what can i take instead of hormone replacement therapy

What Are The Best Natural Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy?

• Optimize your Diet. Since hormonal imbalance ensues in women' bodies as the production of estrogen and progesterone...
• Get Moving. It is no surprise that the benefits of regular exercise also extend to menopause. ... As an added benefits,...
• Take Herbal Supplements. Besides optimal diet and exercise,...

Full Answer

What are the best natural alternatives to HRT?

What is the best natural alternative to HRT?

• Black cohosh. Black cohosh is a flowering plant that may work to balance hormones.
• St. John’s wort.
• Dong quai.
• Chaste tree.
• Maca.
• Red clover.
• Sage. Some research suggests that taking a daily tablet of fresh sage can help minimize hot flashes and improve other menopause symptoms.
• Milk thistle.

What are some alternatives to hormone replacement therapy?

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Reduced sex drive

Why is hormone replacement not working for me?

If you are experiencing side effects from hormone replacement, your body is not working correctly and hormones are floating around your body not knowing where to go and how to help you. This is why it’s important that your body is detoxing out the extra hormones to avoid side effects from hormone replacement.

What is the best type of hormone replacement therapy?

Ways of taking HRT

• Tablets. Tablets are 1 of the most common forms of HRT. ...
• Skin patches. Skin patches are also a common way of taking HRT. ...
• Oestrogen gel. Oestrogen gel is an increasingly popular form of HRT. ...
• Implants. ...
• Vaginal oestrogen. ...
• Testosterone. ...

Is there an alternative to taking estrogen?

Soy to the World The most widely cited natural remedy is soy, which is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Other sources are red clover and flaxseed, both of which are available as supplements.

How can I control menopause without HRT?

Avoid potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, smoking and alcohol, take regular exercise, and try to maintain a healthy weight. For mood changes, self-help measures, such as getting plenty of rest, taking regular exercise and doing relaxing activities such as yoga and tai chi, may help.

What happens if you don't take hormones during menopause?

An increased risk of endometrial cancer (only if you still have your uterus and are not taking a progestin along with estrogen). Increased risk of blood clots and stroke. Increased chance of gallbladder/gallstone problems.

How can I increase my estrogen levels without HRT?

7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen NaturallyPhytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ... B Vitamins. ... Vitamin D. ... Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ... Boron. ... Black Cohosh. ... Evening Primrose Oil.

Can menopause be treated naturally?

Natural remedies, such as eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein and staying hydrated, can help reduce menopause symptoms — and they are good practices for your overall health. Adding certain supplements to balance hormones may also help. However, it can take some time to find what works for you.

What is the best natural remedy for menopause?

Soy has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Some studies have observed that soy may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. However, other studies have found no benefit. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended.

Is HRT necessary during menopause?

If you're younger than age 45, you need enough estrogen to provide protection against the long-term health effects of estrogen deficiency. If you have lasting menopausal symptoms that significantly impair your quality of life, your doctor may recommend longer term treatment.

What is the best herbal remedy for menopause?

Here are 10 herbs and supplements commonly used to manage menopause symptoms, plus the evidence behind them and relevant safety information.Black cohosh. ... Red clover. ... Dong quai. ... Evening primrose oil. ... Maca. ... Soy. ... Flax seeds. ... Ginseng.More items...•

What herbs can I use after a hysterectomy?

Other women who are post hysterectomy choose to complement their estrogen replacement therapy with botanical support, such as chasteberry, wild yam, and other herbs that mimic or complement natural progesterone, using it instead of, or in addition to, bioidentical progesterone.

How does natural measure work?

Natural measures work synergistically to help relieve symptoms and balance your hormones yet pose a mere fraction of the potential HRT risk. And when used alongside HRT, they allow for faster, better, and more sustainable results, often using lower hormone doses.

Can you take prometrium with peanut oil?

(Many compounding pharmacies suspend the progesterone in olive oil instead of peanut oil). For a small amount of women, Prometrium taken orally is too sedating or has depressive side effects.

Can you get a prescription for bioidentical hormones?

As explained above, you can obtain a prescription for bioidentical hormones by requesting any one of the standard-dose, FDA-approved bHRT products. If you find that one brand of bHRT doesn’t work well for you, you can always ask to try a different one, or even a different combination.

