Hormone Replacement Therapy Answers

The question was “Do I need Hormone Replacement Therapy to stay youthful and feminine? What natural choices are there?”

Everyone wants to stay youthful and vital. For decades we have been told that women need HRT to prevent turning into “old” women. Decades of HRT with Premarin and Provera (which are estrogens and progesterone respectively), have now been determined to cause cancers, blood clots, breast problems, fuzzy thinking, heart problems and more. Even our allopathic physicians are looking to find more “natural” solutions to menopausal conditions.

First, let me point out even “natural” or “bio-identical” hormones   must be used very carefully.  They are safer but certainly not without risk. I would caution you not to jump into any part of the “hormone drama” currently being marketed.  Please, stay away from progesterone creams unless a practitioner guides you – they can become toxic under the skin in six months or less – only adding to your problems!

Secondly, check out every possible way to normalize you hormones by supporting your thyroid and adrenal glands before reaching for those HRT products.  Try:

  • Omega-3 fatty acid supplements

  • Thyroid Complex Nutrition
  • Vitamin B-Complex to support the adrenals
  • Plenty of spring water daily (60-80 ounces minimum)
  • Whole Food Vitamins & Minerals
  • Chase Berry for “Hot Flashes”
  • Corn Silk for Bladder weaknesses
  • Flaxseed or Cod Liver Oil
  • Eliminate Wheat and ALL Soy (Soy is estrogen!) 
  • Keep a good exercise program with some weight bearing exercise.

All natural supplements and remedies take time to work.  Patience is key to have success with natural medicine.  Healing and balancing the body can only go as fast as your body will do the work.  If you feel uncomfortable with your progress or need help with your choices, call your local Herbalist, Naturopath, Homeopath or Osteopath before consulting a physician that is not holistic. 

Good reading on this subject:

  • “Menopausal Years; the Wise Woman Way, Alternatives for Women 30-90” by Susun Weed

  • “Hormone Replacement Therapy Yes or No?”  Betty Kamen, Ph.D.

Good Websites are:

·        www.drlark.com  - Note: She promotes Soy – which I do not.

·        www.WomentoWomen.com interesting site with ideas and questions to make you think.  Promotes “pharmaceutical grade” nutrients where I prefer Whole Food Nutrition.

·        www.mercola.com - over 200 articles on HRT – very well presented.

Do you research and carefully weigh out the options that will best suit you.  Remember, menopause, perimenopause and aging are natural events that the body is programmed to do.  Supporting your body during these events is very important.  Nutrition is key!

These are my personal opinions and clinical observations.  I truly wish you only wellness.

— Joan    © 2007  Joan Goodman

Joan Goodman, CTN, MH
1950 Eldridge Parkway, Suite #5101
Houston, TX  77077

281-493-9473 

All articles are copyrighted by Joan Goodman. They may only be reprinted with her express permission.

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