Natural Hormone Replacement
To relieve the symptoms associated with menopause, many women turn to hormone replacement therapy. However, some women are concerned about the health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy or due to specific health conditions are unable to use hormone replacement therapy. In such cases, there is a growing interest in natural hormone replacement.
Women approaching and experiencing menopause know that the natural decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels produce uncomfortable and life-altering effects. While the decrease in hormone levels is a natural part of the aging process, the results of the declining levels can be hard to cope with. Women can experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, breast tenderness, changes in mood and sleep patterns, problems with urinary retention, and changes in weight as a result of the hormone changes.
As mentioned before, there is a growing interest in natural hormone replacement. Unfortunately, there is little research supporting natural hormone replacement so the information known about natural hormone replacement is not evidence based. However, the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) does recognize that certain botanicals and dietary supplements are known to benefit menopause symptom relief and is conducting research to establish more data on the safety and efficacy of natural hormone replacement products.
Some agents that are used for natural hormone replacement and to reduce the symptoms of menopause are described below:
- Black cohosh: This herb is supposed to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. It is also known to cause liver damage and the little available data shows that black cohosh does not reduce hot flashes as was once suspected.
- Dong quai: Dong quai is another herb suspected to reduce hot flashes. While there is little data available to support this claim, there is data showing that dong quai interacts with the blood thinner warfarin and can increase bleeding risk in patients that take this medication.
- Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng): This herb may improve mood symptoms and sleep disturbances associated with menopause.
- Kava: Kava is known to decrease anxiety and improve mood. It is also known to damage the liver and so should not be used frequently or for long periods of time.
- Red clover: Red clover is a phytoestrogen which means it contains estrogen-like compounds. Phytoestrogens are thought to act like estrogen in the body and are good candidates for women seeking to use natural hormone replacement therapy. Red clover is thought to reduce hot flashes.
- Soy: Soy is also a phytoestrogen. Soy extract is supposed to reduce hot flashes. It has also been associated with thickening the lining of the uterus so it should not be used for long periods of time.
- DHEA (): DHEA is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is converted to testosterone and estrogen. It is thought that when used as a dietary supplement it may increase sexual arousal and reduce hot flashes.
If you are considering natural hormone replacement or other supplements you should know that “natural” does not always mean “safe.” You should always tell your doctor or pharmacist about the supplements you are taking to be sure there are no drug or disease interactions. Also, while natural products are worthy of investigation and research, at this time they are not regulated or tested by the FDA. Refer to the NIH and NCCAM websites to find out current information on natural hormone replacement agents.
