Remember when marijuana was synonymous with peace signs and psychedelic rock? Fast forward to today, and we’re talking less about how marijuana gets you “high” and more about how this ‘green medicine’ might benefit wellness.

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In recent years, marijuana use has increased across every age category, but women over 50 are among the fastest-growing group of users. Many women report they’re not just using the drug for fun but to treat chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Around 6% of women report using the drug specifically for menopause-related symptoms.

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The problem is — marijuana is not the most effective treatment for menopause. In fact, it may make things worse.

How does marijuana affect your body?

One thing is clear from this growing trend: women are looking for more ways to manage their health during menopause and beyond. With confusing (and inaccurate) information out there about the safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it’s no wonder some women are turning to alternative options dubbed ‘natural.’

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But how does marijuana affect your body, and what does the science say on whether or not it could alleviate menopause symptoms?

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Marijuana contains the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes a “high” or mind-altered state. It also contains a non-impairing component, cannabidiol (CBD). Both THC and CBD affect our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in keeping our internal bodily environment stable (also called homeostasis.)

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Many physiological systems are thought to be influenced by the endocannabinoid system, including:

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• appetite and digestion
• metabolism
• chronic pain
• inflammation and other immune system responses
• mood
• learning and memory
• motor control
• sleep
• cardiovascular system function
• muscle formation
• bone remodeling and growth
• liver function
• reproductive system function
• stress
• skin and nerve function

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THC interacts with your ECS by binding to receptors all over your body. However, we don’t yet know all the ways these interactions affect the body, and we still have a lot to learn about our endocannabinoid system in general.

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For menopause relief specifically, researchers believe the substances found in cannabis might interact with anandamide–a chemical compound produced by the ovaries that is part of the ECS. Anandamide helps regulate the body's emotional, sleeping, and temperature functions and influences the female reproductive system.

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During menopause, the production of anandamide drops along with your estrogen levels. It’s thought that using cannabis may mimic anandamide and help manage menopause symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

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But the bottom line is this: we simply don't have enough research on how marijuana might affect the symptoms of menopause because it hasn’t been studied on people actually going through it. Most of the beneficial claims are anecdotal or come from studies related to other parts or functions of the body.

What are the risks of using marijuana during menopause?

If you’re thinking about using marijuana to help with your symptoms of menopause, it’s important to know there are significant risks to your health.

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Heart Health

Going through menopause increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Marijuana can speed up your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. It can also lead to an increased risk of stroke and other vascular diseases. In a study of over 4,500 people using marijuana for chronic pain, use of the drug increased the risk of heart arrhythmias by 64%.

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Bone Density

Women who have gone through menopause are at high risk for osteoporosis. Heavy cannabis use is associated with low bone mineral density, high bone turnover, and an increased risk of fracture.  

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Insomnia

Having trouble sleeping?  THC may decrease the time it takes you to fall asleep, but it could impair the quality of your sleep in the long term. In one study, marijuana users showed lower total sleep times and less slow-wave sleep not only on the nights they used the drug but during subsequent nights as well.

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Slow wave, or deep sleep, is a stage of sleep that seems to play an important role in growth, memory, and immune function. Chronic disruption of slow-wave sleep is linked to cognitive impairments and, over time, can contribute to the decline of cognitive function.

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Lung Damage

While smoking marijuana is not believed to increase your risk of lung cancer, it does still cause damage to your lungs. Inhaling marijuana causes airway inflammation, increased airway resistance, and lung hyperinflation, increasing your susceptibility to bronchitis.

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Medication Complications

Marijuana can also change how other medicines you’re taking work, especially ones used to prevent heart disease, including blood pressure drugs, cholesterol-lowering statins, or drugs used to treat heart rhythm disorders.

What about CBD?

CBD is gaining attention for its potential to alleviate common menopause symptoms such as joint pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety, primarily through its role in inflammation regulation. Many products also claim that CBD is beneficial for sexual wellness, improving libido, sexual response, and lubrication.

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Unfortunately, at this time, there’s no research evidence directly showing that CBD products have health benefits or help improve your sex life.

Why manage symptoms when you can treat the root cause?

