Natural hormone replacement therapy, also known as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), is a type of therapy used to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance during and after perimenopause. Continue reading to learn more about natural hormone replacement for menopause so that you can make a more informed decision about your reproductive health.
Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained

The hormones used in BHRT are made from plant- or animal-based compounds and are created to be chemically identical to the endogenous hormones made by the body.
Because bioidentical hormones act as the body's own hormones, bioidentical hormone therapy is commonly referred to as “natural” HRT.
However, this term “natural” is often perceived as a misnomer since they still have to be processed in a lab to be functional within the body.
Proponents of natural HRT therapy praise the treatment for its ability to be “personalized” to an individual's needs; whereas, normal HRT is generally standardized no matter the woman's needs.
Nevertheless, critics mention the fact that natural hormone treatment is not proven to be safer nor more effective than traditional HRT, and not all are FDA-approved for women.
Learn more about bioidentical hormones as a menopause treatment option by clicking on the previous link.
Other Treatment Options
Because BHRT and HRT both come with associated risks, many women are turning to alternatives for symptom relief. For more information on natural solutions for menopause symptoms and hormonal imbalance, click on the following link to learn about alternatives to hormone replacement therapy.
Sources
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2006). What are bioidentical hormones? Retrieved March 18, 2019, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-are-bioidentical-hormones
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Bioidentical hormones: Are they safer? Retrieved March 18, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/bioidentical-hormones/faq-20058460