Menopause is a broad multidimensional issue for women that combines symptoms of aging, factors arising out of socio-environmental pressure, and consequences of the loss of ovarian functions.
Studies have shown that cases of depression in middle age women relate more to life stresses than to menopause.
Fluctuation in the estrogen levels cause the temperature regulation mechanisms in the brain to be disturbed, resulting in hot flashes and night sweats.
Maintaining proper hormone balance during menopause is critical to maintaining healthy bones.
Natural approaches to menopausal discomfort offer broad-spectrum solutions that address these multi-dimensional factors.
Herbal remedies that address broader health issues besides menopause are more likely to be effective in helping women go through this stage of their.
The problems with HRT and ERT:
HRT refers to the administration of both estrogen and progesterone while ERT refers to the administration of estrogen alone.
ERT is effective in reducing menopausal symptoms and maintaining healthy bones.
Progesterone is often dubbed 'the feel good hormone'. It appears to have beneficial effect on brain functions and it is often combined with estrogens to counteract the estrogen's dangerous effect on the uterus.
Long-term side effects are not the same for HRT and ERT and are often confusing to many women.
ERT's main side effect is cancer while HRT has been linked to increased risk of blood clotting and cardiovascular problems.
This value of plant foods and herbal medicine for menopause:
Epidemiological studies suggest that phytoestrogen-containing herbs and foods have a beneficial role in protecting against cancer, osteoporosis, postmenopausal symptoms and cardiovascular diseases.
With increased controversy about ERT/HRT and the concerns about long-term safety, a strong case is being made for researching natural alternatives and herbal medicine.
Several herbs, such as Licorice, Shatavai, Black Cohosh or Ashoka have been shown to be rich in phytoestrogens, various estrogens of plant origin. These phytoestrogens are usually lignans (found in many fruits and vegetables) and isoflavones (found in soybeans and other legumes).
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,or prevent any disease and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The statements and suggestions in this website are not intended to replace a doctor, Please consult with your doctor before you choose to take any food, vitamin, or herbal supplementation.
