Chapter 5:
Natural Alternatives

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Natural Herbal Supplements and Therapies

There are many wonderful natural herbs and supplements that can help women who are suffering from menopause symptoms. Women who do not want to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), or who have tried HRT and it has not agreed with them, may find relief with natural alternatives.

Do Your Research

Once you have decided you want to start taking natural herbs and supplements to help you with your menopause symptoms, make sure you conduct your research thoroughly. Many women assume that “natural” products would be better or safer than synthetic products — but the term “natural” does not necessarily mean safe.

There can be many side effects to natural herbs and supplements. Certain herbs can be harmful if they are consumed for too long. If you are taking more than one natural product at a time, you might be doubling up on an ingredient that could be harmful to your health.

Along with doing in-depth research into the products you want to take, you should also consult a fully experienced, qualified naturopath, therapist or specialist.

I cannot stress this to you enough.

Because natural supplements, and herbs in particular, can have adverse effects when combined with ingredients in prescribed medication, it is important to inform your natural specialist of any prescribed medications you are taking. You should also inform your health care practitioner of any natural supplements and therapies you are using for your menopause symptoms, particularly if you are already taking prescribed medication for an existing medical condition.

There are many different brands of herbs and supplements on the market today, so make sure you choose a good quality brand from a reputable company. Your naturopath or specialist will be able to advise you on the better brands to purchase.

Not all health care providers are in agreement that natural herbs and alternatives actually work. But just because some people do not agree, that does not mean natural alternatives do not work! Pay attention to your body and learn what works for you.

Natural Herbs and Supplements

Below are some herbs and supplements that may help to relieve your menopause symptoms:

  • Black cohosh
  • Dong quail
  • Soya
  • Evening primrose oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Melatonin
  • Valerian root
  • Ginseng
  • Kava
  • Chamomile
  • Sepia
  • Pulsatilla
  • Wild yam
  • Chaste
  • Sage
  • Milk thistle
  • Red clover
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • St. John’s Wort

Below are the natural products I found helped me before my menopause symptoms became severe. These products helped me at first, especially with my hot flashes and night sweats.

  • Black cohosh
  • Don quail
  • Evening primrose oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Wild yam
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Ginseng
  • St. John’s Wort

Natural Therapies

Below are some therapies that may help you deal with your menopause symptoms:

  • Acupuncture
  • Aromatherapy
  • Reflexology
  • Yoga
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Massage
  • Counseling

These therapies can be very powerful, because they target and stimulate the body both physically and emotionally. Many women get fantastic results from natural therapies.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are a group of chemicals found in plants that can act like the hormone estrogen. This “plant estrogen” has the ability to mimic estrogen receptor sites located around the body. They have been known to help with some menopausal symptoms such as: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and depression.

You can purchase phytoestrogens in supplement form; however, more benefit can be derived if you eat them as a food of your normal daily diet. Phytoestrogens are low in fat and high in fiber, and the recommended dose for menopausal women is between 40 to 80 milligrams a day.

There are three types of phytoestrogens: Coumestan phytoestrogens, Lignan phytoestrogens and Isoflavonoid phytoestrogens.

The Coumestan phytoestrogens are found in various beans such as split peas, pinto beans and lima beans. They are also found in alfalfa and clover sprouts.

Lignan phytoestrogens are found in high-fiber foods such as cereal brans, beans and flaxseeds.

Isoflavonoid phytoestrogens are found in beans from the legume family. Soybeans and soy products are the major dietary source of this type of phytoestrogen.

The following foods are high in phytoestrogens:

  • Phytoestrogens Foods
  • Soy Products
  • Soybeans
  • Soymilk
  • Soy yoghurt
  • Soy bread
  • Tofu

Other foods that contain phytoestrogens include:

Whole-grain cereals – oats, wheat, corn, barley, rye and buckwheat

Seeds – linseed, flaxseed, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame

  • Almonds
  • Alfalfa sprouts
  • Coconut oil
  • Other legumes - chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans

How Long Will They Take to Work?

Remember, these natural products will not be as powerful as the traditional HRT medication. Before making a judgment, try to take them at least three months to make sure they are in your system and working properly. If, after that length of time, you find what you are taking is still not working for you, consult your health care provider and try something different. However, if you begin having any adverse reactions then you should stop taking them immediately.

There is a wide range of products and treatments to choose from, and you may need to keep experimenting until you find something that works for you. As frustrating as it might be at the time, you will find a way to relief. You just have to be patient. Remember: what works for some women may not work for others! Everyone is different.

Bio-identical Hormones

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), also known as Bio-identical Therapy (BHT), is the use of supplemental doses of hormones that have an identical molecule structure to those that are produced by a woman’s own body. The body can’t distinguish bio-identical hormones from the ones the ovaries produce, and the artificial hormones will function in the same way as natural hormones.

Bio-identical hormones are made from plant chemicals and manufactured in laboratories. Many women have had great success using bio-identical hormones. They are not as strong as the traditional HRT treatment, so you have to give them time to work.

Specific hormones used in BHRT include estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone is micronized so the body can absorb it more easily. Progesterone levels are important, and too little can result in anxiety, breast tenderness, headaches, sleeplessness, and weight gain.

Commercially available bio-identical hormone replacement is available in forms such as:

  • Pills
  • Patches
  • Creams
  • Vaginal preparations

Please be aware that it is not completely proven that bio-identical hormones are safer than traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy products. Some specialists have stated that women can be at a greater risk of health problems and side effects if they decide to take bio-identical hormones, because they are not all FDA approved. Another concern is there is no requirement to put the list or amounts of ingredients on the packaging of some bio-identical products.

Research is still being conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of bio-identical hormones, and the results of the research is controversial. You will be better able to make your own decision once you have conducted your own, in-depth research. As always, I would suggest you have regular health checkups just to be safe. Visiting your health care provider also ensures you have ongoing help and support during this difficult time.

Creating a Bio-identical Blend

One way to identify a woman’s hormone levels is through a saliva test. Pharmacists often perform this test when a woman is seeking bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. After receiving the results of the test, the pharmacist will then create a compound of bio-identical hormones for the woman’s individual needs.

Keeping a Record

Keep a record of any herbal remedies, supplements and treatments you are using, including how long you have been using them. This will allow you keep track of the effects and results over time and help you feel more in control of what is happening to you and your body.

A record will also make it easier for you to provide your doctor or practitioner with correct and complete information. Even though you think you will remember, quite often women come away from their visit and think “I forgot to mention this, I forgot to ask...”