Natural Hormone Therapy for Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her ovaries stop functioning. The bodily changes associated with menopause are part of a woman's natural aging process. Menopause is determined by the absence of a menstrual cycle for at least 12 months. The average age of onset is 52, but menopause can happen at any time between the ages of 35 and 60.

What Is a Natural Hormone?

• Natural hormones are considered to be identical to hormones produced in our bodies. Their chemical makeup and function mimic human hormones. They interact with cell receptors and other hormones in a noncompetitive manner. Natural hormones supplement and balance the body's own hormones.

What Is Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?

• Natural hormone replacement therapy, or NHRT, utilizes substances derived from plants to treat hormone imbalances. They are composed of customized formulas containing chemically identical hormones. There are two types of marketed therapies. One is an FDA-approved formula that requires a prescription. The other is mixed based on individual preference and is not FDA approved.

What Types of Substances Are Used in Natural Hormone Therapy?

• Prescription-strength natural hormones are made from stimasterol, which is taken from soybeans. It is then chemically altered to represent progesterone or estrogen. These compounds are often micronized for use in NHRT. Over-the-counter progesterone is extracted from diosgeniun, which is taken from the giant Mexican yam. Other derivatives include estradiol and micronized testosterone.

What Are the Benefits of Natural Hormone Therapy?

• Natural hormone replacement therapy supports hormonal balances during and after the onset of menopause. Menopausal symptoms will usually subside any time from a few months to several years after onset without treatment. Natural hormone replacement therapy has helped to alleviate symptoms after one to three months of use.