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Hormone Replacement Therapy: Part II
By Linda Vaughon

In the last issue, reports made public through the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) on the effects of synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were presented. The investigators stated that the risks of estrogen plus progestin outweighed the benefits.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advised that HRT only be used to treat menopausal symptoms and be used in the smallest effective dose for the shortest time. With this new information, menopausal women must make choices.

In a nutshell, women have three choices. They may submit to synthetic HRT, find a natural solution, or brave menopause with no aid.

The foundation "Women to Women" has shed some light on alternative menopausal treatments. Women to Women is an organization devoted to women's health care "for women and by women" according to Web site www.womentowomen.com.

It was founded through a medical clinic by Christiane Northrup, MD., Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN., NP., Mary Ellen Fenn, MD., and Annie Rafter, NP.

One choice of alternative menopausal treatment presented by Women to Women is bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as hormones produced by a woman’s body.

Bioidentical hormones have not been shown to have the same risks as synthetic hormones in thorough-studies in Europe, but more study is needed on their longterm use.

Famous for promoting this therapy is Suzanne Somers, the former star of the popular sitcoms "Three's Company," and "Step by Step." Her book, "The Sexy Years," is a source of information for women considering bioidentical hormones.

Also suggested by Women to Women is soy, which helps relieve menopausal symptoms. However, 80-160 mg. of soy isoflavones is needed to be therapeutic. Phytoestrogens in soy compensate for estrogen loss.

Black cohosh, taken twice daily, can also help. It has been well studied in Europe and appears to be safe and effective in long-term use. Although, a small percentage of women experience gastric upset initially.

However, beware that when synthetic HRT is stopped abruptly without support menopausal symptoms reoccur for most women. This is a withdrawal from the synthetic hormones, on which the body has become dependent.

Another problem occurs when switching from synthetic HRT to natural estrogen. The receptors have been primed by the synthetic molecule and can't receive other forms including a woman's own.

But some good news is that some women make testosterone in other areas of the body, such as the adrenal glands, but this adaptation can take time.

Also to be noted, many menopausal symptoms are the result of a life long unhealthy lifestyle. Throughout life, expectations are placed on the body which are not supported by stress reduction methods, proper nutrition, and exercise.

Therefore, whatever method is chosen to combat menopause, it is recommended that women eat properly, take a good supplement, exercise, and reduce stress.

When hormones are in balance women have vitality, sleep soundly, have a strong libido, look great, and have a wellfunctioning digestive and immune system. Women can feel this way from adulthood to their 70's and upward with proper support.