Menopause Homeopathic Remedies

There has been controversy in recent years about the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in menopausal women after studies indicated they could increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke. Many women have instead switched to homeopathic remedies as an alternative to combat the symptoms of menopause.

Definition

• A homeopath will treat a patient to strengthen the body's defenses and treat the physical, mental and emotional state as a whole. Homeopathic remedies are usually tried one at a time to see how they work with the body.

Benefits

• Since homeopathic remedies are given to treat specific ailments of a menopausal woman, they do not necessarily affect parts of the body that do not have symptoms.

Options

• There are many different homeopathic substances given based on a woman's needs. Some popular ones are Sepia for hot flashes, Belladonna for anxiety, Chamomilla for sleep disorders and Sulphur for night sweats.

Risks

• Homeopathic remedies are not prescribed and given at a regular pharmacy, and therefore are not controlled by the same FDA regulations as standard medications. They carry risks and can have interactions with each other and with prescription medication.

Considerations

• It is possible to help the symptoms of menopause with homeopathic remedies. They should, however, be monitored by a physician who practices homeopathic medicine and communicated to the patient's regular doctor.