When it comes to your care, it’s important to consider whether you want to manage your menopausal symptoms or treat the underlying causes. While marijuana and CBD may offer some relief from discomforts, they don't target the root cause of those challenges: the hormonal changes occurring during this phase.

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Until more research is available, we recommend focusing on a treatment with a proven track record, like HRT, if you’re experiencing symptoms disrupting your quality of life. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about menopause. Our caring experts at FemGevity can guide you to the right testing and offer you a safe, effective, and personalized treatment plan to help you feel better.

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Resources

Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?

A survey offers a glimpse into cannabis and CBD use among women in midlife. Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-women-turning-to-cannabis-for-menopause-symptom-relief-202210242837

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Healthline. (2021). A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system

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Heathline. (2022). Cannabis May Offer Relief From Menopause Symptoms: What to Know. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cannabis-may-offer-relief-from-menopause-symptoms-what-to-know

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International journal of molecular sciences. (2018). Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/

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The Journal of the Menopause Society. (2022). A survey of medical cannabis use during perimenopause and postmenopause. Retrieved from: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2022/09000/a_survey_of_medical_cannabis_use_during.6.aspx

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The Menopause Society. (2023). New Study Suggests Growing Use of Cannabis to Help Manage Menopause Symptoms. Retrieved from: https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/cannabis-use-in-the-menopause-transition.pdf

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National Academy of Neuropsychologists. (2021). The Effects of Cannabis Use on Cognitive Function in Healthy Aging: A Systematic Scoping Review. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8296849/

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Lack of sleep can have serious health consequences for women in menopause. There is evidence to suggest that lack of sleep may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in women over 40. Studies have shown that poor sleep quality, as well as lack of sleep, may contribute to the development of these conditions.

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The exact mechanisms by which lack of sleep increases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's are not fully understood, but it is believed that poor sleep may affect the brain's ability to clear toxic proteins that accumulate in the brain and contribute to the development of these conditions.Additionally, lack of sleep may also lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, both of which are thought to contribute to the development of dementia and Alzheimer's.

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Some of the most common issues associated with lack of sleep during menopause include:

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• Hormonal imbalances: Lack of sleep can disrupt the body's hormonal balance, which can lead to an increase in hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
• Mood changes: Lack of sleep can cause mood changes, such as depression, irritability, and anxiety.
• Cognitive impairment: Lack of sleep can affect cognitive function, leading to problems with memory, attention, and decision-making.
• Cardiovascular disease: Lack of sleep is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is already more prevalent during menopause.
• Weight gain: Lack of sleep can affect appetite and metabolism, leading to weight gain.

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It is important for women in menopause to prioritize sleep and make sure they are getting enough restful sleep each night. This may involve making lifestyle changes, such as setting a regular sleep schedule, avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.

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It's also important to note that other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, can also play a role in the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

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Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form, is usually caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.

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Research has shown that women who are postmenopausal have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to weight gain and changes in insulin sensitivity, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.There is also an increase in risk due to increase in body weight and decreasing muscle mass that can also occur during this time. It's important for women who are approaching or going through menopause to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

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Untreated diabetes can have serious health consequences for women over 40, especially if the condition is not properly managed. Some of the most common complications of untreated diabetes in women over 40 include:

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• Cardio vascular disease: Diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. 
• Kidney damage: Diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.
• Nerve damage: Diabetes can damage the nerves, which can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.
• Eye problems: Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to blindness.
• Foot problems: Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the feet, which can lead to poor circulation, making it harder to heal infections, cuts and sores.
• Skin problems: Diabetes can cause skin problems such as fungal infections, itching, and slowhealing of cuts and sores.

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It is essential that women over 40 with diabetes receive regular medical care and follow a treatment plan to manage their blood sugar levels and prevent these complications. This may involve taking medications, monitoring blood sugar levels, making life style changes, and working closely with a healthcare provider to manage the condition.

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In the realm of women's health, many questions arise concerning the effects of medical procedures like hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus. One common concern is whether this procedure can lead to early menopause.

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Understanding Hysterectomy

Before exploring the potential connection between hysterectomy and early menopause, it's important to grasp the nature of a hysterectomy. It should not be confused with oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) or salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes). While a hysterectomy may also involve removing the cervix, removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes is typically done as a separate procedure.

