Natural Medicine For Menopause - Alternatives To HRT
Ask any woman who has gone or is going through menopause and you will hear the same litany about its symptoms and why there are no better treatment options to relieve them. HRT, hormone replacement therapy, was once the big thing to do with menopause but once the risks became fully known it fell out of favor for more natural medicine for menopause.
Introducing Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are plant-based estrogen hormones that come in two main beneficial types - lignans and isoflavones. These phytoestrogens as natural medicine for menopause became more widely known when researchers discovered that women in Asian countries like China and Japan had far fewer menopausal symptoms. The reason for this is that they have a diet high in these lignans and isoflavones that are found in such foods as soybeans, flaxseed, whole grains, chickpeas, some vegetables and fruits and even other legumes.
In addition to these two plant-based estrogen hormones serving as natural medicine for menopause, they were also found to lower the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease in these menopausal women. While these work in a similar way to those medically prescribed by a doctor, there is less of a chance of side effects and harm with these naturally recurring estrogen hormones from plants than those chemically produced in a pill form.
Vitamins Are Beneficial
All vitamins are vital to a healthy life but an extra boost in a few of them can serve as natural medicine for menopause and decrease some symptoms. For instance, Vitamin E helps reduce hot flashes as well as night sweats while Vitamin C will strengthen blood vessels, immunity and enhance absorption of the Vitamin E.
Part of menopause is the risk of other health issues but thanks to vitamins, you can balance the scales. Both calcium and magnesium are two more vitamins that serve as a natural medicine for menopause by strengthening the bones and increasing the density of them to decrease your chances of osteoporosis, a big problem in some menopausal women.
Don't Discount Herbs
Red clover mimics the effects of phytoestrogens and makes a relatively natural medicine for menopause but it will not work for some women, as body chemistries are different. Another herb that has made a big splash as a natural medicine for menopause is black cohosh. It has been known to alleviate those hot flashes as well as decrease the incidences of night sweats. There is a strong following in favor of this particular herbal remedy.
There are several other less tried herbs that are often used as natural medicine for menopause but the effects are hit and miss. Licorice, wild yam, evening primrose oil, chasteberry and ginseng all are other herbal remedies that have worked for some women but keep in mind that they are not a cure all nor will they work for everyone. It is important to always talk with your doctor about any herbal remedy as a natural medicine for menopause before you start it to make sure it will not conflict with the effects of any other medication you may be taking.