Is estrogen bioidentical?

Estradiol is bioidentical estrogen that is now readily available in many forms (see table). Estradiol is the primary biologically active estrogen that changes in menopause, and it’s the one that usually matters most for estrogen replacement.

Is premarin a bioidentical estrogen?

This is making it easier to get bioidentical estrogen.

What are some alternatives to HRT?

There is a wealth of natural alternatives to HRT, including a huge variety of herbs, flax seed, exercise, stress reduction, and optimal nutrition that can make a huge impact when weaning off or trying to avoid HRT.

What is HRT therapy?

Pin. Hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) is a means of replenishing the body's hormones in the event of a deficiency. The therapy is commonly prescribed to treat menopause symptoms, and it can be either natural or synthetic. However, women may wish to consider lower-risk HRT alternatives first. Continue reading to learn about alternatives ...

What are some alternatives to HRT?

These are categorized as: (1) lifestyle changes, (2) complementary therapies, and (3) alternative medicine. 1.

How to get rid of menopause symptoms?

Moreover, to find natural relief from menopause symptoms, women should strive to practice wholesome habits that include quitting smoking, cutting down on excessive caffeine intake, and participating in activities that relieve stress, such as a favorite hobby. 2.

What is pin acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical treatment involving the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into the body at specific points, according to a mapping of “energy pathways.”. By doing so, acupuncturists look to correct the hormonal imbalance at fault for the menopause symptoms.

Why do women need biofeedback?

Some women may also choose to pursue biofeedback to help certain perimenopause symptoms. Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that teaches a woman to control physical responses - breathing, muscle tension, heart rate, brain activity, etc. - by focusing on and modifying signals from the body.

Is it safe to take estrogen supplements long term?

This ultimately balances not only estrogen levels, but also those of progesterone and testosterone. Because hormone -regulating herbal supplements do not introduce exogenous hormones into the body, they are safer for long-term use and, thus, considered one of the best alternatives to HRT for treating hormonal imbalance.

What are the best foods to eat to improve bone health?

They can be found in flax seed, sesame seeds, soy products, oats, and more . Furthermore, women are encouraged to participate in regular exercise to boost mood, improve sleeping patterns, and maintain a healthy weight. Combine cardio with weight-bearing and strength training exercises for optimal bone health.

What herbs are used in black cohosh?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has just awarded more than $7 million to the University of Illinois to study black cohosh, along with other herbs for women's health, including red clover and dong quai and ginseng, also promoted in herbal circles as menopausal remedies.

What is the best herb for hot flashes?

Herbal Choices. Also gaining scientific momentum is black cohosh, an herb used in the Native American community that has shown promise in treating hot flashes and insomnia, and possibly vaginal dryness, says Sadja Greenwood, MD, MPH, a San Francisco gynecologist and author of Menopause, Naturally. European and American clinical studies have shown ...

What is the best natural remedy for a swollen thigh?

The most widely cited natural remedy is soy, which is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Other sources are red clover and flaxseed, both of which are available as supplements.

Is soy a diet?

In the form of tofu, miso, and other preparations, soy is a staple of diets in Japan, where rates of breast cancer are lower and symptoms of menopause milder than in western countries. However, the latest research on soy is contradictory.

Does Greenwood have yam cream?

Greenwood is far less impressed with wild yam creams, which have also been marketed to relieve menopausal symptoms. The products' promoters claim the creams contain a precursor to progesterone -- commonly taken alongside estrogen -- that counteracts estrogen's negative effect on the uterine lining.

Does yam cream help with hot flashes?

While naturally derived progesterone, available over the counter, can help with some symptoms like hot flashes, Greenwood says, the yam cream formulations aren't effective. The most effective alternative to hormone therapy, however, doesn't come in a bottle.

What is HRT therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a form of therapy that is employed towards diminishing menopausal symptoms. Menopause typically begins when a woman’s estrogen levels drop. This is often an indication that the body is aging and is nothing more than a natural process that begins around the ages of 45 for most women and may stretch to their early fifties.

Why does estrogen stop working?