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While each of these surgeries can have significant effects, the most profound impact on menopause arises from oophorectomy, the removal of the ovaries. It's crucial to note that oophorectomy is not commonly performed during a hysterectomy. In most cases, a hysterectomy involves solely removing the uterus and does not result in early menopause.

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Exploring the Impact on Menopause

In a hysterectomy without oophorectomy, where the ovaries remain intact, they continue producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. As a result, menopause does not occur immediately. Women who undergo this type of hysterectomy may experience menopause naturally, similar to those who haven't undergone the procedure.

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Although the uterus does not directly produce female hormones, it plays a pivotal role in the menstrual cycle by serving as a receptor site for these hormones. Additionally, it is responsible for the monthly creation of menstrual flow. When the uterus is surgically removed, hormonal signaling persists, but menstruation ceases. This highlights how uterine removal impacts the cessation of menstruation.

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A hysterectomy alone does not cause immediate menopause, while an oophorectomy can trigger early menopause. The actual onset of menopause depends on individual factors and circumstances. Women considering or planning a hysterectomy should engage in open and comprehensive discussions with their healthcare providers to comprehend the potential implications and explore suitable options for managing hormonal changes that may arise.

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Weight management can be a challenging journey at any point in life, but as our hormones change and bodies change, what often worked for us in the past no longer keeps working for weight loss as it used to. Especially when it comes to the hormonal changes that occur in menopause, women often struggle to lose hormonal belly fat.

Exercise as the Mainstay

Numerous studies have made it abundantly clear that exercise, particularly when combining aerobic activity and weight lifting, plays a pivotal role in controlling the weight gain often associated with menopause. The unique intersection of these exercise modalities, specifically the emphasis on Zone 2 aerobic exercise and strength training, not only aids in weight management but also offers relief from various menopausal symptoms.

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Aerobic exercise, primarily in the Zone 2 heart rate range, can significantly bolster cardiovascular health. Zone 2 exercise refers to an intensity level where you're working at 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. It is a sustainable level of effort that encourages the body to improve its aerobic system, enhance fat metabolism, and have potential weight control implications. Furthermore, this form of aerobic exercise can be critical in protecting your heart health, which can be adversely affected post-menopause.

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On the other hand, the value of strength training, especially as one grows older, cannot be overstated - and this holds equally true for women. Strength training is the bedrock for muscle building, which takes on increased importance during and after menopause. With age, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone density, which the hormonal changes in menopause can further accelerate. Strength training serves as a powerful countermeasure to this natural decline, helping maintain and potentially enhance both muscle mass and bone health.

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Combining Zone 2 aerobic exercise and strength training can form a powerful strategy to manage the physical changes associated with menopause. They work in synergy to control weight gain, enhance cardiovascular health, build muscle, and improve bone density, thus providing a holistic approach to managing the changes occurring during this pivotal period of life.

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Shorter workouts are better than no workouts at all. Emerging studies highlight the benefits of intensive micro-workouts that yield similar fitness benefits as extended exercise sessions. Engaging in vigorous activity for intervals of 30 seconds to one minute multiple times a day could be all you need. (Imagine sprinting up several flights of stairs or performing ten burpees.

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Diet

While the urge to shed weight often drives individuals towards various diet trends, the reality is that most of these fads fail to yield long-term results. An exception to this is the Mediterranean dietary pattern. The Mediterranean eating approach emphasizes fruits, nuts, vegetables, legumes, healthy fats, and whole grains, while it minimizes the intake of meats, sweets, dairy products, refined grains, and processed foods. Research has shown that this eating pattern supports weight loss and, importantly, helps maintain muscle mass after menopause.

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Make Sleep A Priority

Sleep forms the bedrock of overall health, and its importance is heightened during menopause when your body is dealing with significant hormonal shifts. Studies suggest disturbed sleep during menopause could reduce fat burning, potentially leading to weight gain.

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Effective sleep hygiene is the key to enhancing sleep quality during menopause. This includes maintaining a serene and dark bedroom environment, turning off electronic devices several hours before bedtime, adhering to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine after 2 pm, and dedicating your bed solely to sleep.

