Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy aims to reduce bone loss, increase the bone density in the spine and hip and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women. This therapy is especially recommended for women who had surgical menopause before the age of 50 and for women with osteoporosis risk factors.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic skeletal disorder, characterized by loss of bone mass and increased bone fragility.

Estrogen, a female hormone secreted by the ovaries, decreases during menopause. A decline in estrogen decreases the breast tissue, body hair, elasticity of the skin and subcutaneous fats.

The female reproductive organs, which include the ovaries, uterus, cervix and vagina, all decrease in size during menopause. These changes result in vaginal dryness, pain during sex, hot flashes, palpitations, headaches, night sweats, depression and insomnia.

Long-term estrogen deprivation results in alteration of bone formation and the development of osteoporosis, increasing the risk for fractures. Women are also at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases with prolonged estrogen deficiency.

Natural Cures for Estrogen Replacement Therapy:

Soybeans:

Consumption of soy is a common natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. Soybean products contain phytoestrogens, or chemicals found in plants that are structurally or functionally similar to estrogen. Because of its estrogenic effects, soy is a good home remedy for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

It also contains protective properties against breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Include tofu and soy milk in moderate amounts in your diet to relieve symptoms associated to estrogen deficiency.

Black Cohosh:

Black cohosh is one of the most effective home remedies for hot flashes, depression and night sweats. This herbal remedy contains phytoestrogens; thus, it is commonly used to relieve symptoms associated to menopause.

For maximum therapeutic effects, it is recommended to take 20 mg to 60 mg of Black cohosh, three times daily. Black cohosh should only be used for up to six months.

Alfalfa:

Alfalfa contains isoflavones, which are structurally similar to estrogen. Isoflavones may reduce or activate the activity of estrogen.

If estrogen is in excess, isoflavones competes with estrogen for the same receptor sites, which reduces estrogenic activity. During menopause, the body’s estrogen level decreases. To compensate for this decrease, the isoflavones bind to the empty estrogen receptor sites and increase estrogenic activity.

Take one to two capsules of alfalfa a day. To make an alfalfa tea, pour a cup of boiling water to one to two teaspoons of dried alfalfa leaves. Drink up to only three cups a day. Excessive consumption of alfalfa can cause the breakdown of red blood cells.