April 21, 2023
HRT Isn’t the Only Path—Let’s Talk Natural Options
HRT Isn’t the Only Path—Let’s Talk Natural Options
“I’m not ready for hormones.”
“I just want to try something more natural first.”
“I don’t know what works—but I don’t want to guess.”
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) isn’t for everyone—and that’s OK.
For some women, HRT isn’t accessible. For others, it doesn’t feel right. Some are just cautious and want to try a more natural route first.
Whatever your reason: it’s valid.
You don’t need permission to explore other paths.
Choosing a natural path isn’t avoidance—it’s self-leadership.
You just need support—and the right tools to help you find what works for you.
What Counts as “Natural” Anyway?
“Natural” is a broad label—and it can mean a lot of things. Here are some of the more common options being applied to menopause care:
🌿 Supplements:
· B-complex / B12
· Collagen
· CoQ10
· Magnesium (glycinate, citrate)
· Omega-3s
· Vitamin D
🍵 Herbs & Botanicals:
• Ashwagandha
• Black cohosh
• CBD oil
• Ginsengs (American, Korean)
• Maca root
• Rhodiola
🥗 Diet & Lifestyle:
• Anti-inflammatory diets
• Intermittent fasting
• Plant-based eating
• Sleep hygiene
• Strength training
🧘♀️ Mind-Body Therapies:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Yoga or qi gong
• Acupuncture
• Breathwork
• Journaling or meditation
There’s no single formula—and no gold standard. But there’s a lot to try.
3. What the Research Actually Says
Some natural treatments show promise. Others? Not much more than a placebo. And that's not a criticism—placebo effects are real, especially when you believe in what you’re doing.
Here’s what the data says (so far):
• Black cohosh may help reduce hot flashes in some women
• Maca and ashwagandha may support libido, energy, and mood
• Magnesium can help with sleep and anxiety
• Omega-3s support heart and brain health
• Vitamin D is critical for bones—and many women are deficient
• Botanical extracts like CBD Oil have mixed results, especially when not standardized
The problem isn’t that these don’t work.
The problem is… we don’t know who they work for—or why.
That’s where tracking comes in.
Natural Doesn’t Mean “Risk-Free”
Let’s be real:
Even products labeled ‘natural’ can have side effects—especially when combined or used long term.
Watch out for:
• Interactions with medications (especially antidepressants, blood thinners, thyroid meds)
• Undisclosed ingredients or dosage inconsistencies in unregulated supplements
• “Stacking” multiple herbs that have similar effects (like estrogenic compounds)
If something is powerful enough to help you, it’s powerful enough to cause side effects too.
The smartest thing you can do?
Discuss your options with your healthcare provider and then track what you're using—and how it’s affecting you.
How Bastet Rising Supports You
Whether you're on HRT, trying a new herbal blend, or just adjusting your diet—we’re here for one thing: clarity.
With Bastet Rising, you can:
• Track what supplements or treatments you’re using (and when)
• Monitor how your sleep, mood, energy, and symptoms shift over time
• See patterns: What’s helping? What’s not? What’s worth revisiting?
• Build a personalized dataset to share with your provider—or just keep for yourself
This is your health. Your voice.
We just give you the evidence to speak it—clearly and confidently.
There’s More Than One Right Answer
You don’t need to be “anti-HRT” to want to try natural first.
You don’t need to commit to one forever.
Your needs may change. Your plan can evolve.
What matters is this: you are paying attention. You are learning. And you are leading your own health story.
You already know your symptoms.
Start tracking your clues.
Build the evidence.
Claim your truth.
Bastet Rising is here to support you through all of it.
Sources for Further Reading
· National Institutes of Health – Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause
