Natural Hormone Replacement Treatment

Although most of the literature on menopause is aimed at women, men also have a type of menopause called "andropause." Anxiety about life and their relationships, questioning their job status and path, unfulfilled dreams and goals, and depression may set in. Men may become irritable and lose interest in sex. Women experience some of the same issues, although theirs is much more physical in nature. But there are treatments and help that are natural, safe and effective.

As estrogen levels begin to decline in women, so do progesterone levels. However, progesterone levels fall more dramatically than estrogen. Progest from Emerita, Kal Natural Progesterone Cream and Source Naturals Progesterone cream have been found to reduce night sweats and hot flashes that begin in the perimenopause years. These products also slow bone metabolism, therefore preventing osteoporosis. These natural progesterone creams are made from extract plant steroids found in yams. You may also add Wild Yam extract to juice in the morning, as per the label directions, should you prefer to boost progesterone levels without the aid of pills. Label directions for the pills should be followed closely, with most creams stating that 1/4 tsp. is the recommended dose for the first 2 to 3 months.

Estrace, Estraderm, Climara and Vivelle are a few of the brand names available for estradiol replacement for women. They help alleviate the most common symptoms of estrogen imbalance: dry and rough skin, hot flashes and brittle bones. Natural estrogen replacement products use plant steroids extracted from soy as their base. Because there are actually three different estrogens in the body, replacing estrogen in a complicated process. Estradiol, the dominant form of estrogen in the body, is at its highest level during pregnancy and is a protector against breast cancer. Estrone, the second form of estrogen, is formed from estradiol and is the estrogen most associated with breast cancer. It is possible to replace estradiol without replacing estrone. The aforementioned products contain only estradoil, not estrone.

Typically associated with the male gender, testosterone is also present in a woman's body. Methyltestosterone is the "most" natural form of testosterone for both men and women. Methyltestosterone is available by prescription only, as it is considered a controlled substance. Sold under the brand names of Android, Testred and Virilon, these products should be taken as directed by your physician. Testosterone controls sexual desire in women, and hair growth and development of the male genitalia. It also aids in proper functioning of the skin, muscles and bones. If a woman finds her sexual appetite waning in her perimenopausal or menopausal years, she should discuss possible testosterone replacement in the form of methyltestosterone. Men's testosterone levels begin to decline around age 40. A loss of sexual desire, irritability accompanied by mood swings and depression may manifest themselves. Before hormone replacement is prescribed, a man should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test done to determine whether or not he has prostate cancer. At the same time, a man's DHEA level should be tested in order for hormone replacement therapy more tailored to his needs.

Hypothyroidism is the medical term used to describe an underactive thyroid. The most natural form of thyroid replacement is Kelp. A type of seaweed, kelp contains the largest amounts of natural iodine. Iodine is the basic substance of the thyroid hormone. Naturopathic doctors recommend an intake of 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily. The second most popular natural thyroid supplement is raw thyroid glandular, sold as Armour, which is available by prescription only. It is important to understand that when your thyroid is tested, a high level of hormone present in your body actually means your body is not using the hormone as it should.

Women have many choices to ease their way through menopause and declining hormone levels. Eating foods high in phytoestrogens: soybeans, flaxseeds, blackstrap molasses, nuts, whole grains, celery and parsley alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the drop in hormone levels as women age. Avoiding dairy products, caffeine and alcohol will prevent bones from releasing their calcium to buffer the increased acidic levels in the bloodstream caused by these substances. Siberian ginseng aids in the production of estrogen. Dandelion, nettle and seaweed are all rich sources of calcium and assist in the prevention of osteoporosis. Essential fatty acids such as primrose oil and black currant seed oil deter hot flashes and are important for the production of estrogen. DHEA enhances sex drive and increases memory and reduces stress. Vitamin D promotes healthy bones, teeth and hair. To cope with declining testosterone levels, men should not eat grapefruit. It contributes to estrogen dominance and testosterone decline. A regular daily exercise routine should be included to aid in keeping testosterone levels as high as possible. Increasing the amounts of essential fatty acids in your diet can boost your thyroid's functioning level. Look for Omega 3 and 6s at a health food store.

It's very important that men and women be as informed as possible before making the decision to replace declining hormones in their bodies. Each choice is an individual decision according to the person's needs and comfort level. More research is needed on the long-term effects of even natural hormone replacement, although the alternatives of synthetic replacement carry great health risks.