The natural depletion of estrogen from the body due to menopause leads to vaginal dryness. The corpus luteum which naturally secretes estrogen and progesterone ceases its work when a woman reaches menopause and the production of estrogen, which is responsible for lubrication, stops.

Why is my hair thin?

Thin hair is the product of the aging process and is further aggravated by menopause due to the low production of estrogen and progesterone hormones which account for the growth of hair . This however can be corrected by a diet rich in iron.

What is traditional Chinese medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine is an alternative to hormone replacement therapy to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and may improve sleep quality. Clinical studies on the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of menopausal symptoms by Lian-Wei Xu et al demonstrated that the herbal medicine was effective to equally manage vasomotor symptoms.

What happens when you have perimenopause?

When perimenopause kicks in, periods become longer or shorter and the flow may be heavier and longer. Changes occasioned by menopause lead to irregular production of estrogen by the ovaries leading to irregular periods over time.

Why is vitamin D important for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is associated with low bone density and is caused by low estrogen levels during menopause. Adequate vitamin D levels should correct this estrogen deficiency and improve the welfare and health of bones.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral treatment has been used to help many women cope with hot flashes and night sweats. Cognitive-behavioral treatment is the use of psychosocial interventions to alter and influence behavioral patterns that affect mental health. Mental conditions and illnesses arising out of a person’s inability to manage stress and a general lack of physical exercise.

What hormones are used to treat menopause?

A body identical hormone, or micronised progesterone, can be prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms. Many standard HRT hormones are made from natural sources, but unlike bioidentical hormones, they're closely regulated and have been well researched to ensure they're as effective and safe as possible.

What is bioidentical hormone?

Bioidentical hormones are hormone preparations made from plant sources that are promoted as being similar or identical to human hormones. Practitioners claim these hormones are a "natural" and safer alternative to standard HRT medicines.

What to do if you can't take hormone replacement therapy?

If you're unable to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or decide not to, you may want to consider alternative ways of controlling your menopausal symptoms.

How long does it take for clonidine to work?

Clonidine can also cause some unpleasant side effects, including dry mouth, drowsiness, depression and constipation. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice the effects of clonidine. Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve or you experience troublesome side effects.

How to keep bones healthy?

have a healthy diet – a balanced diet can help ensure you do not put on weight and can keep your bones healthy. stay cool at night – wear loose clothes and sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room if you experience hot flushes and night sweats.

What is the best medicine for hot flushes?

There are 2 types of antidepressants – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – which may help with hot flushes caused by the menopause. These medicines are not licensed for this use.

How to get rid of hot flushes?

cut down on caffeine, alcohol and spicy food, as they have all been known to trigger hot flushes. try to reduce your stress levels to improve mood swings, make sure you get plenty of rest, as well as getting regular exercise. Activities such as yoga and tai chi may help you relax.

How to reduce menopause symptoms?

While a balanced menopause diet should consist of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, ...

What supplements should I take for menopause?

The two types of herbal supplements women can choose from for their menopausal needs include the following: 1 Phytoestrogenic supplements, such as black cohosh, dong quai, and red clover, contain estrogenic compounds produced by plants. They help promote hormonal balance by substituting plant-based estrogens for naturally-occurring estrogen in the female body. 1 To avoid dependency, however, they are best used short-term. 2 Hormone-regulating supplement s, like Macafem, treat hormonal imbalance by nourishing the pituitary and endocrine glands to stimulate their own hormonal production. By doing so, there is no need to introduce external hormones into the body, which makes them the safest way of achieving hormonal balance.

How to get rid of hormonal imbalance?

Take Herbal Supplements . Besides optimal diet and exercise, taking herbal supplements is another effective alternative to HRT since they go straight to the underlying cause of hormonal imbalance. The two types of herbal supplements women can choose from for their menopausal needs include the following:

What foods help with testosterone?

Testosterone-boosting foods include those containing vitamin D, like protein, tuna, oyster, sardines, and eggs. Also, to enhance hormonal equilibrium in the body, it is a good idea to cut down on saturated fats and refined sugars.

How to balance hormones in women?

Choosing safe and effective exercises to balance your hormones, like walking, yoga, swimming , or jogging . As an added benefits, exercise can also trigger the release of endorphins and lower cortisol levels, thus promoting relaxation and improving a woman's mood.

