If you are a woman who says, “I’m fine”, despite hot flashes, lack of sleep, mood changes, weight gain, word loss, frozen shoulder, lack of energy and loss of sex drive, then keep reading.

The negative effects of your changing body do not have to be so dramatic. Working with a qualified practitioner is essential to determine any treatment protocol that is right for you. After a thorough root-cause assessment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be an option.

A review of scientific studies shows that HRT is safe for most women, especially when used before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset. It is important to understand the difference between HRT and bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT).

BHRT is derived from natural plant sources, which are chemically identical to human hormones. Treatment is tailored to individual needs and may provide relief from menopause symptoms. BHRT may be regarded as equally safe and effective as synthetic HRT options. For hormone therapy, it is important to begin at the right time, use the lowest effective dose, and administer via the least invasive method, such as a skin patch or vaginal preparation.

Many researchers and integrative practitioners emphasize that bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT) should be viewed not only as a treatment for hormone imbalance, but also as a form of preventive medicine. “Evidence suggests that BHRT may reduce the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis, recurrent urinary tract infections, cardiovascular disease, brain atrophy and more,” explains Susan Rohr, founder of Brookfield Health & Wellness, a holistic wellness center in the Milwaukee area.

Hormone levels greatly decrease during perimenopause and even more after menopause. Menopause should not be considered a life event, but rather a period when the body lacks essential components for optimal health.

Additionally, over time, cumulative exposure to environmental toxins occurs while the metabolic processes for detoxification become less effective. Women are vulnerable to toxic substances regarded as endocrine disruptors derived from plastic personal care items, food packaging, cosmetics and chemical compounds in drinking water.

Nevertheless, it’s essential that treatment planning considers nutritional deficiencies, toxic exposures and cellular voltage. These three considerations are non-negotiable for overall health, especially for hormonal balance.

BHRT as Preventative Medicine

Hormones are required for most biological processes, and when in balance, can prevent problems such as brain fog, cognitive decline, heart disease, diabetes, mood changes, weight gain, clitoral and vaginal atrophy, hot flashes or night sweats and osteoporosis.

For example, in the U.S., over 8 million women suffer from osteoporosis. The correct diet, paired with strength training, is most important for avoiding bone density decline. Also, research shows that BHRT may prevent the risk of fractures.

An integrative practitioner will order lab tests and consider individual circumstances before recommending treatments. It is possible to take BHRT for life, though it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits.

Light and Sound Frequency for Female Vitality

When BHRT is not appropriate, there are non-invasive treatments to try, such as photobiomodulation (light) and sonic frequency (sound vibration) therapy.

ARRC LED photobiomodulation chamber therapy combines medical-grade LED light to trigger beneficial biological processes. Red and other light protocols, integrated with frequency, help to reduce inflammation, stimulate cellular regeneration, repair imbalances and enhance female vitality.

Perfectly dosed for time and wavelength, ARRC therapy lasts 30 minutes for specific light and frequency exposure. “Photobiomodulation has been shown to slow aging processes, activate ATP, increase metabolism and reverse mitochondrial dysfunction,” Rohr explains. “Other benefits include improvements in cognition, healing, physical performance, collagen production, skin tone and female vitality.”

“VibraGenix is a treatment modality that provides gentle sonic wave vibration therapy to increase cellular voltage, induce detoxification, increase bone density, boost metabolic function, increase vitality and more,” describes Rohr. This treatment involves standing on a platform in stocking feet and wearing earphones while receiving gentle sound waves. “Each 20-minute treatment is specific to an individual’s conditions. Benefits may include pain reduction, improved clarity and increased energy.”

If you are exploring options for feeling better than “fine”, check that your condition is truly related to hormone deficiencies. BHRT may be safe for many and only pose a risk for some.  It’s time to start asking questions about bioidentical hormones and noninvasive treatments for female vitality.

Brookfield Health & Wellness is located at 150 S. Sunny Slope Rd., Ste. 148, Brookfield, WI. For more information, call 262-395-4023 or visit BrookfieldHealthAndWellness.com.