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Manage Your Stress Levels

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Given the hormonal fluctuations occurring during menopause, it's understandable to experience increased stress. Research has substantiated the considerable influence of stress on weight. A 2022 study suggested that stress significantly contributes to the onset and progression of overweight and obesity conditions.

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Incorporating mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques might be an effective solution. Research from 2022 demonstrated that mindfulness practices could alleviate stress and enhance sleep quality. Studies also indicated that weight loss programs incorporating stress management strategies have better success rates. Numerous mindfulness resources are available online, and meditation apps like Headspace and Calm provide an accessible start.

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Modulating Your Hormonal Status

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Hormone therapy and using hormonal supplements aims to supplement your naturally declining hormone levels. It is a prominent treatment option for hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms such as depression and insomnia.

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Hormone balancing, hormone support, and hormone replacement therapy are uniquely positioned to address the underlying cause of menopausal body changes, which come from declining hormones and, ultimately, hormone deficiencies. Elevating estrogen levels could potentially counteract the visceral weight gain typically associated with menopause. If you're contemplating menopausal hormone therapy, discuss it with your healthcare provider to evaluate its suitability.

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While hormonal belly fat is common in menopause, it doesn't have to be a permanent condition. Integrating comprehensive wellness approaches such as regular muscle-building exercises, stress management techniques, and sustainable eating habits can help combat this. In addition, the right balance of hormones can assist you on your weight loss journey.

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In general, it's always a great idea to remember to draw upon all available resources and collaborate closely with your healthcare professional to ensure your progress aligns with physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

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Get Started with a Board Certified Menopause Specialist Today

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In the unfolding story of a woman's life, menopause signifies an undeniable turning point. It's a time of deep-seated physiological transformation, marked by the cessation of menstruation, where our bodies recalibrate to a new hormonal rhythm. The symptoms accompanying this transition are numerous and well-documented: hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes. Yet, one change that often recedes subtly and unobtrusively into the backdrop, sometimes escaping our notice until it becomes too conspicuous to overlook—low libido.

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To understand why this decline in sexual desire happens, let's delve into the biology and psychology that intersect during this phase of a woman's life. Hormonally, menopause and perimenopause are phases of diminishing hormone levels. Estrogen, long celebrated for maintaining youthful skin and heart health, also stokes the flames of desire. Its steady decline during menopause can dampen libido. But estrogen is not the sole player in this narrative. Testosterone, the hormone often associated with male sexuality, plays a vital role in a woman's sexual desire. Menopause can trigger a reduction in testosterone levels, further contributing to decreased libido.

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Yet, this shift doesn't occur overnight. It's a slow, subtle dance of hormonal ebb and flow, happening incrementally. This gradual change can make it difficult for women to pinpoint when their sexual desire started to wane. In the tapestry of menopause symptoms, this one weaves itself so subtly that it can take months, even years, to realize the change.

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Psychologically, the menopause transition is a period laden with emotional and mental adjustments. Anxiety and depression, fueled partly by hormonal fluctuations, the loss of progesterone, and partly by the socio-cultural connotations of menopause, can affect a woman's sexual desire. Also, the physical symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, vaginal pain, and sleep disturbances, can make sex uncomfortable, further suppressing libido.

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Yet, amidst the complex conversation around menopause and sexuality, there's an often-underrepresented facet: low libido is not an ailment to be cured—it's a natural response to changing circumstances. Much like our bodies, our desires are not static; they evolve with us, in tune with our emotional, physical, and hormonal landscapes.
This narrative isn't a testament to a loss but rather an opportunity to cultivate a deeper understanding of our bodies. It's an invitation to navigate the changing contours of our sexual landscape with empathy and patience. Instead of treating low libido as a problem, we might consider it an integral part of the life stage we're transitioning into. Open conversations with healthcare providers, psychological counseling, hormone therapy, or even lifestyle modifications could be potential avenues to explore for those seeking assistance.

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The journey through menopause, much like any other major life transition, is nuanced and deeply personal. The slow retreat of libido is a symptom often overlooked in the menopause conversation, but it deserves our attention and understanding. Because, at its core, menopause isn't just a biological shift—it's a redefinition of femininity, a newfound understanding of the self, and a gateway to a fresh chapter of life.

