Why HRT Isn’t the Fix You Think It Is
Let me tell you about a client, we’ll call her Sarah. She was struggling with major hormonal issues—weight gain, insomnia, mood swings, the works. After months of trying to figure it out, her doctor prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and sent her on her way.
But guess what? It didn’t work.
Sarah’s symptoms persisted, and it wasn’t until we dug deeper that we discovered the real problem wasn’t just low estrogen. It was a mix of poor liver function, nutrient deficiencies, and elevated cortisol.
This is a story I see all the time.
Why HRT Alone Won’t Fix Your Symptoms
HRT can be a great tool for some women, but it’s not a cure-all. When your body is out of balance, adding more hormones doesn’t always solve the problem—it might just mask the symptoms. Here’s why:
Liver overload: Your liver is responsible for processing not just toxins but also hormones. If it’s bogged down by alcohol, processed foods, or environmental toxins, it can’t metabolize hormones efficiently. Adding more hormones through HRT can make this even worse, leading to more imbalances.
Insulin resistance: If your body isn’t processing blood sugar properly, insulin resistance can develop, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and cravings. This is another root cause that HRT doesn’t address.
Nutrient depletion: Stress, poor diet, and aging can deplete your body of vital nutrients (like magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc) needed for hormone production and balance.
What’s the Alternative?
Instead of relying solely on HRT, let’s focus on supporting your body’s natural hormone balance. Here’s how:
Start with the gut: 80% of your immune system lives in your gut, and it’s where a lot of hormone production happens. Support your gut health with a high-quality probiotic, fiber-rich foods, and fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir.
Liver detoxification: Support your liver by reducing alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods. Incorporate cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and kale) to help detoxify excess estrogen.
Address nutrient deficiencies: Work with a practitioner to check for deficiencies in key nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc—these are critical for hormone production and regulation.
Prioritize stress reduction: Chronic stress wreaks havoc on hormones. Incorporate mindfulness practices, meditation, or deep breathing exercises daily to calm your nervous system and lower cortisol.
HRT isn’t the only answer. Your body has the power to balance itself if you give it the right tools. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms that won’t go away, it’s time to dig deeper and address the root causes. In my 1:1 12-week program, I’ll work with you to create a custom plan to support your liver, balance your blood sugar, and optimize your gut health—so you can feel like yourself again without relying solely on HRT. This program is about empowering your body to heal naturally.
Ready to take control of your hormone health? Contact me for a free consultation, and let’s start your journey to real balance and wellness!