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Alternatives to HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

A natural transition or change from being a menstruating to a non-menstruating women which usually occurs some time between 40 and 50 years. It is not an estrogen deficiency disease, which some doctors would like to have us believe.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THIS CHANGE?

The two main female hormones – estrogen and progesterone – start to decline. The adrenal glands take over the production of estrogen from the ovaries but to a much lesser extent and after menopause we have virtually no progesterone and only a small amount of estrogen some of which is stored in the fat cells.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS DECLINE OF HORMONES?

Some women (about one quarter) experience symptoms. These can range from hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, vaginal atrophy and low libido to anxiety, dizziness, dry or itchy skin and mood swings. Most women experience none or only a few symptoms.

IS HRT SAFE TO TAKE?

Only recently research was released from the US Women’s Health Initiative, a study of 16,000 women taking HRT (combined estrogen and progestin) for a planned eight-year period. The study had to be cut short after three years because it was found that long term use of this type of HRT led to a 26 per cent increase in breast cancer, a 41 per cent increase in strokes, a 29 per cent increase in heart disease and a 100 per cent increase in blood clots. This particular type of HRT has only been available over the last few decades and was originally touted as an elixer of youth as well as preventing osteoporosis and heart disease. Finally the truth has been revealed and women can make a better-informed choice of whether they wish to take drugs with proven side effects or manage their symptoms in a more natural way.

Another reason for avoiding the use of HRT is that the supposed ‘natural’ hormones that are used for the manufacture of HRT are derived from the urine of pregnant mares, which is a torturous industry for thousands of horses as well as making the American manufacturer of the drug multi-million dollar profits.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES THAT ARE SAFE?

Yes. Research shows that oriental women experience less severe menopausal symptoms and minimal osteoporosis compared with western women. Highly processed foods, lack of exercise, a stressful lifestyle, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine are major reasons for this cultural difference. Another reason is the fact that traditional cultures regularly use certain herbs and foods to help maintain reproductive health and hormonal balance throughout a women’s life. Different herbs and food supplements can be taken up to and during the menopause that lessen the severity and duration of symptoms.

WHAT ARE THESE NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO HRT?

1. DIET: Certain foods contain natural plant hormones (called phytoestrogens) that our bodies can use as a replacement for the declining hormonal levels. The foods that are highest in these phytoestrogens are soy products (including soymilk, tofu, tempeh, miso, soybeans, soy yoghurt and soy cheese, tamari and shoyu). When buying any soy products make sure they are organic and derived from the whole soybean to get the most beneficial effect and to avoid genetically modified sources. Other foods high in natural hormones are flaxseeds (ground) and flaxseed oil, all legumes, nuts, whole grains, parsley, apples, alfalfa and red clover sprouts and green beans.

2. HERBS: Black Cohosh is a scientifically proven treatment for a broad range of menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, mood changes, mild depression, joint pain and headaches. However, it works even better when combined with other herbs to enhance the body’s production of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone (the male hormone needed to impart sex drive). These other herbs include: Wild Yam, Sage, Donq Quai, Liquorice, Red Clover, Shatavari, Vitex Agnus Castus, St. John’s Wort and Hops.

3. WILD YAM CREAM: One of the main constituents of the herb Wild Yam (called Diosgenin) is very similar to the body’s own natural progesterone and can be included in a cream that is rubbed into the skin. In this way, the ingredients are directly absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore have a faster mode of action. There are two types of Wild Yam Cream available. One is made from the whole herb and added to a cream which will mostly help to balance the body’s own estrogens by adding phytoestrogens. This cream is available from naturopaths and health food shops and is effective for the relief of hot flushes, fatigue, insomnia, sore, swollen breasts and can be used as a vaginol cream for dryness. The other type of Wild Yam Cream is made up in a laboritory where the diosgenin has been chemically converted to progesterone, which is then added to a cream. This cream is only available on doctor’s prescription but is useful for erratic menstrual cycles, mood swings and possibly to help with bone strength.

4. EXERCISE, YOGA AND MEDITATION: We are all aware of the benefits of weight bearing exercise to improve the strength of our bones. Unfortunately, after menopause the rate of bone loss increases and the laying down of new bone cells slows down also. Increasing our bone strength prior to menopause is the most effective treatment (as well as a good healthy diet) for osteoporosis but it is never too late to start exercising. Walking, yoga and light weights all contribute to bone strength as well as elevating our own natural ‘feel good’ hormones (called endorphins). One research study also found that a particular type of meditation was effective in reducing the symptoms of menopause. Considering that meditation is also known to reduce blood pressure and anxiety is it is worth trying any type to help with your menopause.

CONCLUSION:

Preparing yourself for menopause in a safe and natural way is easy once you know how. Exercise, meditation, a good healthy diet that contains adequate amounts of phytoestrogens and some herbal and other food supplements are all proven, effective treatments for the symptoms of menopause. Becoming empowered is essential for all women who are experiencing this change of life. By taking remedies that are effective, yet safe and saying no to HRT with all it’s risk factors you can experience being in control of your own health and wellbeing.

By Suzanne Staples, ND, DBM

 

Bibliography and Suggested Reading

The Wisdom of Menopause. Dr. Christiane Northrup
Passage To Power. Leslie Kenton
Women’s Health. Dr. Sandra Cabot
Materia Medica of Western Herbs for the Southern Hemisphere. Carole Fisher and Gilian Painter
Healing with Whole Foods. Paul Pitchford

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Last updated : Tuesday, July 15, 2008 9:29 PM
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