I just read a U.S. News and World Report article online titled, “How to Safely Combat Menopause Symptoms With Hormone Therapy.” In it, the author discusses how more and more women are opting to use ultra-low doses of conventional hormone replacement therapy to alleviate their hot flashes and night sweats. I can see how this can be an appealing option for many women who truly suffer from these symptoms–after all, the conventional medical community would like you to believe that it’s “safer” to use low doses of hormones for the shortest period of time possible. But, as the article states, “the question of how long a woman can safely be on hormones is a thorny one.” Then, one doctor is quoted as saying, “There’s just no ‘risk-free interval.'”
Exactly. Conventional hormone replacement therapy is risky, no matter what dosage you use. Do you really want to take that risk when their are natural, risk-free options available to you? I encourage you to try different combinations of natural treatments–including soy, black cohosh, red clover, and even acupressure–until you find what works best for you. Remember, as with all supplements and even prescription drugs, what works for Sally down the street may not work for you, so be patient and experiment with these natural therapies until you find a combination that works for you. I also recommend reading through this entire blog, which contains a variety of unique solutions to help bring you menopause relief!