The Debate Between Hormone Replacement Therapy and Natural Remedies During Menopause

Gaynor Parke asked:




I struggled with the question about using Hormone Replacement Therapy to relieve the symptoms of my Menopause as opposed to using natural remedies. I had been constantly sick as a child and always seemed to be taking some sort of medication, so as an adult I have always been reluctant to take any sort of drugs. Therefore my natural bent was toward natural remedies rather than HRT.

I wouldn't try and sway someone one way or another, as I believe it is a very personal choice. However, what I would say is that I suggest you thoroughly research both options. I know women who have used HRT with success and I have used natural remedies with great success.

The key I feel is to make the choice you are most comfortable with. I opted for the natural form and thought if it didn't help I would then consider using HRT. In my younger years when I experienced PMS, I found B6 vitamins and herbs worked really well to quell my mood swings and depression, so I thought my body would again respond well to the natural approach.

There are good things and not so good things about herbal remedies just as there are good and not so good things about HRT. The good and bad thing is that they are not as quick acting as HRT and take a few weeks to get into your system and provide relief. This can be good as your body gets a gentle form of assistance rather than a fast kick. The bad thing is you don't get quick relief. I preferred the slower option as I felt at the time that my body was on a roller coaster and I didn't want to add to the dramatic swings. The slower better feelings suited me very well. My friend who used HRT loved the instant relief but came down with a great thud when her body consumed the hormones that the HRT put into her body.

My Naturopath told me that using natural herbs to balance the hormone levels allowed the natural process of declining hormones to take place whereas, HRT kept a woman up in unrealistic levels and eventually she would have to stop taking it and come down to earth with a thud or have to keep taking it for the rest of her life. I remember a doctor saying to me that it was ok to keep taking the contraceptive pill and not have to worry about ever having a period. I thought that it was better to let my body do what it was made to do so opted first for another doctor and then to allow my body to have a period the way it was supposed to do. I approached Menopause the same way and can say that once I discovered what herbs worked best for me, my journey through Menopause wasn't too bad and I'm doing great now.

I have lost touch with my friend who was taking the HRT so I can't tell you if she is still using it but I have heard she is doing well.

Whichever you choose make it your choice and don't be unduly influenced by your doctor, friends or anyone else. Menopause is so personal I believe there are no rights and wrongs, just what works best for you.

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