The advantages of NHR for menopausal and perimenopausal women are now quite clear, and include:

• Custom-made, balanced formulations of natural hormones, tailored to the individual’s unique needs
• Effective relief of hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness
• Improved sleep, and better mood, concentration and memory
• Enhanced libido (sex drive)
• Prevention (and reversal) of osteoporosis
• Better maintenance of muscle mass and strength
• Reduced risk of breast and endometrial cancer
• Many fewer unwanted effects compared with standard HRT

Natural hormones may be administered as:

• Transdermal creams (absorbed through the skin), e.g. natural progesterone cream
• Sublingual sprays and drops (absorbed under the tongue)
• Tablets, e.g. oestriol
• Troches (medicated lozenges; absorbed through the mouth)
• Capsules of micronised hormones (taken by mouth and absorbed via the lymphatics)
• Vaginal creams and gels

Tailor-made formulations can be prepared by compounding pharmacists (on prescription), and with a range of routes of administration available and no pre-set dosage, it is possible to find a suitable combination to meet every woman’s needs and preferences.

Natural hormone replacement should, of course, always be utilised alongside a comprehensive lifestyle program which should also pay attention to diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise and stress management.