Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Naturopathic Approach to Hormone Replacement Therapy in Vancouver
Hormone health is foundational to your overall well-being. When your hormones are in balance, you feel energetic, clear-headed, and vibrant. But when they fluctuate, as they naturally do during perimenopause and menopause, it can feel like you’ve lost control of your own body—struggling with fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, or poor sleep. For years, the conversation around hormone therapy has been confusing, often leaving women feeling apprehensive.
As a Naturopathic Doctor with a focus on women’s health, I’m here to offer clarity and hope. There are safe, effective, and natural-feeling solutions to restore hormonal harmony. One of the most powerful tools is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a personalized approach that works with your body to help you feel like yourself again. This guide will walk you through what HRT is, who it can help, and how we use it as part of a holistic plan for long-term vitality.
Dr. Jennifer Luis, ND
Partners with women navigating perimenopause and menopause, using personalized Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and holistic strategies to restore vitality and well-being.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
HRT is a personalized therapy that uses hormones that are structurally identical to the ones your body naturally produces.
Definition:
Hormone replacement means the hormones—such as estradiol, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA—have the exact same molecular structure as your own hormones. They are typically synthesized from plant sources, like wild yams or soy, to match human hormones perfectly. This structural match allows them to fit into your body’s hormone receptors like a key in a lock.
How HRT Differs from Conventional Synthetic HRT:
Traditional or conventional HRT has often historically used hormones that are non-hormone replacement (synthetic) or derived from animal sources (e.g., conjugated equine estrogens). While effective for many, these do not have the same molecular structure as human hormones. Hormone Replacement Therapy focuses on using the exact hormones your body is missing, at doses tailored specifically to your needs, often prepared by a specialized compounding pharmacy. Most physicians who are up to date with hormone prescribing will only use HRT.
Forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy:
Depending on your needs, HRT can be prescribed in various forms, including topical creams or gels, oral capsules (especially for progesterone), sublingual troches (lozenges, great for DHEA), patches, and sometimes injections.
Signs You May Need Hormone Support
Hormonal imbalances can manifest in many ways. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is most often considered for women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, such as:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Low libido or changes in sexual function
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Brain fog, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the midsection
- Fatigue and a general loss of vitality
- Dry, thinning skin and hair
- Achy joints and muscles
Hormonal shifts can also impact thyroid and adrenal function, creating a complex web of symptoms. While HRT is most commonly associated with midlife, it can also be a supportive therapy for younger women with certain hormonal deficiencies or for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone.
How Dr. Jennifer Luis Approaches HRT
In my practice, Hormone Replacement Therapy is never a one-size-fits-all prescription. It is a precise and personalized therapy that is part of a broader, holistic plan to restore your overall health.
My Philosophy: Test, Don't Guess.
We never start hormone therapy based on symptoms alone. Comprehensive testing is the essential first step to ensure safe, effective, and truly personalized care.
Your journey begins with a deep dive into your health history, symptoms, and wellness goals.
Using advanced functional testing—be it saliva, blood, or comprehensive urine hormone panels (like the DUTCH test®)—to get a clear picture of your hormone levels and how your body is metabolizing them. This data is crucial for accurate prescribing.
HRT works best when your body has the foundational support it needs. We always address nutrition, stress management, sleep, and liver health to ensure your body can use the hormones optimally.
It is a partnership with working together on your health journey. This includes regular follow-ups to monitor your symptoms and progress, with periodic re-testing to ensure your hormone dosages are perfectly tailored to your needs over time.
Safety & Important Considerations for HRT
When prescribed thoughtfully and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider, Hormone Replacement Therapy is a safe and effective therapy for many women. A key consideration is the use of progesterone to protect the uterine lining in women who have not had a hysterectomy and are using estrogen therapy [3]. A thorough discussion of your personal and family health history is always the first step in determining if HRT is the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About HRT
When prescribed by a knowledgeable practitioner, based on thorough testing, and appropriately monitored, HRT is a safe and effective option for many women. Much of the past concern around hormone therapy stemmed from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, which used non-bioidentical hormones and had other study design factors. Modern HRT practices focus on using the lowest effective dose for the appropriate duration, tailored to the individual.
Hormonal imbalance is often a cause of weight gain, and restoring balance with HRT can actually help many women manage their weight more effectively. Regarding cancer risk, this is a nuanced topic to discuss with your provider. For women with a uterus, using hormone replacement progesterone alongside estrogen is crucial for protecting the uterine lining. A comprehensive assessment of your personal and family history is always part of the process.
The duration is completely individualized. Some women use HRT for a few years to navigate the peak of menopausal symptoms, while others may choose to stay on a low dose for longer-term benefits like bone and cardiovascular protection. This is an ongoing conversation between you and your doctor.
Pharmacy-grade hormone replacement hormones (e.g., Estradot® patches, Prometrium® capsules) are made by pharmaceutical companies in standard doses. Compounded hormones are prepared by a special compounding pharmacy based on a specific prescription written just for you, allowing for custom dosages and combinations
While it’s most commonly used for menopause and perimenopause, it can also be used to address other documented hormone deficiencies in both women and men.
Benefits of HRT
(When Used Appropriately)
When your hormones are brought back into balance, the improvements to your quality of life can be profound:
- Improved energy, motivation, and vitality
- Better quality sleep and less insomnia
- Enhanced mood and emotional resilience
- Improved mental clarity and reduced brain fog
- Increased libido and improved sexual health
- Healthier skin tone and texture
- Long-term support for bone density and cardiovascular health
What to Expect as a Patient
Initial Consultation:
A comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, health history, and goals.
Lab Testing:
Ordering the most appropriate hormone testing for you.
Treatment Plan Design:
Once we have your results, we review them together and create a personalized plan that may include HRT, nutritional guidance, supplements, and lifestyle strategies.
Follow-up & Monitoring:
Regular check-ins to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. Lab testing can be beneficial to optimize dose and maximize benefits.
Real Results: A Patient's Voice
Ready to Explore Personalized Hormone Balancing?
If you're struggling with symptoms of hormone imbalance and are curious about how a comprehensive naturopathic approach using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help, Dr. Jennifer Luis is here to guide you.