Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) + Menopause - hear what a Naturopathic Doctor has to say!

<p>Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and we always recommend that you talk to your doctor and do your own research on what is best for your body. &nbsp;<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16979-estrogen--hormones#:~:text=Is%20HRT%20safe%3F,with%20your%20health%20care%20provider.">Similar to Birth Control, Hormone Replacement Therapy is a hormonal medication and has risks that you should explore before making any decisions</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>Today on the Period Chats podcast, Kate talks with Dr. Ashley Alexis, naturopathic practitioner and owner of Golden Leaf Health Center in San Diego, California.</p> <p>Dr. Alexis breaks down the slightly complex and very important topic of hormone replacement therapy for us.</p> <p>Biological women with menstrual cycles are producing estrogen and progesterone in alternate peaks throughout each cycle. After menopause, whether it has occurred on the common timeline or after a hysterectomy, chemo treatments, or early menopause, these and other hormone levels drop.</p> <p>Hormone replacement therapy brings those hormones back into the system after they’ve waned (and can also include thyroid hormones and others when they’re found to be insufficient).</p> <p>When Dr. Alexis opened her practice, she discovered that many women had experienced a gap in the traditional medical system in the area of hormone health - some given birth control without being informed of other options, some being prescribed anti-depressants before exploring hormone solutions, and some even being told it was all in their head.</p> <p>She decided to focus on helping these patients, many of whom were in perimenopause or menopause, to explore bio-identical hormone therapy which uses naturally-sourced hormones as opposed to synthetic. Many patients experience relief from insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, and digestive issues.</p> <p>Dr. Alexis breaks down what the research has to say about the safety of long-term hormone use, and it’s different than you might have heard. Supplementi