HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy - Hormone Treatment

Lin Parker asked:


Most women experience symptoms of the menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause is caused by reduced levels of female hormones oestrogen and progesterone due to the ageing process. Menopause symptoms include hot flushes, irregular periods, night sweats, anxiety, depression and sleeping problems.

There are growing concerns about the safety of HRT in long-term use. Clinical studies indicate that HRT is associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. HRT has been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks and blood clots and strokes.

Hormonal changes can make you very emotional and you may get upset at the slightest problem. Hot flushes are a common problem which can cause embarrassment and wake you in the night. More women are turning towards natural remedies to treat menopause symptoms as they are worried about the possible side effects of prescription medication. Natural remedies used for easing menopause symptoms include:

• Agnus-Castus which helps regulate your periods


• Black Cohosh eases hot flushes and helps you relax so that you sleep better.


• Mexican Wild Yam helps with painful and irregular periods.


• Red Clover helps to regulate hormone levels


• Soy Isoflavones contain natural plant Phytoestrogens which are similar to human Oestrogen.


• A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help to ease menopause symptoms.

It is interesting that Japanese women do not appear to suffer from hot flushes. This is thought to be due to their diet which is rich in Isoflavones. You can buy natural HRT remedies and health supplements from herbal stores and health food shops. There is no need to suffer menopause symptoms - all you need to do is decide which supplement you are going to take, and then you can look forward to the next phase of your life and freedom from having periods and monthly menstrual cramps.



Blake

Aditi Miscall asked:


Black Cohosh is a herb native to North America and it has long been used to relieve “women’s problems”.

It is a member of the buttercup family and is sometimes known as bugbane, squawroot, rattle root or black snakeroot. It grows up to 2.5 metres high and has tall stalks of fluffy white flowers. The gnarled black root is the part of the plant that’s used. It’s dried, ground to a powder and sold in capsule form.

It all seems too good to be true, but it’s been used for centuries and it’s one of the main ingredients in Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, popular as a women’s tonic in the USA in the early 20th century, which is still available today.

If you have a medical condition, then speak to your doctor before using Black Cohosh or any supplements. Do not use Black Cohosh whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. Be aware it could interfere with hormonal medicines, particularly the contraceptive pill. If you’re taking medication for blood pressure, then, once again consult your doctor before using it, it can reduce blood pressure and it may cause yours to drop too low.

Having taken all that into account, if you’re looking for some help to see you through menopause symptoms without resorting to chemical HRT, then Black Cohosh is known to help with hot flushes, sweating and vaginal dryness. It works by reducing the hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland that is thought to be the cause of hot flushes.

Black Cohosh has an anti-spasmodic effect, which means it can help with menstrual cramps. It works by increasing the blood flow to the uterus and reducing the intensity of the contractions. Likewise it may help during labor and after childbirth.

Black Cohosh has anti-inflammatory effects and it can treat nerve related pain such as sciatica or neuralgia.

For menopausal or Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms, take 40 mg twice a day. For PMS, begin treatment 7 to 10 days before you menstruate. For cramps, take 40 mg 3 or 4 times a day as needed. Consult your doctor regarding the time to take it for labor pains. It can be taken any time of the day, but it may cause stomach upsets, so it’s best to take it with food. Allow four to eight weeks to see a benefit for menopausal symptoms. It’s safe to take for long periods.

There are no known toxic effects. A very high dose can cause nausea, vomiting, reduced pulse rate and headaches. Stick to the recommended dosages. Find a supplement that contains 2.5% of triterpenes, which is the active ingredient.

Black Cohosh is also used as a compress for sore muscles and aching joints. Boil the root in water for 20 minutes, let it cool and apply to the affected area and cover with a clean cloth for about 20 minutes.

Black Cohosh is a marvel of nature. If you’re female, there’s some point in your life when it’s going to be of use.



Carol