Menopause, colloquially referred to as "The Change", has come to have negative connotations in western society.  Many cultures recognize menopause as a right of passage - a time when female energy shifts from Fertile Mother to Wise Elder. It is important that women find the right menopause doctors to help guide them through this transition so it can progress as comfortably and smoothly as possible.

Conventional vs. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Conventional, or synthetic, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been a traditional remedy for menopause symptom relief.  When hormones are manufactured in a laboratory the molecules are similar, but not identical, to those produced in the body. As a result the body works harder to breakdown the foreign molecules.  Unfortunately, side effects from synthetic hormones can be equally as negative as menopause symptoms. Women using synthetic HRT have an increased risk to develop endometrial or breast cancer, heart disease, and blood clots - which can cause strokes and heart attacks.  

Recently, menopause doctors have developed an alternative, bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (bHRT). This bioidentical hormone cream does not carry the same negative risks as its synthetic counterpart and has been showing positive results. The bioidenitcal hormone cream is predominantly derived from soy and yams.  The molecules are the same shape as human hormone molecules, which allows them to be more easily utalized by women's bodies. Many women who haven't experienced negative menopausal side effects also use bHRT in order to promote bone, skin, and memory health as well as counterbalance other long-term effects of the natural waning of estrogen and progesterone. Menopause doctors have information regarding the types, combinations, and doses that are best for each patient (more at phoenix bioidentical hormones). 

Alternative for Menopause Symptom Relief

Lifestyle/diet - Regular exercise and relaxation practices are beneficial.  Diets should be predominantly comprised of minimally processed whole foods, especially soy, which contain phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens will modulate the fluctuating hormone levels and the whole foods help promote good nutrion during this change. 

Supplements - Herbs such as black cohosh, red clover, dong quai, evening primrose or black currant oil can help to moderate hormones and/or relieve symptoms.  Always discuss any supplements with your menopause doctors as they need to be used in doses/combinations particular to each individual. Taking ineffective doses will reduce your chance of getting good results.

Acupuncture - Energetic balance is always important, but even more so during major life transitions.  Acupuncture can help with menopause symptom relief, especially hot flashes and keep the Qi (life energy) from becoming imbalanced.

Menopause is literally "a change" as women's biochemical makeup transitions and hormone levels re-balance. Many menopause doctors have natural and beneficial ways to help female patients alleviate the less-desirable effects of this change. Combined practices from both eastern and western medicine work subtly with the female body's natural rhythms to provide a more gentle rite-of-passage through menopause.