Natural Alternatives for ERT

Estrogen replacement therapy is treatment to combat the loss of natural estrogen during menopause. ERT can treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. According to the University of South Alabama, side effects such as nausea and weight gain are possible with ERT and it might also increase the risk of endometrial and breast cancer. There are natural alternatives to ERT.

Phytotherapy

• Phytotherapy is the use of plants for medicinal purposes. When done in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices, phytotherapy can naturally ease some of the symptoms of menopause by restoring hormonal balance. Parts of the plant, such as the leaves or root, or the entire plant can be used to make herbal medicine. Some of the plants that can be used as alternatives to ERT include black cohosh for hot flashes and fatigue, ginseng for fatigue and weakness, and St. John's wort or valerian root for anxiety and depression. Those using herbal medicines should not take herbs and pharmaceuticals in the same sitting, as this can affect the rate that the pharmaceutical drug is absorbed.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical treatment that involves the insertion of very thin needles into the skin at various acupuncture points on the body, can be a natural alternative to ERT. There is typically very little discomfort in acupuncture because the needles are so thin. Western medicine practitioners believe acupuncture is effective because it stimulates the body's natural painkillers and increases blood flow, while the Chinese believe it re-balances the body's energy. Acupuncture might also regulate a woman's hormones during menopause and alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, hot flashes, depression and pain, while also increasing appetite and energy.

Diet

• A diet intended to address the physical changes that accompany menopause can be an alternative to ERT. Plant-based foods that have phytoestrogen, which is believed to mimic a weaker form of estrogen in the body, can act to replace the estrogen loss that occurs in menopause. Foods high in phytoestrogen include raw soybeans, miso soup, tempeh, tofu and soy milk. Flaxseed also contains phytoestrogen and in addition to treating menopause symptoms, it might also lower cholesterol and the risk of breast cancer. Only ground or whole flaxseed, rather than flaxseed oil, contains the properties necessary to ease symptoms of menopause. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can also be useful for cardiac, breast and bone health in menopausal women. Some of the foods that have omega-3 are seafood, walnuts, eggs and canola oil.