Question:
I am going through menopause and I don't
want to take estrogen, but my doctor says I should. Is there anything I
can take on the natural side of things?
Answer:
I am frequently asked this question or one
similar to it. Simply put, menopause is the cessation of menstruation. It
is a time when the ovaries have no more eggs. The absence of an egg
producing follicle results in a significant drop-off in estrogen and
progesterone levels. This decrease leads to hormonal imbalances that can
cause some uncomfortable symptoms.
The symptoms of menopause can be divided
into two categories: physical and psychological. The most common physical
symptoms are hot flashes, profuse perspiration, night sweats, headache,
vertigo (dizziness), heart palpitation, ringing in the ears, and vaginal
atrophy (shrinking of the vaginal walls). The psychological symptoms
include depression, nervousness or irritability, sleep disturbances, and
decreased libido.
The information out there that supports the
use of synthetic estrogen is very convincing, as are the risks associated
with using it. Most women can tolerate the symptoms of this change in life
but those for whom the symptoms are too severe, and the choice is against
hormone replacement therapy, nature has provided many alternatives for
you. However, the answer is not that simple. What might be right for one
woman may not be right for the next. For example, many herbs exert their
effects on the ovaries. They contain phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterones
(plant source estrogen and progesterone). They work by stimulating the
body to produce FSH and LH, which in turn assist the ovaries to produce
estrogen and progesterone. So a woman who has had a surgical hysterectomy
would not necessarily benefit from these herbal remedies.
My preferred herb of choice in treating
these symptoms is Black Cohosh. A standardized extract taken twice a day
is conveniently dosed and usually effective in over 80-90% of the women
who take it. Additionally, taking it in combination with soy isoflavones,
either as an extract or as a whole food can also greatly assist in
improving these symptoms. Research has found that soy has a positive
effect on reducing the symptoms of menopause.
My second herb of choice is Vitex or
Chastetree Berry usually in a combination with other herbs such as Dong
Quai or Damiana. Gaia Herbs manufactures a menopausal balancing compound
called Vitex Alfafa Supreme that has excellent results. The down side is
it has to be dosed frequently during the day and many customers find the
taste unpleasant.
Some women prefer progesterone cream. It is
massaged into the hands or body usually once or twice a day. The source of
progesterone is usually wild yam. When choosing a progesterone cream
product, it is important to purchase a product that does not contain
mineral oil and has a minimum 900 mg of progesterone per 2 oz. (You will
not find the amount on the label because manufacturers are not allowed to
market these products as drugs and must classify them as cosmetics
instead.) Progest Cream from Emerita and FemGest are two products that
fulfill both requirements. There are many other manufacturers as well.
Just as your doctor may have to try several
prescriptions to find what is effective for you, you may need to try
different natural products. You also have to give an herbal or natural
product a chance to work. Most women will see some results within 30 days,
but I always encourage them to try it for at least 2 months before giving
up and trying something else.
The most important factor is matching the
right woman with the right remedy. This in itself can be a daunting task.
The choice is often based on 1) whether or not you are taking any other
medications or supplements, 2) will you be compliant with the therapy?
Will you take it 4-6 times a day as necessary? 3) if it tastes bad, will
you stick with it? It is not easy, but many of us are accustomed to going
to the doctor and having the doctor choose what is right for us. When we
have to make our own choice it is often difficult to know what will work
best. As a lay person, we do not have the same clinical experience that a
professional will have.
To learn if a natural approach is right for
you, go to your health food store or bookstore and find a book on, the
subject. The more you can teach yourself the easier the decision will be.
Working with a knowledgeable practitioner is also an easy way to move in
the right direction.
____________________
Ron Stock has been involved in the
pharmaceutical profession for nearly 15 years and holds a certificate from
the British Institute of Homeopathy. Send in questions for this column via
email to ronstock@aol.com or write
to Ron Stock directly to the Herbal Path, 839 Central Avenue, Dover, NH
03820. Or call 603-740-8400. Web site www.herbalpath.com
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