Natural Estrogen And Menopause

Natural Estrogen Sources

Referred to as phytoestrogens, estrogen occurs naturally in plants, yet have the same effect as human made estrogen throughout the body. The three main hormones found in natural estrogen are estradiol, estriol, and estrone.

Many of the estrogens used in hormone replacement therapy are not obtained from plant sources, but rather are chemically manufactured or come from cow hormones. A significantly large percentage of women, alternative therapists, and health care practitioners recommend natural plant estrogens above hormone replacement therapies and feel that the benefits far exceed the risks. HRTs are associated with a high degree of side effects and complications, making natural estrogen a better alternative for many women.

Some symptoms commonly associated with a lack of estrogen include backaches, mental fatigue, lack of concentration, anxiety, depression, irritability and mood swings, headaches, vaginal dryness, loss of sex drive, excessive growth of facial hair, difficulty sleeping, dry, itchy skin, and hot and cold flashes.

These aren’t associated only with menopause, but can also occur at times when a woman’s hormones are imbalanced. Estrogen is a wonderful alternative for a woman throughout her lifetime, especially, however, when she enters perimenopause or has become fully menopausal.

If you feel that natural, plant based estrogen may be the best solution for your menopausal symptoms, be sure to discuss this option with your health care practitioner. Estrogen can be just as effective as prescription based, hormone replacement without the negative and harmful effects associated with HRT. It is always best to let your health care provider know of any natural estrogen you are taking, along with prescription and over the counter medications.

Natural Estrogen Therapy And Supplements

There are several ways to include natural estrogen in your diet. You can take herbal supplements, drink tea or other beverages that are made from plants containing natural estrogen, or eat foods rich in plant-based estrogen. One plant in particular that is high in estrogen is soy. You can add soy and other plant based estrogens to your diet and enjoy their many benefits simply and easily. There is no doubt that estrogens are an affordable, convenient, and healthier solution than Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Soy and other foods that are high in estrogen have been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes, reduce heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels as well as high blood pressure, protect women from developing osteoporosis by increasing bone density, and may help prevent the risk of stroke. Whether in whole food form, or in supplements, menopausal women are finding that estrogen is a safe and effective way to reduce menopause symptoms.

It’s important to realize that there are many conditions and factors that can cause a woman to stop producing the levels of estrogen needed to remain young, youthful, and feeling vibrantly healthy. In addition to menopause, other conditions such as Hypothyroidism and Hormone Deficiency Syndrome are often improved through the use of natural estrogen. Contact your health care provider and determine if natural estrogen is right for you.