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As we venture into the terrain of menopause, the prospect of hormonal treatments emerges as a glimmer of hope against the gradual ebb of libido. The dance of hormones is at the heart of many menopausal symptoms, and it's in this intricate ballet that potential solutions may lie. We could rekindle the flames of desire by delicately readjusting the hormonal harmony through treatments like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or hormone balancing with the careful expertise of a menopause expert and a healthy helping of laboratory data on ourselves. But like any profound solution, it isn't a one-size-fits-all. The complex interplay of biology and psychology demands a nuanced approach to treatment. In this pursuit, hormonal therapies are not a panacea but a promising key in a diverse therapeutic toolkit.

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If you'd like to get started with FemGevity's personalized treatment plans for low libido during perimenopause or menopause contact us today

Get Started with FemGevity Today

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FemGevity's team of board certified medical professionals can guide you through low libido in a personalixed one-one 45-50 min initial consultation.

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Hot flashes, brain fog, and insomnia — menopause can make your everyday life feel like a battle. If you’ve been searching for relief, you’ve likely come across hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a potential solution, but this that the only solution? What if you want help but you aren't ready for HRT just yet.

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HRT is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for alleviating the symptoms of menopause. But deciding what type is right for you can be difficult.

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In this article, we'll look at the pros and cons of using bio-identical hormones, uncover why FDA-approved medications aren’t always the safest option, and explain why compounded bio-identical hormone therapy might be your best choice.

What are the differences between bio-identical, synthetic, and compounded bio-identical hormones?

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Bio-identical hormones

Bio-identical hormones are created from natural sources. Most commonly, they’re made in a lab from a plant steroid called diosgenin, which is extracted from soy or wild yams. 

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These hormones more precisely resemble and have similar effects to your natural hormones because their molecular structure is identical to the ones found in your body. They also fit better with your body’s hormone receptors. This precise fit means your interconnected hormone system functions more optimally.

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If you find the term "bio-identical hormone therapy" confusing, you’re not alone. Bio-identical hormones are found both in the medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and in custom treatments made by a licensed pharmacist — also known as compounded bio-identical hormone therapy. 

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Synthetic hormones

Synthetic hormones are used in “traditional" or "conventional" hormone therapy. They are not derived from natural sources, meaning they’re made through chemical reactions in a laboratory. The most common forms of synthetic hormones are made with mixtures of urine from pregnant mares, known as conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) and progestin.

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Synthetic hormone products have been available for a long time. However, studies like the Women's Health Initiative raised concerns about the potential risks of hormone replacement therapy and spurred the search for safer and equally effective treatments.

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Compounded bio-identical hormones

Compounded bio-identical hormone therapies (cBHT) are custom-made medications designed to meet your specific hormonal needs. They may contain one hormone or a combination of several hormones, including estrogens (estriol, estradiol, and estrone), progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA.  These personalized medications can be formulated into various dosage forms, such as suppositories, capsules, and creams. 

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The hormones and dosage in your compounded bio-identical hormone therapy might closely resemble those found in an FDA-approved medication. In fact, they're made with the same bio-identical hormones. However, there's a slight difference. Since the medication is specifically tailored to address your unique hormone requirements and hasn't undergone specific testing in that particular formulation, it's not considered FDA-approved.

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What are the benefits of compounded bio-identical hormones for treating menopause symptoms?

Hormones are influenced by various factors, making every woman's hormone levels before, during, and after menopause truly unique. Additionally, when it comes to any hormone replacement therapy, experts strongly recommend using the lowest hormone dose possible for the shortest duration to minimize potential long-term risks.

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One of the most significant advantages of compounded bio-identical hormone therapy is that it’s safer than synthetic therapies. Bio-identical hormones have been shown to reduce the potential long-term risks, such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, associated with synthetic hormone therapy. Compounded bio-identical hormone therapy reduces that risk further by providing the right hormones in the dosage your body needs.

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But there’s more. Bio-identical hormones mimic your natural hormones, making them more effective and causing fewer side effects than conventional treatments. Studies have shown patients have reported notable improvements in mood symptoms such as irritability and anxiety, as well as vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats thanks to cBHT.

