Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Question: are there any types of safe natural testosterone supplements i can take for hormone replacement therapy? something my mom would approve of or anything you can find, that works,if there is any, and this is for transgender

Answer: I'm sorry, but NO, there isn't, There is no herbal supplement that will have ANY significant hormonal effect on the human body. If you want hormone therapy for GID, you'll have to do it with a prescription from your doctor.

Question: Would it be possible to extend the life of the female reproductive system with hormone replacement therapy? When a woman enters menopause she no longer has the ability to bear life and she is given synthetic hormones to help her body maintain the levels of the natural hormones she was used to producing. Since these synthetic hormones help to keep her system functioning at the level it had been accustomed to over the years, would it be possible then that we could also use synthetic hormones to extend the life of her reproductive system.

Answer: To be brief, women are born with a set number of eggs in her ovaries at birth and cannot create any additional eggs. As women age, their ovaries become depleted from ovulation through the years and the ovum tend to develop genetic mutations over time that could result in embryos that are not compatible with life or have severe birth defects. Thus, it is not possible to use synthetic hormones to extend life of the reproductive system. Also, even if an ovum was available, the sensitive balance of hormones in pregnancy would be highly difficult if not impossible to reproduce with synthetic hormones. Hope this helps.

Question: Women only! Menopause. Did you go on a hormone replacement therapy? Drug or Natural? Side effects?

Answer: Try going to a Vitamin Supply store and get some vitamins/supplements that will help you through it. My mom did the soy thing and she was so much happier doing that then taking medicines. There are alot of different natural options now so try them first and if all fails take the replacements.

Question: Natural Hormone Therapy? This is not so much a question but something I wanted to share with other ladies out there. After posting this question I decided to ask my GYN if he knew of any natural hormone replacement supplements that was backed by clinical research, there is so many out there I didn't know which way to go and because of a history with breast cancer I don't want to go on HRT. He sent some information back regarding "DONG QUAI" saying is the only one with clinical proof. The estrogen found in the root mimics ours and it also helps as a calming agent for depression, mood swings, weight loss due to water retention and so on, worth reading about. It comes in caps and in root form, the root really smells bad when you boil it to make tea. Taken orally 6 per day, norn, aft., eve. and it takes 30 days for it to get into your system, the tea is faster but like I said is not very pleasant. If you have high blood pressure ask you doctor, mine is always on the low side so is not an issue for me. GNC does not carry this product Vitamin Shoppe does and is not expensive. Hope this helps some of you Best of luck to all of us

Answer: Good stuff - I'm impressed that your GYN took the time to do the research. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) can be very effective to help regulate estrogen and treat/manage mild to moderate estrogen insufficiency. Be aware that there are some potential drug interactions and that this herb is contraindicated during pregnancy (strictly CI during first trimester.) In some individuals, it may also cause mild to moderate photosensitivity so don't forget your sun screen. Vitex agnus-castus (commonly known as chastetree or chasteberry) is another herb with some good science behind it related to treating PMS/menopause symptoms and fertility issues. Here's a link to results from a quick search on Cochrane database: http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/cochrane_search_fs.html?mode=startsearch&products=all&unitstatus=none&opt1=OR&Query2=&zones2=article-title&opt2=AND&Query3=&zones3=author&opt3=AND&Query4=&zones4=abstract&opt4=AND&Query5=&zones5=tables&FromYear=&ToYear=&Query1=vitex&zones1=%28article-title%2Cabstract%2Ckeywords%29&submit_go.x=0&submit_go.y=0

Question: Does anyone have any suggestions about treatments for menopause other than hormone replacement therapy? My mom is 50yrs old and she has been going through menopause since last Jan. She uses progestercare cream from the health food store but she doesnt want to do hormone replacement therapy or premprose because they increase the risk of breast cancer. Her doctor is telling her that she will develop osteoporosis if she doesnt get on some sort of HRT though. Can anyone give her any advice on what to do? Are there any natural ways that anyone has tried that worked? And does anyone know if not going on HRT can really cause osteoporosis?

