Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has become one of the most discussed topics in wellness and preventive medicine today. As we age, declining hormone levels can impact various aspects of our health, including energy, mood, and long-term health outcomes. But not all hormone replacement is created equal, and understanding the difference could be crucial to your health.
We sat down with Dr. Kristine Sarna, MD, a board-certified integrative medicine physician at Norterra Family Medicine, to discuss why bioidentical hormones matter and how optimizing hormones can transform health outcomes.
Why Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Getting So Much Attention
Q: Dr. Sarna, why is hormone replacement therapy such a hot topic right now?
Dr. Sarna: The discussion surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy is very prevalent currently, and rightly so. We’re finally recognizing that optimizing hormones is key to preventing chronic diseases, enhancing vitality and mood, improving sleep and relationships, and much more.
For decades, hormones were primarily discussed only in the context of menopause symptoms. But we now understand that balanced hormones play a critical role throughout our entire lives and affect virtually every system in the body. People are becoming more proactive about their health and longevity, and they’re realizing that hormone optimization is a powerful tool for prevention, not just symptom management.
The Critical Difference: Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones
Q: You emphasize the importance of using bioidentical hormones. What makes them different from synthetic hormones?
Dr. Sarna: This is absolutely crucial for patients to understand. It is quite important that you are utilizing bioidentical or “human identical” hormones for hormone replacement. Synthetic look-alikes may be cheaper and easier to make and to buy, but they do not provide the same benefits and are more likely to create side effects.
Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones your body naturally produces. This matters because hormones work by binding to receptors in your cells—they need to fit like a lock and key. When you use human-identical hormones, the signals sent and received are exactly what your body expects and recognizes.
Synthetic hormones have slightly altered chemical structures. These modifications were originally made so pharmaceutical companies could patent them, but these small changes mean they don’t fit the receptors quite right. This can lead to unpredictable effects and increased side effects.
Q: What benefits can patients expect when using bioidentical hormones correctly?
Dr. Sarna: When we use human-identical hormones that have the same chemical structure as the ones your body has made, we get the predicted increase in energy, decrease in hot flashes and night sweats, improved sleep, and mood. Patients often report feeling like themselves again—having the mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical vitality they remember from earlier years.
But the benefits extend far beyond symptom relief. We’re also achieving long-term prevention of osteoporosis, dementia, and heart disease. These are significant health outcomes that can dramatically improve quality of life and longevity.
Understanding the Risks of Synthetic Alternatives
Q: What concerns you most about patients using synthetic hormone replacements?
Dr. Sarna: My primary concern is that patients may not realize there’s a difference, or they may choose synthetic options simply because they’re less expensive or more readily available through conventional insurance coverage. While cost is certainly a consideration, the trade-off in terms of effectiveness and safety is significant.
Some of the negative research findings about hormone replacement therapy that scared people away from HRT for years were actually based on studies using synthetic hormones, not bioidentical ones. When we use bioidentical hormones at appropriate doses and with proper monitoring, we see much better outcomes and far fewer concerning side effects.
Who Should Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy
Q: How do patients know if they’re candidates for HRT?
Dr. Sarna: Common indicators include persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep, mood changes including increased anxiety or depression, difficulty sleeping, decreased libido, weight gain, especially around the midsection, brain fog or memory issues, and, of course, hot flashes and night sweats.
However, you don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe. If you’re interested in preventive medicine and maintaining optimal health as you age, hormone optimization can be part of that proactive approach. We start with comprehensive testing to understand your current hormone levels, then create an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs and health goals.
The Importance of Expert Guidance
Q: Why is it important to work with a specialist in hormone replacement?
Dr. Sarna: Hormone replacement requires understanding the complex interactions between different hormones and how they affect various body systems. At Norterra Family Medicine, we have specialized training in integrative and functional medicine approaches. We look at the whole picture—not just hormone levels, but also nutrition, stress, sleep, exercise, and other factors that influence hormonal health.
We also provide ongoing monitoring and adjustment. Hormone needs can change over time, and having a specialist who understands these nuances ensures you get optimal results safely.
Taking the Next Step
Q: What should someone do if they’re interested in exploring hormone replacement therapy?
Dr. Sarna: If you want to learn more, schedule an appointment with one of our hormone experts. We’ll start with a comprehensive consultation to understand your health history, current symptoms, and goals. Then we’ll do appropriate testing and create a personalized treatment plan using bioidentical hormones if appropriate.
The most important thing is not to accept declining vitality and health as an inevitable part of aging. There are safe, effective options available, and we’re here to help you navigate them.
Ready to optimize your hormones and reclaim your vitality? Contact Norterra Family Medicine today to schedule a consultation.
