Menopause Symptoms: Is HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) A Good Thing?

"I can't take these hot flashes anymore!" This is a common reaction to most of the symptoms associated with menopause. While some women have been unscathed by the effects of menopause, there are more who are experiencing severe menopause symptoms and want them alleviated. There will come a point when the question will be asked, "Is hormone
replacement therapy a good thing?"

Many women have chosen this course of treatment to decrease menopause symptoms. However, there are issues to consider. While HRT can be a blessing for some, it can also be a curse for others. Although it is reported to maintain strong bones and prevent heart disease, it can also increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, it may assert itself by invoking side affects which can affect a woman's life.

Because the production of estrogen ceases during menopause, the loss results in the symptoms commonly associated with menopause. Thus, many women decide to replace the lost estrogen through HRT in order to reduce these menopause symptoms. However, there are contradictory reports about the long-term effects, leaving women in an uncomfortable position as to whether or not replacement therapy is right for them.

There are two schools of thought on using HRT as a menopause treatment. While it has been documented that Hormone Replacement Therapy is an effective remedy in reducing symptoms such as: hot flashes sleep disturbances, and vaginal discomfort; others believe women who did not have menopause symptoms had worse physical function and lower energy levels when taking hormone therapy.

Many women decide against using HRT because they are concerned about the risk of developing cancer. Often, they prefer to take other steps to reduce their risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Studies are on-going to determine the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy over a long period of time. While some women and their doctors feel that HRT's beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and general quality of life outweigh the risk of developing cancer; others are concerned about the possible negative effects of long-term HRT use. Many women choose to reduce the risks of osteoporosis and heart disease by exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco products, eating a balanced diet, and/or taking dietary supplements or other medications.

Whether or not to take HRT is a decision you ultimately have to make. In recent years, there have been reports of health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. If you have been prescribed either Primpro or Premarin, you may choose other alternatives, such as utilizing a natural form of estrogen. By establishing a balance a proper diet, stress management and using natural progesterone supplementation, the hot flashes, night sweats and other menopause symptoms are either significantly alleviated or completely eliminated.

Using Natural Methods To Treat Menopause

Using Natural Methods To Treat Menopause

The more we learn about the risk of hormone replacement therapy, the more exciting it is to study herbal remedies for menopause. There is no cure because Menopause is not a disease or is it a sickness. Menopause, like puberty, cause hormonal imbalances that are not always pleasant or easy. However, menopause is a natural phase of a woman's life cycle. It is natural for perimenopausal women to experience body changes and menopausal symptoms throughout this time. These can include heavy and irregular menstruation, hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness. With this said, menopause does not have to be a time of discomfort. Herbs can be wonderful allies to the menopausal woman.

First let's discuss the prevention of possible problems. Exercise boost bone strength, encourages a healthy cardiovascular system and increases the production and use of hormones in your body. Getting plenty of sleep and leisure time also aid in reducing your stress levels which add to your overall health and wellbeing

A early healthy reproductive life can result in a more pleasant menopause. If a women experiences problems with her cycle, PMS, cramps or other reproductive problems early in life, that is the time to start a program to improve her reproductive and hormonal health. Women who have a good hormonal balance history enter menopause ahead of the game.

Following are a few popular herbs that can help the menopausal woman who is not interested in traditional hormone therapy:

• Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) an antispasmodic that contains a natural precursor to estrogen (i.e., the body uses these elements as raw materials to produce its own hormones and only in the amount it needs). It was widely used by the American Indians and later by American colonists for the relief of menstrual cramps and menopause. Recent scientific investigation has upheld the use of black cohosh in treating menopause. Do not use Black Cohosh with extreme low blood pressure.

• Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis) Sage is an astringent, antiseptic, tonic herb, with a camphor-like aroma. Sage relaxes spasms, suppresses perspiration and lactation, improves liver function and digestion and has anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant and estrogenic effects. Helps night sweats, cold sweats and hot flashes

• Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) also known as the called Chaste Tree. Studies support the effectiveness of this herb with gynecological problems. Vitex is one of the finest hormonal balancers. traditionally used for menstrual difficulties. Vitex can be used to help reduce hot flashes, dizziness, PMS and mood swings. It has also been used for fibroids and endometriosis

• Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis) Evening Primrose Oil is good as a natural source of the essential fatty acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid, which is needed by the body. And helpful in regulating hormones. Essential fatty acids are critical in the production of prostaglandins. In the body prostaglandins help regulate fat metabolism, inflammatory response, hormones, as well as the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems. . Evening Primrose Oil reduces menstrual cramps, mood swings, depression and breast tenderness.

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is used for menstrual and uterine conditions as well as in heart and circulation treatments. It is valuable in the stimulation of delayed or suppressed menstruation, especially where there is anxiety or tension involved. It is a good relaxing tonic for aiding in menopausal changes. Motherwort is useful in reducing heart palpitations. It is a digestive aid and is wonderful for hot flashes.

• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus),also know as Siberian Ginseng. Used as an alternative herbal supplements aimed at relieving depression, stress and anxiety without the unwanted side effects of prescription antidepressant medications. It rejuvenates the reproductive system and encourages hormonal balance.

• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is described as a herb with "an affinity for the female constitution". It is good for treating anemia and weak glands, regulating monthly periods, correcting hot flashes and vaginal spasms (PMS), and assisting women through the difficult transition of menopause. It is never given to women during pregnancy and should not be used during menstruation if experiencing heavy bleeding.

Let me say this, however, not every women experiences all of the symptoms mentioned.
when you do experience symptoms, the severity, length of time and frequency vary from
women to women. Many women find treatment unnecessary because they are hardly bothered by the symptoms. Those who experience more severe ongoing symptoms will often seek out natural methods of treatment, as referenced above. It has been confirmed by research that a healthy lifestyle has a big effect on minimizing the negative effects of menopause. This healthy lifestyle includes a diet of natural and whole foods, sufficient sleep, regular exercise and healthy stress management. For many this lifestyle is the best menopause treatment of all, not only can you manage the symptoms but sometimes eliminate them altogether.