Women face a change in hormonal levels throughout life from the dramatic changes of puberty to the symptoms of the perimenopause as these levels decline. Each month the hormones surge and wane during the monthly menstrual cycle with quiet noticeable impact. As a result, a great many women want solutions to these changes and more and more want a more natural solution than popping hormone pills.
Estrogen hormone replacement therapy (or HRT) was once thought to be the fountain of youth and powerful drugs were marketed with glowing promises of being ‘forever female’. They were effective in relieving PMS and menopause symptoms as well as helping to avoid osteoporosis, but with time we learned they came with a price.
Female reproductive system cancers can be a great fear for all women, and we know that about one in ten will face breast cancer alone in a lifetime. Those artificial hormone replacement therapy regimens made women feel better, but at the same time they were significantly increasing their cancer risk. Many physicians and patients chose to stop HRT and deal with symptoms is other, safer ways.
In early centuries, hormone replacement did not exist, and women found natural substances to treat their discomfort. Asian women consumed far more soy bean products than Western Women, for example, and consequently have only 10%-20% as many hot flashes. Soy isofavones work as a substitute to estrogen and make an excellent alternative to HRT.
Other herbs used in traditional medicine by Native Americans help as well. For example, red clover decreases frequency and severity of hot flashes, and black cohosh relieves cramps, bloating, and other PMS complaints. Both of these herbs have been used in natural HRT alternative treatments.
Natural wild yam extract was among the first substances studied by researchers trying to develop the first oral birth control pills. The chemicals in the wild yam act as natural estrogen. It makes sense then that women seeking natural, herbal hormone replacement therapy would return to the wild yam and use it.
Many natural extracts and compounds work as diuretics to help reduce fluid retention. Other natural extracts are effective at relieving spasms and cramping. The most effective products combine different natural extracts that work synergistically for maximum relief. Products containing plant-based estrogen may work as well for some women as the prescription medications, without the risky side affects. There are many alternative therapies to Hormone Replacement Therapy. Always consult with your doctor before taking this or any other alternative therapy or supplement.
Women are forced to deal with a constant hormonal change throughout their lives. It was once thought hormone replacement therapy would be a panacea for women of all ages. For some women, bioidentical estrogen supplements will work as well as prescription medications with fewer side effects and risk. Other herbs used in traditional medicine by Native Americans help as well. The most effective supplements contain mixtures of natural extracts that will work together for the most effective relief. For example, red clover decreases frequency and severity of hot flashes, and black cohosh relieves cramps, bloating, and other PMS complaints.
– Marie Duffey