Answer: Your mom is on the right track using natural progesterone. It's the ONLY substance that has been shown to REBUILD bone, from the inside out. (Natural progesterone does NOT cause cancer like synthetic HRT does. In fact, it helps protect against cancer.) Estrogen (in the synthetic HRT) only delays bone breakdown, and it only works for four to five years. The problem is that it actually stops the bone from performing its natural cycle - breaking down old bone and rebuilding new to replace it. If old bone is not being broken down, there is no new bone being rebuilt! After five years on HRT, bone will be brittle. Have her read Dr. John Lee's book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause". He explains it very well! He also gives guidelines for finding a quality progesterone cream. She may want to compare the one she's using to his recommendations. Your mom's doctor is not fully informed. Dr. Lee says, "You can educate your doctor, or find a new one."

Question: Can hormone replacement therapy make you gain weight? My ovaries were removed in August and my doc prescribed EstraTest, which contains a bit of testosterone (he said it is natural for a 30yr old to have some). In a few weeks I started sprouting hairs on my chin so I asked for something without male hormone. I have been taking straight estrogen since and have been gaining weight like CRAZY! Could it be the hormones, or am I just pulling the wool over my own eyes?

Answer: I've been on premarin for a few years and have no problem with weight gain. I have been on other types of meds that do make me gain weight but not the hormones. You could read your pharmacy packet and see if weight gain is a side effect of your drug or call your pharmacist and ask. Good luck.

Question: Should a woman be on hormone replacement therapy if she's not having menopause symptoms? I have a friend who is using a natural patch on her own, without the advice of a doctor. Could she be putting herself at risk?

Answer: no need at all.

Question: hormone Replacement therapy question???!!!!!? Im 26yrs old and just recently had a complete hysterectomy. I was wondering if there was a more natural approach for hrt? I am taking premarin but recently heard some pretty bad stuff about bio-hrt. I want a natural hormone b/c im very scared about getting breast cancer...it runs in my family. please help!!!!!

Answer: I recommend all natural Menopause Balance Complex. It uses compounds found in plants called phytoestrogens to ease mood swings, sleeplessness and hot flashes. It has no artificial colors, flavors or synthetic preservatives. A friend of mine also had a hysterectomy early in life and took premarin for several years. She did start to experience some of the side effects and decided to try the natural approach. She was extremely pleased and has been taking Menopause Balance Complex for several years now. Hope this is helpful and feel free to contact me with questions.

Question: Men on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) please tell me...? do you regret doing it? are there better ways to increase your testosterone levels? natural ways? Negative side effects? Are you concerned about the dangers? Does it really make a big difference in your mood, sex drive, penis function, etc? Thanks.

Answer: I'm in the same boat as "I Know That" because I've been using HRT for several years, too. I have never regretted it, as a matter of fact, it has made more manly than ever. I've gained a deeper voice, gained body hair where it never was before, have thicker body hair on arms and crotch areas, enhanced mood, & find I want sex more than when I was in my 20's. Occasionally a blood test reflects my T-level drops to 125 (normal 350-800) so I must, medically use prescribed gel on my arms and/or abdomen. Negative effects? If I forget to use the med, I get grouchy, moody, & refuse sex. Dangers? If I don't use it, I will fall back to the guy I don't want to be!! The other stuff you ask: my penis grew in length, my sex drive is constant. If you have been directed to do HRT, don't turn away from it. (BTW, Fidget told me to look for your question.)

Question: What natural alternatives to hormone therapy can I offer my mom who insists she is not in menopause? My mom will not let go of an article she read ten years ago about menopausal hormone replacements causing cancer. There have been many medical advances in this area since then and 3 doctors I have asked say there is no risk in modern hormone therapy. My mom is very defensive saying that we are the ones with the problem and she is and feels perfectly normal. She is not normal and is pushing her family away by being so difficult and just plain mean and viscous. I just want her to be informed and she refuses to even read on the internet about it. She is comfortable being depressed and miserable and likes to make everyone else as miserable as she must feel. I love my mom but please help me!

