Natural hormone replacement therapy (NHRT), also known as bioidentical hormone therapy, is a natural way of replacing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone within the body, typically during menopause. Natural hormones are manufactured by biochemists who extract the base molecule from soybeans or yams, then add carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms to the base molecule. The result of this process is a hormone molecule that is bioidentical to the human hormone molecule. This hormone can be utilized in different forms such as injectables, oral capsules, oral tablets and creams. The use of NHRT has not been approved by the FDA, and the implementation of NHRT has caused some controversy. Accompanying NHRT are side effects that should be considered before taking any natural hormones.
Minor Weight Gain
Women on NHRT may experience minor weight gain of up to 10 lbs.
Breast Pain
Women taking natural hormones may experience tenderness and swelling in their breasts. This is because of an elevated level of progesterone and can disappear with time and dosage adjustment.
Insomnia
When beginning NHRT, women may experience a disturbance in their sleep patterns. This is because of the estrogen levels causing the brain cells to swell, interfering with the body's ability to go to sleep. Adjusting the natural hormone dosage can eliminate the problem of insomnia.
Bleeding
If estrogen as an NHRT is taken without progesterone, bleeding complications could occur. According to Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek, the bleeding complications occur only in women who still have a uterus, and there is at least a 20 percent incidence of annoying bleeding problems that lead to discontinuance. This issue can be resolved by adjusting the dosage.
Depression
Some women have experienced a feeling of depression when first beginning NHRT. This state of depression can be corrected when the proper balance of estrogen and progesterone is achieved.
Irritability
There is a higher risk for irritability and mood swings in women with a uterus, if progesterone is taken along with estrogen.
