This October is Menopause Awareness Month in the UK, highlighted by Menopause Day on October 18th. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the physical and emotional changes women experience during menopause and promoting access to effective care and support.

Perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms can include brain fog, hot flushes, mood swings and fatigue. At first, these symptoms may seem unrelated, but they are often connected to shifting hormone levels.

In this article we’ll explore what BHRT therapy is and how BHRT for menopause can help manage these changes by restoring hormone balance and easing symptoms.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though some women may experience it earlier or later. Before menopause, most women go through a perimenopausal phase, which can begin as early as the mid-30s and last into the mid-50s. This transition happens because the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone, which are the key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

As hormone levels drop, many women notice changes in how they feel day to day. Common menopausal symptoms include:

  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Low libido
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Weight changes
  • Sleep problems
  • Brain fog.

These symptoms can affect your relationships, confidence and your overall wellbeing. According to a survey conducted by The British Menopause Society, 36% of women’s social life had been impacted by their menopausal symptoms. This is why it is important to seek professional help if you’re struggling with these side effects.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, or BHRT, is a treatment aiming to replace the hormones that the body no longer produces in sufficient amounts. The hormones used in BHRT are structurally identical to the ones naturally made by your body and are usually derived from plant sources. They are carefully processed to match the molecular structure of human hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone.

Bioidentical hormones can be delivered in several ways, depending on what suits each individual best. Common options include:

  • Creams
  • Gels
  • Patches
  • Capsules
  • Implants.

How BHRT Can Help Manage Menopause Symptoms

BHRT helps manage menopause symptoms by restoring the body’s natural hormone balance. During menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, which cause those menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings. By replacing these hormones with bioidentical versions that match the body’s own chemistry, BHRT can ease these symptoms and help women feel more like themselves again.

How Hormone Balance Eases Menopause Symptoms

Restoring progesterone levels can make a big difference in daily life. It often improves sleep quality, calms racing thoughts and helps ease anxiety and mood swings. Supporting progesterone levels helps many women sleep better and feel more emotionally grounded.

Testosterone is equally important for women’s health. It supports mental clarity, focus, drive and overall confidence. Low testosterone can contribute to fatigue, low motivation and that sense of “brain fog” many women describe during perimenopause and menopause. When testosterone is restored to healthy levels, it can improve concentration, mood and overall vitality.

BHRT for Menopause at The Oakley Medical Practice

At The Oakley Medical Practice, we understand that menopause is a significant transition in every woman’s life. Our private GP in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, provides personalised care and access to BHRT for menopause symptoms. We conduct comprehensive blood tests to assess your hormone levels. This ensures that any treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs. 

Our experienced team of private GPs offers longer appointments, quick diagnosis and personalised follow-up, ensuring that every woman feels heard during what can be a difficult time. During Menopause Awareness Month, take the opportunity to prioritise your health and wellbeing and book a consultation with us to discuss your menopause symptoms.