Answer: you could say to your mother that the great majority of cancer sufferers have never used hormones. Hormones are natural to the body. Replacement with herbs is not natural. How many people does your mom know who have black cohosh in their bodies naturally from birth? Natural means replacing like with like. I recommend the site by Uzzi Reiss an expert on balancing hormones.He has also written informative books Untreated menopause is more likely to trigger serious illness. We need hormones to maintain health but as your mom is feeling vulnerable she isn't certain what to do at this stage and we are frequently bombarded with scare stories about hormone therapy. I use Bio Identical hormones and feel wonderful on them. Your mother must be feeling unhappy to be so depressed but it is all part of suffering untreated hypogonadism and oestrogen deficiency is known for causing depression and anger.

Question: have stopped HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) and am now losing my hair ? After using HRT for over 20 years I have now stopped taking it but as a result am losing my hair. It has thinned where men usually lose theirs, at the top back of the head. I know this is because of a lack of the female hormones (am past menopause) but need to know what should I do to bring this hair back. I have started to take PROMENSIL, an all natural HRT mixture and hope that the ISOFLAVONES (from SOY) in this preparation will help grow the hair back. Any experiences with this? will appreciate any advice re this problem.

Answer: Hi I can sorta help. I'm a male to female transsexual who is on HRT. When i first began HRT 4 1/2 years ago at 24 my hair was starting to thin a bit not fall out but thinning and after starting HRT it stopped and grew back for the most part however HRT effects everyone differently. also herbal estrogen is usually not as effective as other means so it may not help at all. best thing to do is make an appointment with an endocrinologist and see if they can work out a better HRT plan for you.

Question: Are there alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy? Well it seems it finally fit me. I'm still hot but it's coming in flashes now. I don't like what I've heard about HRT and was wondering what type of alternative methods are out there to combat some of the more bothersome symptoms. Are there any natural supplements that have been proven to help? I would so appreciate your input. Thanks so much :) I'd like to thank all those that responded. I've recieved a lot of helpful information that I will now try out for myself. Thanks a bunch :)

Answer: Well, the most popular natural products for hormone support would be Dong Quai, Black Cohosh, Vitex (also called Chasteberry), Wild Yam, Damiana Leaf, Motherwort, GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid, commonly in Borage Oil and Evening Primrose Oil), and some Soy germ products. Good luck!

Question: Senior ladies, do you take hormone replacement therapy? I have been on Prempro, 0.3 mg/1.5 mg for two years, the lowest dosage, Last month the doctor put me on a higher dosage because my skin was drier than normal, and my nails were splitting and flaking. He upped the Prempro to 0.45 mg/1.5 mg and I am seeing a tremendous difference. I know there is a lot of controversy over HRT, and I fought it for a couple of years, using natural topical progesterone until it no longer helped with hot flashes. I have none now, and have noticed my skin more supple, nails are growing faster and stronger and my hair is growing faster and has a healthy feel to it. Does anyone else take HRT and have seen significant improvements? I too have taken Vitamin E, Flax Seed, Fish Oil and a multivitamin for years, yet I was seeing symptoms of menopause that I was not happy with. For those that never had symptoms and were able to get through without HRT, kudos! I would prefer to not take it. Being under doctor's care and having the annual tests and monthly at home breast exams are advised to anyone. Thanks all for your contribution to my question.

Answer: I'm 60, and I've been on Premarin for 10 years, tried to come off it a couple of times but I straight away got the really bad flushes. I'm happy to take it - my skin has remained in excellent condition, hair is supple and my nails grow strongly. I'm in there for the long haul - I'm fully aware of the possible side effects, and am careful about breast screening. My feeling is, if it helps, use it !

Question: Natural Herbal Remedy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? My teenage daughter has just been diagnosed with it. I don't want to put her on hormone replacement therapy to bring on her periods (which occur about twice per year). We have extensive breast cancer in the family, and hormone therapy is frightening. Does anyone know of any natural remedies that are safe? Thank you.

