as hot flushes, HRT may provide the quickest and most effective relief. However, for those looking for a gentler, more natural approach, incorporating supplements like phytoestrogens, adaptogens, and omega-3s may provide significant benefits without the potential risks associated with synthetic hormones.
Recent research suggests that a combined approach may also be effective—one that incorporates both medical intervention (such as HRT) and natural remedies (such as supplements). Adopting a tailored approach with the guidance of a healthcare professional is often the best strategy for managing the challenges of menopause while maintaining energy, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
HRT and Morning & Night
Whether opting for HRT or natural hormonal support, the key to navigating menopause lies in taking a holistic approach. Members of our growing #LumityCollective use our Morning & Night supplement to combat challenging menopause symptoms, both with and without HRT, for enhanced quality of life.