1. Hormone Therapy (HT / HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Most effective for relieving:
- Hot flashes & night sweats
- Vaginal dryness & discomfort
- Mood changes and sleep disturbances
- Bone loss prevention
Types of HT:
- Estrogen-only therapy (ET) – for women who’ve had a hysterectomy
- Combined estrogen + progestin therapy (EPT) – for women with a uterus (progestin protects against uterine cancer)
Forms:
Pill, patch, gel, spray, or vaginal ring. Your doctor can tailor the dosage and delivery method to your symptoms and health profile.
Important: HT is generally safe for healthy women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, but should be discussed with your GP based on your medical history (e.g. breast cancer, heart disease, stroke risk).
Hormone therapy (HT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause by supplementing the body with hormones that are declining, primarily estrogen, and sometimes progesterone.
How Hormone Therapy Helps in Perimenopause:
- Balances Hormone Levels
During perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably. HT helps stabilize these levels, reducing the intensity and frequency of symptoms. - Eases Common Symptoms
Hot flashes & night sweats: HT is the most effective treatment.- Vaginal dryness: Estrogen helps maintain vaginal tissue health.
- Mood swings & irritability: Stabilized hormones can improve mood.
- Sleep disturbances: Better hormone balance can improve sleep quality.
- Irregular periods: HT can help regulate or eventually stop bleeding, depending on the stage.
- Prevents Bone Loss
Estrogen helps maintain bone density, so HT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. - Improves Quality of Life
Many women find that HT significantly improves their day-to-day well-being, energy levels, and even libido.
Types of Hormone Therapy
- Systemic HT (pill, patch, gel, or injection): Treats full-body symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss.
- Local (vaginal) HT: Creams, tablets, or rings for vaginal dryness and discomfort.
- Combined therapy: Estrogen + progesterone for women who still have a uterus (to prevent endometrial cancer from unopposed estrogen).
2. Non-Hormonal Medications (For those who can’t take hormones)
- SSRIs or SNRIs (e.g. low-dose paroxetine or venlafaxine): Originally used for depression, these can also reduce hot flashes and improve mood and sleep.
- Gabapentin: A nerve medication sometimes used for hot flashes, especially nighttime sweats.
- Clonidine: A blood pressure medication that may reduce hot flashes for some women.
3. Vaginal Estrogen (Low Dose)
If vaginal dryness, discomfort during intimacy, or UTIs are your main issues, this can be a localized solution without the systemic effects of full HT.
Forms: Vaginal cream, tablet, or ring. Helps restore tissue health and elasticity.
4. Bioidentical Hormones (Custom Compounded or FDA-Approved)
- These are chemically identical to the body’s own hormones.
- Some are FDA-approved (e.g. Estradiol patches, Prometrium).
- Others are compounded individually by pharmacies—but these are not regulated, so quality can vary.
Always consult a qualified menopause-trained doctor before choosing compounded therapy.
Gentle, Less-Intense Options
- Over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers or lubricants (e.g. Replens, Sylk)
- Supplements: Black cohosh, omega-3s, magnesium, and phytoestrogens (like those found in flaxseed or soy)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Proven to help with menopause-related anxiety, sleep issues, and mood
- Lifestyle interventions: Strength training, stress reduction, sleep hygiene, and targeted nutrition (all of which are part of your 28-Day Reboot!)
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or certified menopause practitioner before starting any new supplement, medication, or treatment—especially hormone therapy or herbal remedies.
Every woman’s body is different, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another based on health history, medications, or personal risk factors.
If you’re experiencing significant symptoms, we strongly encourage you to speak with a GP, gynecologist, or women’s health specialist trained in midlife and hormonal care.