By Eric M. Spinner, C.N.C.

I would like to offer some alternatives for all the women who are on, or trying to decide whether or not to go on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Estimates show that as of 2020 there were more than 25 million women in this country taking synthetic HRT to help alleviate some of the ravages of menopause. However, since July 2002 – when the first of three National Institutes of Health studies on women taking synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone was halted due to an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and strokes- many women are reconsidering their decision to begin using HRT.

Personally, I find it strange that in this country menopause is treated more like an illness, than what it really is- a change of life. This is a very important time in a woman’s life, and the choice of how to handle it is an extremely important one. A woman should speak with her Doctor, or health care provider, and ask questions regarding the risks and benefits of using HRT. She should also try to do as much research on her own to learn about all the possible options that exist, and then given the information, should come to a conclusion that feels right for her.

I consult with women on a daily basis, on what is available from “Nature’s Medicine Cabinet” to help reduce the night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and power surges associated with the change. I have women who come to see me after having tried HRT, and finding the adverse effects, and possible risks undesirable, looking for an alternative. The answer for them may lie in naturally occurring compounds found in plants called Phytoestrogens. These compounds have an estrogenic-like effect when the body’s levels of estrogen are too low, and can even help block stronger estrogens when levels are too high. Isoflavones and lignans are the two classes of phytoestrogens found in nature. Lignans are found in Flaxseeds. Flax is also a vegetable source of the Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which helps reduce high trigliceride and cholesterol levels.

Isoflavones are found in Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), and Soy. Every woman is unique, and one source may work better in one person than another, so sometimes it is a matter of trying one or two to see which is most effective. There are now combination formulas available over-the-counter to address change of life symptoms. Many women who use my Fem-Support product tell me what a huge difference it makes for them. For peri-menopausal women I offer a product called Black Cohosh Plus, which also contains Don Quai (Angelica sinensis), and Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). These products contain only the highest quality raw materials, and are standardized using European extraction methods. This is important to consider since I have found that some women have tried products that they purchased in a drug store or supermarket that were ineffective in relieving their symptoms.

Some women may find that a proper diet and Phytoestrogen supplements alone will not entirely eliminate all their hormonal woes, and that is why I also discuss with them the Natural Progesterone trans-dermal creams that are available for use. Emerita is a company that manufactures a product that offers a safe and effective alternative to synthetic HRT. Combined with diet, exercise, and the right supplements, many women have told me that these creams have helped them to feel like their normal selves again without all the side effects of HRT.

If you have any questions, please contact me at:

healthhaven2@gmailcom

Stay Well! – Eric M. Spinner, C.N.C.