The median age for menopause in the US is 51. Early menopause is defined as occurring between 40 and 45 years of age — premature menopause is what happens before 40. Either can occur spontaneously, or as a result of surgical procedures involving the uterus or ovaries. For women in these situations, the experience can be intense, and support and resources are often frustratingly hard to come by.

Research (linked below) has found that women who go through early or premature menopause may face greater long-term health challenges, with studies noting that earlier age at menopause is associated with a range of concerns that make proactive wellness support especially important. Both these studies, and other similar ones, have explored how hormone approaches may help reduce some of these long-term concerns.

To understand the difference between hormone options, it helps to know a little about how syntheticpharmaceutical hormone formulations (P-HRT) work. They are manufactured using hormones derived from pregnant mares' urine as a base, then adjusted to be chemically similar to the estradiol and progesterone our bodies produce naturally. The key word there is similar — not identical. Some women found that distinction mattered to them, and began looking for alternatives.

Enter bioidentical hormone replacement — B-HRT. As the name suggests, bioidentical formulations contain hormones that share the exact same chemical structure as the hormones our bodies produce. B-HRT is used by many women during and around menopause as part of their overall hormone wellness approach — including balancing estrogen and progesterone, and using topical estriol for intimate comfort and a more youthful, supple appearance. As with any hormone approach, correct dosing matters, and many women report greater comfort and satisfaction with bioidentical formulations. Research in this area continues to grow.

Early or premature menopause can feel overwhelming — but many women find supportive wellness options that help them feel comfortable and confident again. And as the science continues, more and more options are becoming available.

View The Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378512209002643

This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.