Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is particularly useful for women going through menopause. Side effects of menopause can include hot flashes, fatigue, depression, weight gain and menstrual irregularities until menses ends. HRT has its own risks, including heart attack, blood clots, strokes and breast cancer. Some women prefer all-natural remedies for hormone replacement because they might be safer.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are chemicals found in plants that mimic estrogen naturally released by the body. Phytoestrogens can ease hot flashes and mood swings. Herbs that contain phytoestrogens include chasteberry (vitex), Saint-John's-wort, black cohosh, dong quai and valerian root. Soy also contains phytoestrogens and is available as a powder or capsule, but also in foods such as tofu, tempeh and soy milk. Saint-John's-wort and vitex are beneficial for the depression associated with menopause. Black cohosh and dong quai ease most of the symptoms of menopause, and valerian root can reduce insomnia and night sweats. No one really knows the long-term effects of using plant sources of estrogen, so you should use them with caution and for the minimum amount of time necessary until studies prove or disprove they are potentially as dangerous as synthetic replacement hormones.
Other Herbs
Other herbs helpful for hormone replacement and menopause include damiana, gingko biloba, Siberian ginseng, sage and saw palmetto. Damiana works on the pituitary gland and can relieve depression. It enhances the libido and can counter sexual dysfunction associated with menopause. Gingko biloba improves circulation, particularly in the brain. It improves memory and relieves depression. Siberian ginseng strengthens the adrenal glands and boosts energy to counter mental and physical fatigue. Sage has multiple medicinal properties, including estrogenic effects that will relieve night sweats. Saw palmetto is beneficial for bloating and fluid retention associated with menopause.
Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are usually obtained from a naturopath or practitioner of alternative medicine. They are hormones that are identical to those naturally produced by the body and are compounded for each patient from plant sources of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones. Each woman's formula will be tailored for her body chemistry, determined through a saliva test. There is no proof that bioidentical hormones work better than synthetic hormones, but some people feel safer trying a more natural approach. Bioidentical hormones might also cause the same long-term side effects as HRT with synthetic hormones, so they should be used for the minimal amount of time.
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