I tried bioiderentic hormonal therapy (BHT). Here is my honest opinion of BHT: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Here is the background history:
Like many of you, I began to notice some early symptoms of Perimenopause«Sweats, headaches, bad sleep and humor changes just before my period.» But honestly, looking back, it was nothing too extreme. Even so, knowing the benefits of starting BHT before perimenopause, I decided to try. I found a local practitioner and began to use oral progesterone and Testosterone cream.
At first, the progesterone He felt like magic. I slept better, I woke up feeling rested, and my body and my mood seemed really love. But then, Only 17 days later my period arrived—Dago earlier than usual (I usually execute a cycle of 26-29 days). He doesn’t say that he was panic. His cycle is a key indicator of general health, and he didn’t want to get with him. Before that, my cycles were regular, with easy and easy periods. I want to keep me natural Cycle as long as it can maintain long -term health benefits, such as heart health, bone density and protection against metabolic disease.
So, was the testosterone. At first, things were great: more energy, a stronger libido, a better approach and even building muscle (put 2 pounds in just a few months). But then, things went crazy.
My testosterone fiddled completely Discarding my blood sugar regulationmaking it almost impossible to control my cravings. High testosterone can increase insulin resistance, which means that my body did not use the carbohydrates I was eating efficiently, which led to constant hunger (!!), energy accidents and an endless cycle of eating just to feel normal. I would even woke myself with hunger in the middle of the night, needing to eat just to sleep. During the day, My cravings were relentlessAlthough I was eating many proteins, fiber and balanced meals. Despite doing all «correct» things, I won 7-9 pounds since I started BHT.
This is what I think was happening:
- Testosterone can increase its metabolism and hungermaking you eat more, while Progesterone promotes fat storage—A perfect storm for weight gain.
- Too much testosterone can deteriorate insulin sensitivitySometimes sometimes in just a few weeks or months, leading to the fluctuations of blood sugar, intense cravings and greater fat storage, as well as what happens with pcos. And it was a living proof of how quickly things could spiral!
- With my body struggling to regulate blood sugar, they caught me in one more eating cycle to feel stable, but still deal with hunger and fat gain.
In addition to weight gain, I simply felt like me. I even told my husband, bad, «I feel that I am going through a difficult time at this time, and something has to change as soon as possible.» Yo knew Something was wrong, so I ran some blood works … and the results were shocking. My testosterone was crazy at 441—When normal levels for women in perimenopause are only 20-80. It was a clear sign that my body was out of balance, and I couldn’t ignore it for longer.
So what follows?
While I write this, I have decided Stop Bht in total. I have been out of testosterone for 2.5 weeksAnd I am seeing improvements in hunger and cravings. Yo He stopped the progesterone more than a month agoAnd I am pleased to inform that my last cycle was 28 days and came without symptoms (surprise!). I focus again on the basics, patience and consistency. After stopping progesterone, my dream has not been great, so I added some slow -release melatonin before bedtime to help improve it.
Here is the food to carry:
I love BHT’s idea, but looking back, I realize that I could have skipped the weapon. This experience made me see that I was really in Good place with my health. Of course, I had some minor symptoms of perimenopause, but I was doing a great job in general by maintaining balance on my own. Really reinforced how powerful the basics can be And I didn’t need BHT after all.
What I should have done was to step back and honestly evaluate how I was living, what I was looking for where I could improve my stress management, nutrition and consistency. Instead of hurrying BHT, I should have focused on making intelligent and sustainable changes. I learned that when I adhere to the basics, they work. And this is exactly the approach we use in Fit + Fueled. We focus on the four pillars of metabolism (snacks, muscle, minerals and macros) because when you do well, your body has what you need to prosper. These foundations have served me well, and have helped hundreds of women do the same. Early registration opens in 02/27And you can Join the waiting list Be the first to know when the doors open!
I’m not against BHT (In fact I think it’s amazing For many women), but I know it was not the right time for me. I will probably visit it again in the late 40s when it makes more sense to my body. For now I am Focusing on foundationsI know that he will prepare for me for long -term success and only make future interventions more effective when the time comes.
Have you tried BHT? I would love to know about your experience. Visit the answer and share how it was for you, I am always interested in learning from the trips of others!