Is HRT good for menopause?

Although hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) might be an effective treatment for relieving menopause symptoms, because of the serious health risks associated with its use, many women nowadays are seeking alternative treatments that will bring desired hormonal balance without further compromising their health.

Does Macafem help with hormonal imbalance?

Hormone-regulating supplement s, like Macafem, treat hormonal imbalance by nourishing the pituitary and endocrine glands to stimulate their own hormonal production. By doing so, there is no need to introduce external hormones into the body, which makes them the safest way of achieving hormonal balance.

What is soy based?

Soy-Based. Soy based over-the-counter supplements are derived from the soybean plant. Soy extract is used to make soy milk and as an ingredient in Asian cuisine.

What is chasteberry extract used for?

The chasteberry extract is used by some to counteract negative symptoms associated with their monthly periods, as well. During menopause, estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones most affected and most likely to become imbalanced.

What hormones make women female?

Estrogen -- the hormone that essentially makes women “female” -- can alleviate negative effects during menopause, the time of life when a woman’s hormonal balance shifts.

What foods act like estrogen?

Chasteberries. Foods That Act Like Estrogen. Learn More. During menopause, estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones most affected and most likely to become imbalanced. Doctors have been known to prescribe horse-derived estrogen.

Can soy supplements cause hot flashes?

While women have taken soy supplements for many years, according to CNN.com, a 2011 study conducted by the University of Miami revealed that soy’s isoflavone content is relatively low 1. For some women, the soy supplements have not had any effect whatsoever on symptoms like hot flashes 1.

Is red clover good for estrogen?

Ray Sahelian reports on his website that smaller studies under more stringent conditions yielded more impressive results. Red clover is the chief ingredient in some over-the-counter estrogen supplements from companies such as Source Natural which offers 1,000 milligrams of phytoestrogen per daily dose.

Does red clover help with menopause?

Like soy, red clover OTCs contain naturally occurring plant chemicals that mimic estrogen’s role in the body and balance hormone levels in menopausal women, and like soy, researchers remain mixed on whether or not red clover provides any real benefit to counteracting menopause’s side effects. According to the University of Maryland, large studies yielded insignificant results 4. However, Dr. Ray Sahelian reports on his website that smaller studies under more stringent conditions yielded more impressive results.

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Now for a quick look at Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This is the standard type of hormone replacement given to women who have low hormone levels. Unlike birth control pills, HRT doesn’t suppress the production of our own hormones, but adds hormones to our bodies on top of what we do (or don’t) already have.

How long before you get your period before you get your HRT?

Because women going through POF or EM still get their periods sometimes — even though their hormone tests come in as post-menopausal — the typical menopause rule of thumb of “wait until your periods are done for one year before HRT” doesn’t really apply.

Do birth control pills take over?

And, unlike typical HRT which supplements hormones in your body, birth control pills literally take over. They override your own hormonal production — in effect, signaling your ovaries to take a breather and stop producing estrogen and progesterone — and supplant it with the hormones in the pills themselves. In other words, you get just ...

Is POF good for women?

This is a definite plus for young women going through POF or EM, since bone loss due to low estrogen levels tends to be rapid and can be severe ( source ). It may also reduce your risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, as well as benign breast disease (fibrocystic breasts) ( source ).

Can low estrogen cause osteoporosis?

The theory behind this is simple: Low estrogen levels can lead to serious consequences (such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems), particularly in a young woman who is exposed to low estrogen long before the “normal” age of menopause ( source ).

Can you take birth control during menopause?

Some of us going through early menopause or premature ovarian failure (POF) are put on birth control pills — others on hormone replacement therapy. Both act as hormone replacement — in other words, in both cases, you’re taking them to replace the hormones your body used to make. But there are significant differences between the two.

Is estrogen a form of birth control?

The estrogen in birth control pills is most commonly a synthetic form called ethinyl estradiol. It’s a potent form of estrogen that is roughly four to ten times stronger than that used in different types of HRT. Because it’s so much stronger, a number of doctors feel it’s a wise choice for younger women going through POF or EM, ...