Natural alternatives to HRT

For all women, the menopause is something that hovers in the future; something that has to be ‘got through’ and the majority of women aged 35-44, yet to start the menopause, are interested in natural alternatives to HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to treat their symptoms.

However, over half of women questioned above the age of 55 were not informed of alternative natural remedies to treat the symptoms of their menopause!

This new survey, conducted by YouGov, illustrates the very real need for women to be informed of natural alternatives to HRT to treat their symptoms and to also help protect them against other conditions associated with low levels of oestrogen such as osteoporosis and circulatory problems.

It is generally known that certain plant compounds can produce progestational and estrogenic effects on humans. Two of the herbal roots most frequently cited for ‘hot flush’ relief are dong quai and ginseng. Both substances, alternative practitioners believe, quell flushes by putting mild plant estrogens or plant hormones back into the system, which reportedly help to offset menopause’s estrogen deficit.

Other hot flush herbal remedies often prescribed include black cohosh, motherwort, caste tree or vitex, chickweed, hawthorn berries, sage and dandelion. And herbs for related symptoms can be taken as well, such as St John’s Wort for stress, anxiety and depression, nettle to prevent osteoporosis, dandelion root for bloating, bearberry for bladder problems, oats or valerian for fatigue.

Studies from around the world support the use of many natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. For example, a black cohosh extract can reverse all symptoms related to menopause within four weeks, say practitioners.

As well as herbal treatments, by eating a natural diet, drinking at least two litres of water a day, exercising regularly, getting a good night’s sleep and trying to reduce your stress levels you can reduce your menopausal symptoms.

The benefits of Soy Isoflavones have long been recognised in East Asia, where menopausal women typically experience significantly milder symptoms during the menopause than Western women. This has been linked to their consumption of soy foods, which help to maintain regular oestrogen levels.

To this end, the dietary supplement Isovon, derived from soy beans, has been proven to be an effective natural alternative. These isoflavones are phyto-estrogens, compounds of plant origin that are similar to the female hormone oestrogen. They work by regulating the activity of oestrogen, reducing or boosting it as necessary to lessen many of the unpleasant effects and conditions of the menopause such as hot flushes, sleep problems, mood swings and osteoporosis.

You should of course not self-medicate herbal remedies, but seek the advice of a qualified herbalist or see your GP.


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