Answer: Homeopathic Medicines & Treatment for Ovarian Cysts, Ovary Pain Neuralgia, Ovaritis #Apis mellifica. [Apis] Few remedies cause as many ovarian symptoms as Apis. It has an active congestion of the right ovary going on to ovaritis, with soreness in the inguinal region, burning, stinging and tumefaction. Ovarian cysts in their incipiency have been arrested by this remedy; here one of the indicating features is numbness down the thigh. It has also proved useful in affections of the left ovary. Tightness of the chest may also be present, with the occurrence of a reflex cough and urging to urinate. Mercurius corrosivus. Hughes prefers this remedy in ovarian neuralgia. Peritoneal complications also indicate it. Bovista has also cured ovarian tumors. #Belladonna. [Bell] As this remedy is one particularly adapted to glandular growths it is especially useful in acute ovaritis, and more so if the peritoneum be involved. The pains are clutching and throbbing, worse on the right side, the slightest jar is painful, and the patient is extremely sensitive. The symptoms appear suddenly; flushed face and other Belladonna symptoms are present. Platinum. Ovaries sensitive, burning pains in them, bearing down, chronic ovarian irritation with sexual excitement. Much ovarian induration is present. Palladium. Swelling and induration of right ovary. It lacks the mental symptoms of Platinum, such as mental egotism and excitement. Aurum. Ovarian induration. Lilium. Ovarian neuralgias. Burning pains from ovary up into abdomen and down into thighs, shooting pains from left ovary across the pubes, or up to the mammary gland. Staphisagria. Very useful in ovarian irritation in nervous, irritable women. Hypochondriacal moods. #Lachesis. [Lach] Pain in left ovary relieved by a discharge from the uterus; can bear nothing heavy on region. Hughes and Guernsey seem to think that Lachesis acts even more prominently on the right ovary; others believe the opposite, the tendency of affections being, however, to move from the left toward the right side. Suppuration and chronic enlargements of ovary may call for Lachesis. Zincum. Boring in the left ovary relieved by the flow, somewhat better from pressure; fidgety feet. Graphites. Swelling and induration of the left ovary; also pains in the right ovarian region with delayed scanty menses. Argentum metallicum. Bruised pain in left ovary and sensation as if ovary were growing large. Naja. Violent crampy pain in left ovary. Dr. Hughes valued it in obscure ovarian pains not inflammatory in nature. #Arsenicum. [Ars] Burning tensive pains in the ovaries, especially in the right. Ovaritis relieved by hot applications. Patient thirsty, irritable and restless. Colocynth. Ovarian colic; griping pains, relieved by bending double; stitching pains deep in right ovarian region. It is also a useful remedy,according to Southwick, in ovaritis of left ovary with colicky pains. A dropsical condition may be present. Hamamelis. Ovaritis and ovarian neuralgia. Ludlam praises this remedy in the sub-acute form of gonorrhoeal ovaritis; it allays the pain and averts the menstrual derangement. Ovaritis after a blow. There is agonizing soreness all over the abdomen. An external application of hot extract of Hamamelis acts marvelously in subduing the distress and pain consequent to ovaritis. Iodine. Congestion or dropsy of the right ovary. Dwindling of the mammae; dull, pressing, wedge-like pain, extending from right ovary to uterus like a plug, worse during menstruation. Thuja. Left-sided ovaritis, with suspicion of veneral taint, calls for Thuja. Grumbling pains in the ovaries all the time, with mental irritability, call for Thuja. Podophyllum has a pain in the right ovary, running down the thigh of that side. Numbness may be an attending symptom. http://www.hpathy.com/diseases/ovary-sym... _____________________________________ Homeopathy treats the patient not the disease, complete symptoms of the patient(Mental and Physical) are taken into consideration to find the appropriate remedy which is the most similar to the patients symptoms. When prescribed according to the patients symptoms Homeopathic medicine are known to work very fast and without any side effects or complications of any kind and once cured there are no relapse or comebacks 100% cure. For more either post your complete symptoms or better to consult a reputable Homeopathic Practitioner for the successful treat ment of your ailment. Giving just the name of the disease or disorder is showing someone the tip of the iceberg what lays underneath is what you have to treat and cure. And that is the key to the success of Homeopathic Medicine. I hope the provided information proves to be of help. Wishing you the best of health. Take Care and God Bless you.

