Health & Fitness

Alternative Health: Alternative Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is commonly given to patients who suffer from osteoporosis and postmenopausal symptoms. Most hormone replacement therapy consists of a blend of synthetic estrogen and progestin. These hormones are also used to control womens menstrual cycles and to prevent pregnancy in sexually active women. While hormone therapy can help to increase bone density, doctors are beginning to discover several harmful after affects of synthetic hormones.

Studies show that hormone therapy can often increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, stroke and breast cancer. Womens reactions to synthetic hormones vary from one woman to another. For example some women are not affected at all by the birth control pill, while other women experience several uncomfortable side effects. Today, more and more women are turning to alternative hormone replacement therapy to help decrease their menopausal symptoms.

Side Effects for Alternative Hormone Replacement Therapy
Synthetic hormone replacement not only increases the risk of breast cancer, but it can make cancer cells and tumors harder to find. Synthetic hormones can also raise cholesterol levels in the body. Scientists who have studied alternative hormone replacement therapy have not yet discovered any harmful side effects. In fact phytoestrogen helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

For years, plants such as red clover, black cohosh, dong quai and soy have been taken as herbal remedies for a slew of menopausal symptoms. It turns out, that these plants along with many others contain levels of natural estrogens called phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens work to regulate hormones, increase bone density and protect the body from disease such as breast cancer. Many doctors have begun suggesting that their patients take phytoestrogens as an alternative hormone replacement therapy.