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 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.
