What is your opinion of hormones for menopause?

The use of hormones for menopause is a relatively new approach. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the treatment of choice for menopausal symptoms by the medical establishment, has many drawbacks. For this reason, many women are considering alternative approaches including homeopathy.

My preference is to treat my patients who have complaints during menopause with a homeopathic remedy in addition to paying attention to diet, exercise and lifestyle factors. Similar to puberty, menopause is a normal milestone in a woman's life. The homeopathic approach is to give a homeopathic remedy to balance a woman's constitution so that the transition is a smooth one. There are hundreds of homeopathic remedies and the correctly chosen homeopathic remedy can work quickly and efficiently. A professional homeopath takes into account a woman's totality of symptoms. In other words, each person is treated as an individual.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The standard in conventional medicine is to offer HRT (hormone replacement therapy) which comprises several different regimes of a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is added to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Estrogen can reduce hot flashes, help maintain bone mass, prevent osteoporosis, minimize vaginal dryness and keep one's hair and skin looking younger. HRT is promoted as the wonder drug that can offer a woman eternal youth and treatment to prevent the incidence of osteoporosis (brittle bones), heart disease, dementia and cancers seen in postmenopausal women.

However, there are risks with HRT. The side effects include increased incidence of ovarian and breast cancer, gall bladder disease, migraine headaches, heavy bleeding, depression, anxiety, weight gain, masculine hair growth, decreased sex drive and acne.

Alternatives to HRT: Natural Progesterone and Estrogen
Due to the drawbacks of HRT, many women are looking at natural hormone alternatives that are available. However, the over-the-counter "natural estrogen" creams can reach the same level as if taking estrogen as a pill. Natural Progesterone (sold as Progest Cream) is used to control hot flashes, aid in minimizing bone mass and reduce the risk of uterine cancer. The source of progesterone cream comes from the wild yam. It can have the same side effects as synthetic progesterone.

Alternatives to HRT: Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are plant substances that have estrogen like effects on the body. They can help balance and stabilize the body. Common sources of phytoestrogens are found in soy beans, wild yams, sweet potatoes and the herb, Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa). Black Cohosh is known for being a versatile female remedy useful during pregnancy, childbirth, period pains and menopausal symptoms. It is currently the most popular treatment for menopause following HRT in Germany.

Menopause and Osteoporosis
Progessive bone loss occurs with age as a result of decrease in estrogen, lack of exercise and inadequate nutrition. Those who are at increased risk include a family history of osteoporosis, petite frame, inactive physically, smoking, drinking large amounts of sodas, alcohol or coffee, history of anorexia or bulemia, white or Asian heritage, tall, thin, inadequate consumption of calcium and magnesium, hyperthyroid (or use of thyroid medication), chronic corticosteroid use, stressful lifestyle and a diet low in complex carbohydrates and high in animal proteins.

Prevention of Osteoporosis: HRT and Fosamex
Standard therapy to prevent osteoporosis is HRT, calcium and weight bearing exercise. In addition, doctors are prescribing Fosamex (a bisphosphonate). Fosamex prevents bone loss and rebuilds thinning bone in menopausal women. The side effects include stomach upset, abdominal pain, heartburn, aches and pain and ulcer of the esophagus.

Menopause and Heart Disease
Research claims that estrogen has a cardioprotective influence on the body. As with osteoporosis, prevention with proper diet, exercise and lifestyle cannot be over emphasized. Factors that are linked to an increased incidence of heart disease include family history (father having a heart attack before age 55, mother 60), elevated cholesterol levels, elevated triglyceride levels (form in which most fat is dispersed in the tissues and blood), low levels of HDL, high level of LDL, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, diabetes, stress, excess tobacco and alcohol and poor diet.

Menopause and Mental Acuity
HRT is also used for the low levels of hormones during menopause that affect the brain. Many women complain of varying degrees of fatigue, decreased mental acuity, forgetfulness, disorientation and fuzzy thinking.

There are many cultures where women have lived beyond menopause without taking hormones and have not suffered from the postmenopausal conditions of heart disease or osteoporosis. A healthy postmenopausal woman is able to still produce small amounts of hormones. It is important for women to educate themselves about the options of the various therapies available to them.