Hormone Therapy Alternatives

During menopause the estrogen level in a woman's body decreases. This decrease in hormones causes uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. Hormone therapy is traditionally used to replace estrogen and progestin levels to relieve these symptoms. However, some women do not want hormone therapy. A number of options are available today for women who want hormone therapy alternatives.

Diet

• Several fruits and vegetables are natural sources of plant estrogens. Plant estrogens are useful during menopause because they mimic the human hormone estrogen. These fruits and vegetables should be eaten raw while they are still full of nutrients. The highest concentrations of plant estrogens are found in foods rich in vitamin B such as carrots, beets, pomegranates, pumpkins, yams, apples, and peppers. They are also high in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and fatty acids. Try to eat at least two to four servings of fruit and three to five servings of vegetables every day.

Flaxseed

• Flaxseed also called linseed is an exceptional treatment for symptoms of menopause. It contains phytoestrogen, which is similar to estrogen. Flaxseed is a useful alternative to hormone replacement therapy because it alleviates hot flashes, moodiness and night sweats. Flaxseed promotes bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis. Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids and lignins that protect the body from types of cancer. Mix 2 tbsp. of flaxseed with cereal, fruit, juice or yogurt twice a day in place of hormone therapy.

Black Cohosh

• Black cohosh, also known as bugbane, squaw root or snakeroot, is a well-known alternative to hormone replacement therapy. It reduces menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. The active mechanism of black cohosh is not completely understood, although it does not contain estrogen-like properties. You can take herbal supplements containing an equivalent of 20 mg of black cohosh as one tablet twice a day. Do not take it for longer than six months.

Soy

• Soybeans are an effective treatment for hot flashes. Japanese women have long known the benefits of eating large quantities of soy, which diminishes hot flashes. Because soy contains estrogen-like compounds, it works to replace depleted supplies of estrogen in the body. Soybeans are made up of isoflavones and protein. You can find soy at your grocery store in foods like roasted soy nuts, soy milk and tofu.