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.

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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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