One night you awaken to find your sheets wet with perspiration. You start to yell for no apparent reason at your husband and children. You feel lethargic and just don't seem to have any drive or ambition. Although you suspect the reason, you go to your doctor and he confirms you are in "menopause." When experiencing menopause, you may want to consider natural hormone alternatives. Nutrition expert Ann Louise Gittleman, MS, CNS suggests that using natural hormone alternatives can be just as effective as Hormone Replacement Therapy but with fewer side effects.
Diet
Some foods contain mild plant estrogens that balance fluctuating levels of estrogen and testosterone. They include yams, thyme, sage, fennel, beets, carrots, cherries, pomegranates, apples, celery and nuts. Foods containing soybeans include tofu, tempeh, miso and soy milk. Studies reveal these foods relieve hot flashes, a major symptom of declining levels of estrogen. Eating oats can also keep hormones balanced. Kelp or other types of seaweed help balance levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, to control mood swings. According to Sarah Henry, award-winning health writer for the Center for Investigative Reporting, natural hormones don't act as quickly as drugs, so you will need to be patient. Results may not appear until four weeks or later.
Progesterone Creams
Certain creams made from plant extracts contain natural, non-toxic progesterone -like compounds identical to what the body makes. According to Holistic Online, you should ask your doctor before using these because they could interact with medicines you may be taking for other medical conditions. These creams are effective against vaginal dryness. One progesterone cream is made from wild yam extract. There are also Vitamin E creams made from marigold flower and aloe vera plants.
Food Supplements
Flaxseed contains lignin which is a natural way to balance hormones. According to expert Ann Louise Gittleman, 2 tbsp. per day is as effective as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in lessening hot flashes. Salad dressings may be made from flaxseed oil. You can also bake it in breads, but don't fry with it. Evening primrose oil and black currant seed oil also promote estrogen production.
Herbs
Chaste berry contains estrogen and progesterone-like compounds that work through the pituitary or master gland that also controls the sex glands. Chamomile and passion flower tea elevate levels of serotonin and promote sleep and calmness. Dong Quai has mild estrogenic effects that stabilize blood vessels and control mood swings. According to Sarah Henry, you should check with a qualified Chinese herbalist before using any of the Asian herbs. Black Cohash has a natural precursor to estrogen. The body uses this to produce hormones in only the amounts needed. Using 2 mg. twice a day has been shown to reduce vertigo, irritability, hot flashes and heart palpitations.
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