Question: Menopausal acne oral treatments: HRT, BC pill, herbal supplements. Does any work? Has anyone tried hormone replacement therapy ( natural synthetic or herbal) or birth control pill to combat menopausal acne? Which brand/name? Did it work? Please tell your experience. Your input is highly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: I've been in that situation and there is really nothing you can do about it. There are things you can do to try to reduce the blemishes and get rid of acne/pimples temporarily but you will always be finding yourself cleaning your face or your body depending on where it's at. I mean of course your acne should go away eventually but for some this is the case their whole life. I'm 29 years old and have been suffering from these little pests since I was a teenager. I tried all sorts of face washes from the local grocery store and what not, but nothing seemed to work. If anything it would just make my skin dry and itchy. Literally the best acne face wash I've ever used has been this stuff called clearpores. It has got rid of the acne to quickest and has been a success ever since I got it. It's unique cause of it's herbal supplement you take a long with it that helps your skin from the inside out. I saved money on it at skincleansingsystem.com at the time which was helpful. You should really look into this stuff and if you can to assure the best results, get the 3 month supply because if it doesn't work it will still save you butt on the return policy. Well good luck and best wishes.

Question: After hysterectomy, (inc ovaries), what kind of hormone replacement would a 46 yr old have to go on? estrogen? Im having a full hysterectomy in the near future, im 46 and have not yet started menopause. After my op, is it completely necessary to go on hormone replacement therapy? If i choose not to, what will happen? Will i go into menopause and then thats it? If I do go onto HRT, what hormone will i need to replace? Mainly estrogen? I am not keen on early menopause as i do not want to age any quicker than i already am! I am also hoping to find a natural alternative... thankyou.

Answer: It would be a decision made between you and your doctor as to whether you had HRT or not. If the hysterectomy takes your ovaries, you would begin instant menopause- and what that did would depend on you and your body. HRT is primarily to replace the estrogen, and doctors don't like to give it for more than about six months because it puts you at a higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. How bad the symptoms will be is anyone's guess. A lot of how bad it feels is really your personal take on matters. As far as how old you feel, that's a matter between your ears, not a matter of the reproductive system. If you are looking at a complete hysterectomy, obviously things aren't functioning correctly now- things couldn't get any worse really. Once the body settles down to the postoperative changes, and the changes in hormones, you may well find menopause to be particularly attractive. You will like the freedom from the monthly inconvenience of a period, no more pregnancy fears, and no more problems. It can actually improve the sex life, being free of those concerns. And honestly, nobody can exactly tell you are post menopausal unless you tell them. It's their guess up to a certain point, really. Nothing else about you has to much change. You will need to up the calcium intake, but most of the changes are really sensible life changes anyway- things like a low fat diet, exercise and the rest. There are no "natural" alternatives to hormone therapy, as estrogen is a body product, not a plant product. The estrogen like compounds in soy are similar, but not the same. There was a theory that soy intake was why oriental women didn't have menopausal problems, but the explanation is likely more social conditioning. It's actually honorable to grow old in the orient, they don't see it as a bad thing. So menopause is not a thing to be dreaded, it's a rite of passage into the status of honored elder woman, with wisdom and experience to be sought out by younger women. I won't say there aren't some physical discomforts, there may be some. But how bad it is, that's for you to decide. You can consider it freedom, or a sentence - that's up to you really. Speaking as an "honorable older woman", it's really not that bad. And I'm not so old that anyone else would suspect either.