Alternative for hormone replacement therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy has been the subject of controversy for nearly 30 years, but the use of hormones for menopause and perimenopause symptoms goes back much farther. Doctors began prescribing estrogen to women as early as the 1940s. By 1965, the use of estrogen took off after the publication of “Feminine Forever.” Women who had even the mildest symptoms were given estrogen; after the initial period of “feeling better” wore off, women were given larger and larger doses. By 1975, the medical community was becoming aware of the increase of uterine cancer in women who had taken estrogen. Soon, a dose of synthetic progesterone, called progestin, was added to the estrogen, in hopes of eliminating the possibility of uterine cancer altogether. This new mixture of hormones became known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Thirty years later, there is no more proof than in 1975 that taking progestin with estrogen will prevent uterine cancer. An added concern has been the possible increase in breast cancer linked to the synthetic progesterone.

Over the past century, women have been more open and willing to reveal the suffering that has plagued “the change of life.” Common menopause and perimenopause symptoms may include, but are not limited to: night sweats, fatigue, memory loss, hot flashes, breast tenderness, anxiety, weight gain, insomnia, headaches, vaginal dryness and mood swings. Thankfully, today, many natural options are available that work and that make sense to a thinking woman. Studies have been done to show that our lifestyles and much of what we’re eating has contributed to the escalation of these symptoms. While menopause and perimenopause symptoms are very real, they can be alleviated by the following natural means:

1. Balanced 40-30-30 diet. This isn’t the pyramid diet that hung on the schoolroom wall. The 40-30-30 diet means calories will come from 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat. Also known as the Zone diet, this formula will optimize function of the internal organs as well as provide more energy, burn fat and alleviate hunger. It is important to use the right foods; think of food as a drug that must be taken properly. Stick to low fat meats, organic vegetables and good fats, such as avocados and olive oil.

2. Nutritional Supplements. Yes, vitamins. The days of popping just one vitamin a day are over. Seldom does our food give us the nutrition our body craves. Most women will want to take a multivitamin, but perimenopausal and menopausal women need more of vitamins B-6, B-12, C, and E. Also helpful are fish oil and flaxseed oil, as well as St. John’s Wort, Black Cohosh Root and Evening Primrose Oil for moodiness. Calcium is a given, but it shouldn’t be taken without a Magnesium supplement.

3. Exercise. The dreaded word no one wants to hear. We imagine sweaty gyms, expensive home equipment or trying to do step-aerobics in our living rooms. The fact is, women feel better when they’re moving, but that’s not the only reason to do it. Exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and makes our hearts and lungs work more efficiently. The thing to do is to find something enjoyable – something that will raise the heart rate and cause us to break a sweat. Starting to exercise later in life is not easy, so don’t spend a lot of money on fancy equipment or join a gym unless it’s a very attractive and appealing option. Many women find walking to be enjoyable. Having a dog, a walking buddy or even a Walkman to listen to helps. Remember to start slow. Start with three times a week, and work up to more. Start out walking 10 or 15 minutes in one direction, and then turn around and come back. A doctor once said that 30 minutes three times per week is very good. He then said that 30 minutes five times per week is better, and 45 minutes five times per week is really great. The bottom line is, do what you can and what you like, and make it a priority.

4. Natural Progesterone Cream. Didn’t we just finish talking about the evils of hormones? Yes, but those were the synthetic hormones that are not natural to our bodies. Many synthetic estrogens and progestins are made from the cells of other animals and man-made chemicals. Natural progesterone cream comes from foods women would normally eat, like grapefruit, green tea and wild yams. These skin creams are sold at health food stores and have specific directions for women at different stages of menopause or perimenopause. Natural progesterone cream is the new rage – it is giving women back their memories, their energy, their joy and even their sex lives.

5. Stress Levels. Last, but certainly not least, are stress levels. Ever since the sexual revolution, our society has put unrealistic goals on women that are sending them over the edge. At some point as young girls, we were told we can have and do it all, but they never told us what the cost would be. Automation and technology seem to be helpful, but sometimes they hold us hostage. We can’t go anywhere without our cellular phones, pagers, personal organizers, laptops and of course, our credit cards. We all have different priorities, lifestyles, and stresses, and there is no one cure-all. Each woman must find her own way to slow down, to schedule personal time, exercise time, healthy meal-planning time, and of course, relaxation. These must be as important as the staff meeting, junior’s soccer game or a visit with the grandchildren. Similar to the airline directive to put on one’s own oxygen mask before aiding someone that needs extra help, women need to take care of themselves first so they can then be of help to their families, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.

Perimenopause symptoms can begin as early as age 30 and can last all the way through menopause, which may not end until near age 60. This is far too big a chunk of life to suffer through quietly. Take charge of your health, nutrition and exercise and let the time in and around “the change” be the time of your life.