Holistic Alternatives To Conventional Hormone Replacement

Conventional hormone replacement therapy works well for a lot of women. However, there are women who do not respond well to the most frequently prescribed hormone supplements. There are also women who prefer not to take these supplements because they're concerned about the potential for side effects. If you fall into one of these camps, then you may want to look into more holistic, natural alternatives to hormone replacement. Many of these alternatives are herbs that do affect your hormone levels, either by stimulating your body to produce more of its own hormone or by mimicking hormones in the body. Take a look at some top options below.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is arguably the most common herbal option for hormone therapy. It is a plant related to the buttercup, and it grows abundantly in the United States. For this reason, it's quite easy to find.  It has been used for years to combat hot flashes. It does so by raising the amount of circulating estrogen in your bloodstream. As such, it can also help with other unpleasant menopause symptoms, such as mood swings, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Side effects are rare and usually include headaches, weight gain, and an upset stomach.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is an herb that people often take for moodiness and depression. However, it has also been used to improve sleep and combat mood swings experienced during menopause. It may not do a lot for night sweats and hot flashes, but if you're someone who does not have a lot of these symptoms, St. John's Wort can be a great choice for hormone therapy. It's a yellow, flowering plant and has been used therapeutically in many cultures. Side effects can include fatigue and upset stomach.

Red Clover

Red clover is high in a family of substances known as isoflavones. These substances mimic the function of estrogen in the body, helping red clover combat a number of menopause symptoms. It's most effective at combating the symptoms related to sexual function, including a low sex drive and vaginal dryness. Most people tolerate it well, but some people do experience headaches and rashes as mild side effects.

If you are struggling with menopause symptoms but wary of traditional hormone replacement, you may want to look into these more holistic options. The herbs above can all go a long way toward easing your symptoms in a natural way. For more information, contact a company like Southern Integrative & Environmental Medical.