Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - Is it safe for menopause?

As women begin to transition into menopause (usually in the 40s), the ovaries no longer produce high levels of estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal change is what gradually leads to the oh-so-dreaded menopausal symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Insomnia

• Mood swings or mild depression

• Vaginal dryness

• Reduced sex drive

• Loss of breast fullness

• Weight gain and slow metabolism

• Thinning of hair and dry skin

Symptoms may vary among individuals, some with much rockier journey of transitioning while others experiencing the least symptoms. While there is a whole menu of treatment options, HRT is perhaps the most popular to date. Yes, HRT may offer a buh-bye card to menopausal symptoms, but unfortunately, it comes with adverse health risks and is definitely not suitable for everyone. 

Available in the form of tablets, gel, skin patches, and implants, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) replaces hormones (predominantly estrogen and progesterone) that your body no longer produces during menopause. However, the 2 main hormones used in HRT are mostly synthetic oestrogen and progestogen that are not naturally-derived.  

The adverse side effects of HRT are actually similar to PMS; bloating, breast swelling, headaches, mood changes, nausea or even vaginal bleeding. As worrying as these effects sound, they’re typically not considered serious. The more serious side effects to HRT include increased risks of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. *gasps*

Moreover, those with a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, womb cancer, blood clots, liver disease or high blood pressure are not advised to take HRT. 

Okay, so if I shouldn’t take HRT, what should I take then?

Uniting the power of natural plants and science, lolvita™ was born to support women through the ‘dreaded’ journey of menopause. 

Behind each capsule lies these 3 powerful ingredients: Pueraria Mirifica (PM), Compound K (CK), Antrodia Cinnamomea (AC) working together to reinstate hormonal balance, relieve menopausal discomfort, and ultimately restore health, looks, and happiness. 

The main ingredient, Pueraria Mirifica in lolvita™ cleverly mimics the biological action of estrogen to fill in the gap of estrogen deficiency, which is the cause of menopausal symptoms. It works without actually increasing the amount of estrogen which disrupts the body’s natural hormonal system. The best part is, it’s also considered the safest and most potent phytoestrogen as its structure is similar to the ‘friendly estrogen’ produced in our body, estriol (E3).

Read here to find out how the 3 powerful ingredients work together in lolvita™. 

From women’s hell to death of sex (so dark, we know), menopause has been given many names and we’re here to change that! By supplementing the right solution, incorporating regular exercise, and a healthy diet, menopause can be taken head on fearlessly! Embrace the transition of age gracefully with lolvita™ now. 

References:

1. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. n.d. Consider Risks Before Hormone Replacement Therapy. [online] Available at: https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2018/08/consider-risks-before-using-hormone-replacement-therapy-experts-say [Accessed 4 January 2022].

2. Johnson, T., 2021. Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy. [online] WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-hormone-therapy [Accessed 4 January 2022].

3. J. Manonai, A. Chittacharoen, U. Theppisai, H. Theppisai Effect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal health Menopause, 14 (2007), pp. 919-924

4. P. Virojchaiwong, V. Suvithayasiri, A. Itharat Comparison of Pueraria mirifica 25 and 50 mg for menopausal symptoms Arch. Gynecol. Obstet., 284 (2011), pp. 411-419

By Evelyn