HRT Alternatives
This is how it went folks... In 2002, a major federal study concluded that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) raises the risk of breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks.
In 2004 my book, THE CHANGE OF LIFE DIET AND COOKBOOK was published. It was supposed to be "the HRT-Free Cookbook" because the whole point of the book was to help women find relief from their symptoms of menopause without resorting to HRT. Each chapter represented one of the top 7 symptoms of menopause with information on how to eat yourself around them.
Now, in 2006, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) issued an opinion paper on herbal alternatives to HRT and concluded that not only are they less effective than regular treatment, but some may be harmful. But here's the good news (and news that thankfully goes along with everything I suggested in my book), according to the RCOG paper... "On the positive side, there are early data that some of the better researched preparations, such as soy and red clover, may well have some benefits not only on symptom relief but also on skeleton and cardiovascular system."
The report included a summary of the alternatives found to have insufficient science to support their claims of relieving menopausal symptoms or of being able to equal the benefits of conventional therapies, particularly for herbals such as St John's Wort, dong quai, gingko biloba, ginseng, liquorice and valerian root. Some of these herbals were also associated with adverse effects.
The report states that interactions with medications such as warfarin and anti-depressants can cause potentially fatal results. They go on to advise that some herbal preparations contain estrogenic compounds which may be of concern for women with hormone dependent disease such as breast cancer. The herb black cohosh has been linked to liver toxicity.
Bottom line is if you are considering herbs or herb supplements, discuss it with your nurse practitioner, physicians assistant or doctor...just in case it isn't advisable for you based on other medications or potential side effects. If eating a couple of soy foods a day seems to be helping your hot flashes or other symptoms, then congratulations, you might be onto something! Let you doctor or nurse practitioner know though just in case and just so they are more aware of how many of their patients have been enjoying some relief.
~~Elaine
Related Topics: Menopause Myths, Menopause Symptoms Set By Birthday
Technorati Tags: menopause, HRT, alternativetherapy, herbalsupplements, herbals
In 2004 my book, THE CHANGE OF LIFE DIET AND COOKBOOK was published. It was supposed to be "the HRT-Free Cookbook" because the whole point of the book was to help women find relief from their symptoms of menopause without resorting to HRT. Each chapter represented one of the top 7 symptoms of menopause with information on how to eat yourself around them.
Now, in 2006, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) issued an opinion paper on herbal alternatives to HRT and concluded that not only are they less effective than regular treatment, but some may be harmful. But here's the good news (and news that thankfully goes along with everything I suggested in my book), according to the RCOG paper... "On the positive side, there are early data that some of the better researched preparations, such as soy and red clover, may well have some benefits not only on symptom relief but also on skeleton and cardiovascular system."
The report included a summary of the alternatives found to have insufficient science to support their claims of relieving menopausal symptoms or of being able to equal the benefits of conventional therapies, particularly for herbals such as St John's Wort, dong quai, gingko biloba, ginseng, liquorice and valerian root. Some of these herbals were also associated with adverse effects.
The report states that interactions with medications such as warfarin and anti-depressants can cause potentially fatal results. They go on to advise that some herbal preparations contain estrogenic compounds which may be of concern for women with hormone dependent disease such as breast cancer. The herb black cohosh has been linked to liver toxicity.
Bottom line is if you are considering herbs or herb supplements, discuss it with your nurse practitioner, physicians assistant or doctor...just in case it isn't advisable for you based on other medications or potential side effects. If eating a couple of soy foods a day seems to be helping your hot flashes or other symptoms, then congratulations, you might be onto something! Let you doctor or nurse practitioner know though just in case and just so they are more aware of how many of their patients have been enjoying some relief.
~~Elaine
Related Topics: Menopause Myths, Menopause Symptoms Set By Birthday
Technorati Tags: menopause, HRT, alternativetherapy, herbalsupplements, herbals
3 Comments:
Do you have any information on bio-identical hormone implants?
What about some reports that eating soy may contribute to breast cancer? I am a breast cancer survivor and now I don't know what to do! VERY CONFUSED
Do you know anything about Macafem? I'm approaching 50 and have been experiencing significant hair thinning in the front. I'm sure it's menopausal related.
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