HRT and What Everyone Should Hear

It is no secret that all women undergo dramatic hormone changes that range from puberty to menopause. These changes in hormone levels can often have negative effects on the women who experience them, causing mood swings and physical ailments. Therefore, many women are demanding natural, as opposed to chemical, treatments as a solution that will help them avoid these changes.

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.

Hormone replacement therapy was one solution, but for centuries before it existed, women had found natural substances that work to treat their discomforts. Asian women, for example, have only 10%-20% as many hot flashes as Western women do, and that is almost certainly related to a high soy bean intake. Soy isoflavones mimic the effects of estrogen naturally, and are one of the alternatives to HRT.

Herbs used as traditional medicine by Native American women have also proven effective. Black cohosh reduced PMS-related complaints such as bloating and cramps, while red clover has been found to reduce the number and strength of hot flashes. Natural HRT alternative care has found a role for each of these herbs.

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.

As well, there are many natural compounds and extract that are diuretics to reduce fluid retention and spasms that are associated with cramping. The most effective supplements contain mixtures of natural extracts that will work together for the most effective relief. Plant-based estrogen sources will work as well for some women as prescription medications with less side effects and risk. You should always discuss your options with your doctor there are always effective alternatives to hormone replacement therapy.