“I’m doing everything ‘right’, so why does my body feel totally out of sync?”
If that question has been on your mind lately, welcome. You’re not imagining things, and you’re definitely not alone.
If you’re in your 40s and experiencing unexplained weight gain, anxiety, fatigue, bloating, vaginal dryness, or night sweats, you’re not alone. These symptoms may indicate perimenopause, which can often come on suddenly and without any warning.
This phase can leave you feeling confused, uncomfortable, and totally out of control. And the worst part? No one handed you a manual.
That’s why today, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about tools in hormone health: bioidentical hormones.
As a Certified Menopause & Hormone Health Coach, I get asked about them all the time. What are they really? Are they safe? Are they effective? In this blog, I’ll break it down, what bioidentical hormones can and can’t do, and how they might (or might not) fit into your hormone health strategy.
Expect real talk, clear facts, and science-backed insights, without the overwhelm. References included at the end for those who love a good data dive.
Let’s get into it.
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to those your body produces naturally. They’re usually derived from plant sources and are often marketed as a more “natural” alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
You’ll find them in various forms, creams, gels, pills, and even small pellets inserted under the skin. The most common types used in perimenopause include estradiol, estriol, and progesterone.
Why Women Should Consider Them
Here’s the thing: when your hormones are out of balance, everything can feel off: sleep, sex drive, moods, energy, digestion… the list goes on. That’s because declining estrogen and progesterone (plus rising cortisol from chronic stress) throw your whole system into chaos. And when you’re doing all the “right” things, eating healthy, staying active, but still gaining weight, snapping at your partner, or feeling invisible in your own life, it’s not just frustrating, it’s disorienting.
So when you hear that bioidentical hormones might bring relief, it’s valid to be curious. Here are some of the potential benefits:
The Upside
- Symptom Relief: They can help ease hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and more.
- Customization: Unlike standard HRT, compounded bioidentical hormones can be tailored to your specific hormonal needs.
- Possible Lower Risk: Transdermal (through the skin) forms may carry fewer risks than oral hormones, though the research is still developing. Source
But Let’s Be Real, There Are Drawbacks, Too
Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s automatically better or risk-free. Here are some things to consider before diving in:
The Downside
- Lack of Regulation: Custom-compounded bioidentical hormones are not FDA-approved, meaning quality and dosing can vary.
- Limited Long-Term Data: We still don’t have robust, long-term studies comparing them to traditional HRT.
- Cost: These treatments can get expensive and often aren’t covered by insurance.
What the Experts Say
Organizations like the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), one of the most respected voices of medical and scientific knowledge in this area, acknowledge that bioidentical hormones can be effective, but they urge caution. There’s simply not enough solid evidence to declare them safer or better than conventional HRT. They recommend working closely with a healthcare provider to determine what’s best for your body.
So… Should You Try Them?
Here’s my take: Bioidentical hormones are a tool, not a miracle.
They’re one piece of the puzzle in navigating perimenopause transition, not the whole solution.
Before deciding, ask yourself:
- Are you tracking your symptoms? Using a simple symptom tracker can help identify patterns and triggers. Which can be a game changer. You can get one when you take the It Might Be Menopause Quiz.
- Have you tested your hormone levels? Knowing your baseline can guide a more personalized plan. It might be time to test and stop guessing.
- Have you discussed your risk factors? Family history of breast cancer, heart disease, or blood clots may impact your options.
But one of the easiest things you can do is to focus on lifestyle changes first? Only 35% of how you look and feel in your 40s is due to genetics, according to Jeffrey Bland, PhD., the father of modern functional medicine. The good news is that lifestyle changes can account for the 65% that you can control. Many symptoms improve with attention to what you eat, reduction in stress, and adding movement, without needing to take hormone therapy.
Here’s What I Know for Sure
You don’t need another “fix” that leaves you more confused and out of sync with your body. Also, hormone therapy does not work instantly in many cases. There is a period of uptake where your symptoms could potentially get worse. It is, of course, dependent on the woman.
You need someone who gets what these hormone shifts are doing to you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Someone who can walk alongside you as you find your footing and feel like yourself again.
Imagine this:
“I finally know what to eat to feel good, and I don’t feel like I’m battling my body anymore.”
“I feel sexy again. I didn’t expect that at this age, but I do!”
“Charlie helped me understand what was going on with my hormones and how to take control of it all. I’m not confused or overwhelmed anymore.”
This is what happens when you stop trying to “power through” and start working with your body.
Final Thoughts
Okay gorgeous, navigating perimenopause doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all map. Whether bioidentical hormones are part of your path or not, the goal is to find a lifestyle that supports you, your body, your goals, and your joy.
Ready to stop guessing and start balancing?
Whether you’re hormone-curious or full-on fed up, it’s time to take back the wheel. Bioidentical hormones might be one piece of the puzzle, but they’re not the whole picture. Let’s build your roadmap to thriving, not just surviving.
You don’t have to navigate this season of life alone. Whether you’re feeling tired, off-balance, or just not quite like yourself, support is here, and it starts with one simple step.
This call is your chance to pause, breathe, and focus entirely on you. We’ll talk about what’s really going on with your body, your hormones, and your mindset, and map out a path to help you feel strong, energized, and like the woman you know you still are inside.
No pressure. Just real conversation, support, and clarity.
Click here to book your free call, and take the first step toward feeling like you again.