Natural Menopause Treatment

Menopause natural remedies include appropriate diet and exercise and herbal remedies (available over the counter), which are usually derived from the Mexican wild yam. These may give a minimal increase in estrogen levels, which may help reduce menopausal symptoms.

Controversy remains regarding the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms.

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI), published in JAMA, July, 2002, has created controversy on the use of estrogen and progesterone for hormonal replacement therapy during the menopause. The good news in the study was a reduction of colon cancer (1/3) and osteoporosis fractures (1/3), after 5 years of therapy, in those women who were taking HRT. The negative news was a 26% increase (8/10,000) in breast cancer for those patients taking Prempro (Premarin and Provera combined). There may be an increase in arterial thrombosis (stroke and myocardial infarction) 29% (7/10,000) in some patients on Premarin, alone. This risk particularly appears to be increase in women who have a personal or family history of venous thromboembolic disease (phlebitis or pulmonary embolus). Those patients, who have such a history, are usually recommended to undergo blood tests to screen for a genetic predisposition to arterial blood clots, prior to taking estrogen (birth control pills/ HRT) or conceiving, due to inherited thrombophilias.

The best therapy to control the menopausal syndrome (hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, vaginal dryness) remains estrogen. Better therapies exist to lower lipids (such as Lipitor) and build bones (Evista, Fosamax, Actonel, and Forteo). It is vital that you are appraised of the benefits and risks of HRT, so you are able to make an informed decision with your healthcare provider!

If you elect treatment for your menopausal status, be assured we overwhelmingly recommend "Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy." These bioidentical hormones are derived from Mexican wild yams, may be compounded, and can be administered by different routes:

Estrogen

Orally (pills), IM (shots), Transdermally (patch or gels), Subcutaneously (pellets), or Vaginally (tablets)

Progesterone

Orally (pills), IM (shots), Transdermally (patch or creams), Vaginally (gelcaps)

Testosterone

IM (shots), Transdermally (gels), or Subcutaneously (pellets)