- Natural hormone replacement therapy (NHRT) is basically the use of nonsynthetic hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and/or testosterone in delivering the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. It uses plant-based substances to correct hormonal imbalances and deficiencies. Compared to the conventional approach to hormonal replacement therapy, the use of natural substitutes to synthetic hormones safeguards health by establishing normal body functions with minimal risks for minor to serious side effects.
- Ancient Chinese medicine has played a key role in the discovery of alternative natural hormone replacement therapy. For thousands of years, its healing methods were known to primarily use plants, herbs and food. Its discovery of crystallized natural progesterone in plants opened the doors for plant-based hormones to be used in hormone replacement therapy. By 1989, plant-based progesterone was micronized or finely ground to facilitate better absorption into the bloodstream.
- Women are mostly subject to the consequences of hormonal imbalances, particularly with age. With the increasing awareness on the health risks involved with prescriptions hormones, more and more women and seeking natural remedies in relieving the effect of hormonal imbalance (i.e., menopause). Because of the ineffectiveness, side effects and growing concerns about the health risks of conventional hormone replacement therapy, plant-based hormone therapy methods were easily and immediately adopted.
- Food and herbs can actually be used to compensate for the declining levels of hormones.
- Eating soybeans were found to minimize the discomforts experienced by women at their menopausal stage by causing the body to produce fewer hot flashes. Experts advise taking soybeans as food rarher than taking them in their processed or powdered form. The cream made from wind yam was discovered to carry progesterone. Now, this root crop has become one of the popular sources of natural progesterone, which is commonly used to relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other discomforts related to menopause.
- Medicinal herbs offer a number of health benefits, one of which is the ability to relieve a wide range of menopausal complaints, a common consequence of hormonal imbalance. Herbalists have long been raving about the effective remedies made by using black cohosh. It is a one of the most popular herbal remedies that are used to dampen menopausal symptoms as well as the symptoms of other health problems caused by hormonal imbalance. Though frequently promoted as a menopausal treatment, the tincture or powdered dong quai is combined with other medicinal herbs to tailor the benefits of hormonal therapy to the patient's needs. Herbal cocktails such as the cure-all formula of ginseng, fenugreek, licorice, sarsaparilla, flaxseed, red clover and chaste-tree berry can be used to improve hormone-related health problems.
- Nobody really knows for sure whether or not NHRT is effective or not. However, a number of people have attested to its health claims. While solid evidences to the efficacy and benefits of NHRT are yet to be found, the foods and herbs used in the therapy are generally more preferred than over-the-counter medications. It takes time for NHRT benefits to surface. Just like in any other alternative treatment, patience is needed to wait for the treatment benefits to kick in. One cannot put more emphasis on the importance of seeking the guidance of your doctor or a qualified herbalist to tailor the treatment's benefits to your needs.