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Lastly, the safest method of utilizing hormone therapies is through topical applications such as creams, oils, or vaginal treatments. This way, the hormones are absorbed through the skin and circulate throughout the body before reaching the liver for first-pass detoxification. CBHTs can be specifically formulated in various bio-identical applications, ensuring the safest and most effective absorption.

With compounded bio-identical hormone therapy, you can find the relief you seek while prioritizing your individual needs, safety, and overall well-being.

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FDA-Approved Doesn’t Always Mean Safe and Effective

Compounded bio-identical hormones provide a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of menopause, but you may believe your best option is an FDA-approved medication. Sadly, FDA-approved drugs aren’t always the way to go.

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Many drugs with safety issues get past FDA testing

You might think that the long and challenging process of getting a medication approved by the FDA guarantees its safety and effectiveness, but it’s not always the case. The FDA has been approving drugs faster than ever with weaker evidence to support their safety and efficacy. 

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This trend toward accelerated approval has its benefits — after all, we do need more medications to address women’s health conditions — but it's also concerning for our health and safety. Additionally, the FDA's reliance on industry funding from pharmaceutical companies creates a conflict of interest that may compromise its primary role in safeguarding the public. 

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Synthetic hormones are FDA-approved, but long-term side effects haven’t properly been studied

It's important to understand that FDA approval of synthetic hormones doesn't guarantee their absolute safety. The FDA evaluates medications based on data available at the time, but our understanding of the long-term effects and risks associated with synthetic hormones continues to evolve.

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For example, the Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002 uncovered concerning findings about specific synthetic hormones, showing increased risks of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. More recently, the WHI Memory Study revealed a higher risk of dementia in women taking progestin alone.

The women’s health research field is ever-evolving and ongoing research may uncover new risks or long-term effects of synthetic hormone therapy.

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Same drug, different name 

Encouraged by the FDA approval process, the pharmaceutical industry tends to release slight variations of existing drugs rather than developing new ones. And getting the green light from the FDA only requires new drugs to prove they can do what they claim, but it doesn’t mandate how well they should work. 

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In fact, a public, independent advisory team of physicians and pharmacists in several countries found that over 90 percent of new drugs approved by the FDA and the European Medicines Agency offered few or no advantages over existing drugs. 

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Synthetic hormones are patented by pharmaceutical companies, meaning the prescribed hormone is the same for every single person on the drug. In the absence of innovation in FDA-approved medications, custom-created hormone replacement therapy can provide more precise treatment with a dosage adjusted to your individual needs.

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What are the risks of cBHTs?

As with all hormone replacement therapies, there are risks associated with cBHT. Because your medication is being specifically created for you, the pharmacy you choose can affect the quality and efficacy of the medication you receive. If your medication is not properly prepared as specified by your healthcare provider, there is a risk of having too much or too little of the hormones you need.

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Additionally, cBHTs are not required to have safety warnings on the bottle. Using cBHTs comes with similar risks to any bio-identical hormone therapy. Side effects can include bloating, headaches, acne, breast tenderness, and swelling of hands, lower legs, or feet. Serious side effects can occur, including heart attack, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, and uterine cancer.

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It's important to meet with a medical professional and tell them about any history or risk factors affecting your ability to undergo hormone replacement therapy safely.

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Why Compounded or Bio-Identical Hormones May Be a Better Choice for You 

Compounded bio-identical hormones offer a more natural and personalized approach to hormone replacement therapy and effectively manage menopause symptoms. 

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While the FDA approval process is important, it doesn't always guarantee the safety of the drugs you find on the market.  Most importantly, we still have a long way to go to improve the efficacy of hormone replacement therapies available to women, considering the nuances of our individual needs. Compounded bio-identical hormone therapy is a highly customizable treatment that allows for precise dosages of hormones based on your personal needs. 

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Ultimately, if you’re considering using hormone replacement therapy, you need to speak with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about compounded bio-identical hormones. With careful consultation and proper testing, cBHT could help relieve menopausal symptoms without compromising safety or effectiveness.

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Want to talk to someone about what therapy is right for you? 

Get Started with FemGevity Today

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Call or Text us at (212) 301-7776