Menopause is a natural occurrence in a woman’s reproductive life. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) a standard medical treatment for menopause remains at the center of considerable controversy. Are the benefits worth the risks associated with standard HRT drugs (estrogen therapy)?
Drugs used to treated hot flashes and other menopausal discomforts relied mainly on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). However, Estrogen Replacement Therapy is a concern particularly for any woman with a history of cancer. HRT – hormone replacement therapy which combines estrogen and synthetic progesterone, became the preferred treatment. However, many women do not want to expose themselves to added risk of cancer, associated with ERT and they do no like the cyclical bleeding and significant side effects of HRT. But because ERT is contraindicated for women.
As the body of evidence linking synthetic hormone replacement therapy and cancer more women are choosing natural alternatives instead. In countries where soy is a major component in the diet breast cancer is much lower and menopausal symptoms are almost nonexistent.
In the US, pharmaceutical companies make $8 billion a year on synthetic hormones, and breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes have become increasingly prevalent in menopausal women. It is food for thought! Natural remedies are a viable alternative.
