To HRT or not to HRT?

Kreetta Ryodi
14 hours ago
2 min read

Many women experience decline in their wellbeing during menopause.

Menopause and the resulting decline in both progesterone and estrogen often does not go unnoticed. This is when women FEEL how these hormones have played a crucial role in supporting stress resilience, mood, memory, sleep, cardiovascular and metabolic health, bone & joint health and more. It is for this reason many women search for relief in Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Estrogen is a mighty hormone. After it has done its job, like with any waste material, your body needs to be able to get rid of it in a safe way. Insight into your liver’s current detoxification capability and possible genetic variances in clearing enzymes and blood clotting risk, can help you make safe decisions on ways to support your well-being.

Estrogen Detoxification - how it works 💡

When estrogen has done its job in the body, it travels to the liver to be safely broken down. These biological processes are supported by enzymes, that may or may not work optimally.

In phase 1 detoxification, estrogen is converted into three main metabolites:
- 2-OH estrogen – the most protective form
- 4-OH estrogen – can be harmful if not cleared properly
- 16-OH estrogen – more stimulating, linked with higher risk if dominant
In phase 2 detoxification, these metabolites need to be neutralized. One key step is methylation, where the COMT gene helps make estrogen safe for excretion.
Finally, in phase 3 detoxification, estrogen leaves the body via the gut. This means a healthy gut is essential for keeping estrogen balanced and preventing it from being reabsorbed.

DNA Hormones (left) and DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) provide personalised detail on how your body is able to clear out used hormones and waste materials such as toxins.

Personalised Testing for data driven strategies for long term health

The DNA Hormones and DUTCH tests give you clarity on both potential risks and opportunities, helping to make HRT safer and more personalized.

Your DNA profile (on the left of the image) shows if detox pathways need extra support due to missing or not optimally functioning enzymes, and the DUTCH test (on the right) reveals how your body is currently processing estrogen.

These test are not limited to estrogen, but show the complete picture how your body is functioning as a unit.

And while HRT can bring welcomed relief, it’s always personalised nutrition and lifestyle that remain the cornerstones of optimal health.