- The beginning of menopause is the ending of the monthly menstrual cycle and ovulation. The body begins to produce smaller amounts of estrogen and progesterone, which will start a series of physical changes in women. For many, skin will become dryer and lose its elasticity, hair will become thinner and lose its shine. Bones become more fragile. Vaginal dryness will make intercourse painful. The body's natural ability to maintain temperature control becomes erratic. It is a natural process of life, but it is also an emotional time for the woman who feels she has no purpose because her child bearing years are over.
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A visit to the doctor's office will confirm the onset of menopause. The doctor will talk about HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy as well as natural replacement therapy. Some patients go to the doctor's office with misconceptions about replacement therapy and have already made up their mind before the doctor even explains alternatives and side effects. Misconceptions need to be clarified.
Misconception # 1: Hormone replacement therapy will cause weight gain. Women over 50 have a higher tendency to gain weight regardless of replacement therapy or not.
Misconception # 2: Hormone replacement therapy will cause cancer. There is no confirmed effect. In fact the therapy is considered to inhibit possible cancer according to TH. Von Holst, B. Salbach, author of "Hormone Replacement Therapy: Ignorance, Misconceptions and Fears."
Misconception # 3: Hormone replacement therapy will cause a recurrence of menstruation. In the early onset of estrogen therapy there may be some menstruation at first. A physician can explain the process thoroughly.
Misconception # 4: The warnings on the packaging will happen to everyone. Warnings on all medication is required. Even bottles of aspirin have warnings. This is to protect the consumer of possibilities, but to also protect the manufacturer that all information has been disclosed.
Because there is no "one size fits all" replacement therapy, the patient may decide with the doctor to try natural replacement therapy alone or with the use of hormonal replacement therapy. -
Natural replacement therapy is not just an herb that you take once a day. Natural approaches to menopause include herbs, creams, suppositories, diet, exercise, and vitamin supplements.
Some herbal medicine that helps relieve hot flashes, sleep disturbance, heart palpitations, mood swings and loss of concentration are Black Cohosh, Dong Quai and Chasteberry. Ginkgo biloba is good for blood flow and mental health. Evening Primrose Oil helps in hormone balancing and possible weight loss.
Creams can be purchased over the counter or by prescription. Some are estrogen creams and some contain progesterone. The cream is rubbed on the breasts, inner arms, abdomen, or inner thighs. Their purpose is to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Little research has been done on these creams. Vaginal creams are applied to the vaginal area to help lubrication.
Suppositories are vaginal applications to help with vaginal dryness. They are a topical estrogen.
Diet is important for menopausal women regardless if they are taking hormone replacement therapy or natural therapy. Women should eat soy, seaweed, whole grains, beans, nuts, fresh vegetables, and seeds, and avoid fatty foods, alcohol and tobacco.
Exercise will help with sleeping, hot flashes, bone density, heart and depression.
Vitamins that are important for menopausal women are Vitamin A, B complex, C, D, E and bioflavonoids. - Menopause not only causes hot flashes and sleep disorder, it can also cause damage to the body. It's important that women take care of themselves through either hormone replacement therapy or natural replacement therapy. During menopause, a woman's bones can become brittle and osteoporosis can occur. At 50 years old, every woman should have a bone density test and make sure they are getting enough calcium. Colorectal cancer may be less likely with hormone replacement therapy as well as heart disease. Recent studies are showing that hormone replacement therapy may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's.
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It is important that women become educated on both hormone replacement therapy and natural replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy certainly will aid in the fight against osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer, but there are risks with blot clots and breast cancer for some patients. It is important that menopausal women talk with their doctors to discuss all risk factors. It should be noted that dosage levels of hormone replacement therapy is much lower than in the past.
Natural replacement therapy may be the only solution for women who have a history of cancer in their family. With all the choices of herbal treatments, vitamins, creams, and suppositories, women can find a remedy that will help them through this period of life and improve their health. All menopausal women should definitely exercise and monitor their diet to protect their heart, bones and mind.
