Let’s talk about the word natural.
It’s been put on a wellness pedestal. Products are labeled with it, influencers whisper it like a spell, and women navigating perimenopause or menopause are often told that hormone therapy is unnatural—as if “natural” equals good and “unnatural” is something to fear.
But here’s the twist: many people avoiding hormone therapy because they “want to go the natural route” are already using—and relying on—plenty of unnatural things. The difference? They just don’t think of them that way.
We’re not here to shame anyone’s choices. We’re here to look closer, challenge assumptions, and get honest about what supports the body through midlife, especially when hormones shift and the old “natural” coping strategies stop cutting it.
The Unnatural Things No One Thinks Twice About
People side-eye hormone therapy while using:
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Synthetic fabrics (hello, leggings)
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Commercial skincare loaded with endocrine disruptors
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Artificial lighting that wrecks circadian rhythm
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Packaged “clean” snacks with processed gums and emulsifiers
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Caffeine and alcohol (both technically plant-based… and still stressful to the system)
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Hair dye, makeup, and conventional deodorant
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Daily supplements in lab-derived capsules
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Ibuprofen for every ache
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Birth control pills for decades
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Central air, vehicles, Wi-Fi, and TikTok
These are just part of modern life. No shame in using them—but it’s worth noting that most people live in ways that are wildly unnatural by ancestral standards. So when it comes to rejecting hormone therapy on the basis of it being “synthetic” or “not natural,” we’ve got to get real.
So… Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BiHRT) Natural?
It depends on how you define natural.
No, it doesn’t grow on trees. But neither do glasses, clean water from your fridge, or your iPhone.
What makes BiHRT different is that it’s biologically identical to the hormones your ovaries used to produce—especially 17-beta estradiol and micronized progesterone. Your body knows what to do with it. It’s not confused by the molecular structure. There’s no workaround. It just fits.
It’s also derived from plants like wild yam or soy. These go through processing to become something your body can recognize and use effectively. Is that “unnatural”? Sure. So is baking bread. So is turning rubber into shoes. It doesn’t make it bad.
What’s more important is this: it works. Safely. Sustainably. And in ways that support your energy, brain health, bones, sleep, mood, libido, and more.
Comparing Estrogen Delivery Options: Oral vs Topical
Choosing how to take estrogen isn’t just about preference—it affects how your body processes it and how well it works for your needs. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Delivery Method | Route | Metabolism | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral 17-beta estradiol (e.g. Estrace) | Swallowed, digested | First-pass through liver; converts to estrone | Simplicity, cost, full-body relief | Slightly higher clotting risk, affects liver enzymes and SHBG |
| Compounded intravaginal or topical cream | Absorbed through skin or vaginal tissue | Bypasses liver | Local or systemic relief, personalized dosing, safer for heart | Not FDA-approved, requires compounding pharmacy, may not be covered by insurance |
Transdermal (through the skin) or vaginal routes are generally safer for long-term use, especially if you’re older, have a history of migraines, or are at higher risk for clots. And if your biggest concern is vaginal dryness, UTIs, or pain with intimacy, a low-dose vaginal estrogen can be a game-changer.
So what’s the better option?
Well.....that depends on the goal. Here's a cheat sheet:
| Goal | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Full-body symptom relief | Transdermal patch, gel, or high-dose compounded cream |
| Vaginal/genital symptom relief | Low-dose vaginal cream, suppository, or ring |
| Cost and simplicity | FDA-approved oral or patch options |
| Avoiding clotting or liver strain | Transdermal or vaginal delivery only |
What’s Actually Unnatural Is Suffering in Silence
Here’s the hard truth: menopause is natural, but losing your sense of self, your strength, your spark, your sleep—that doesn’t have to be.
This stage of life is a transition, not a punishment. If your hormones are bottomed out and your quality of life is tanking, choosing not to support your body with options that are proven to help isn’t empowering—it’s restrictive.
You’re not weak for needing support. You’re wise for seeking it.
Work With Me
I work with athletes, active women, and outliers who want more than symptom management. They want their energy, strength, and drive back—without fear, fluff, or misinformation.
Whether you’re curious about BiHRT, trying to navigate the noise, or just want someone who gets it to help you build a smart plan forward, I’m here for that. I coach through this lens because I’ve lived it, and I know how much better things can feel with the right support.
Let’s stop treating “natural” as the goal and start making feeling like yourself again the priority.
Reach out to work with me.