Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause-the end of menstruation, is caused by a decline in the production of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, by the ovaries.

Both estrogen and progesterone are known for their role in sexuality and reproduction, but both perform a wide range of other critical tasks in the body. At menopause the body's overall estrogen levels decline about 80 percent, and although the ovaries are no longer making estrogen, some estrogen is still being produced by the adrenal glands and fat tissue.  Production of progesterone is virtually nil, and many women feel the loss of these  hormones acutely.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy           

ERT-replaces the hormone estrogen that is no longer made in the ovaries at menopause. Estrogen is used alone, it is called "unopposed" estrogen therapy. This type of estrogen is usually given to women who have had their uterus removed (hysterectomy). If you have your uterus, but decide to take estrogen without the protection of the form of progesterone (the female hormone that helps keep the uterus lining healthy), you will need regular ultrasounds or uterine biopsies. When ERT  is taken in the form of oral tablets, skin patches, or injections, it circulates through the body and reduces or stops completely the short-term changes of menopause such as hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness.  Vaginal ERT products help with vaginal dryness, more severe vaginal changes, and bladder effects.  Since very little vaginal estrogen enters the systemic circulation, it may or may not help with hot flashes or the prevention of osteoporosis or heart disease.

Estrogen should not be used in women with known or suspected pregnancy, breast cancer, or estrogen - dependent neoplasia; undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding; active thrombophlebits; or thromboembolic disorders. Estrogens have been reported to increase the risk of serious side effects including thromboembolic disorders, cardiovascular disease and endometrial carcinoma in postmenopausal women.

Hormone Replacement Therapy is not suitable for all women. Women should talk to their healthcare professional before starting HRT.                              

Progesterone Replacement Therapy

Progesterone, which is produced in both the ovaries and the adrenal glands ,  essential for bone formation, sex drive, and is a natural tranquilizer that helps women cope with stress.   Progesterone also  helps provide protection to the uterus by keeping the endometrium from thickening.  With some women  and some dosing schedules, the endometrial lining sheds from the uterus through the vagina. Some women find this HRT-induced bleeding to be an unacceptable nuisance, although with modern dosage regimens, the bleeding often dwindles or stops completely over time.    

Combined Hormone Therapy

This replaces both estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone work in hundreds of areas in your  body, including the brain, bones, breasts, blood vessels, reproductive organs, urinary organs, skin, mucous membranes and the endocrine system. While estrogen helps lighten many menopausal discomforts, it also causes growth of the lining of the uterus. This thickening of the uterine lining is a risk factor for cancer. Taking a form of progesterone helps prevent uterine cancer by protecting the uterine wall from the tissue build- up that can occur when estrogen is taken alone. HRT also helps keep bones strong and your heart healthy. A combination of estrogen and progesterone replacement is the most widely used therapy for women who have their uterus. There are two forms of  HRT:       

• "Natural" hormones are medications that are chemically identical to what the body produces.
• "Synthetic" hormones are medications that are similar but not identical to the hormones naturally produced in the body.  

Testosterone Replacement Therapy 

This replaces the hormone testosterone that can also decrease at menopause.  Replacing testosterone offers some relief from menopausal hot flashes  in women who do not respond well to estrogen.  Testosterone can also provide some women with a greater energy level, a higher sex drive and an improved sense of well-being.      

Alternatives?  You might want to  look into natural sources of hormones, supplements, herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes.    

Natural Progesterone

Natural Progesterone - Body creams containing Mexican yam root are a natural, nontoxic, progesterone. These over-the-counter progesterone creams can relieve mild menopausal symptoms for many women. Progesterone creams may, like estrogen, protect against osteoporosis.     

Also I recommend T. J. Clark Natural HRT Advanced Formula

T. J. Clark's all natural HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is a safe, effective way to help maintain a healthy body and mind.  The ingredients in T. J. Clark Natural HRT have been effective in safely stabilizing levels of the female hormone estrogen, and modulating immune responses in women. T. J. Clark's all natural HRT is formulated in a patented liquid solution for maximum bioavailability!

 DHEA

DHEA - is natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands, the skin and the brain and is the most abundant hormone in the body. Current studies show that DHEA  is proving to be a powerful weapon against cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease, and in the treatment  of lupus and osteoporosis DHEA provides highly effective relief from menopause distress symptoms, may also increase the body's ability to cope with stress, increase mobility, decrease pain, and provide higher sleep quality.       

 Melatonin

Melatonin - a natural hormone produced in the pineal gland (a tiny gland in the brain) has recently been touted for its ability to slow down the aging process, but it also appears to be a potent immune enhancer. One of the major benefits of Melatonin is that it may help to prevent the loss of immune-cell memory. It has been found to be a safe and effective sleep aid with no known side effects.  Many age-related ailments such as hypertension and heart disease may be do at least in part to declining levels of Melatonin, people with low Melatonin levels may be at a higher risk for certain types of cancer. Melatonin should only be taken at nighttime, usually about thirty minutes prior to going to bed. If you are traveling on a long trip you may want to take a low dosage -3 mg tablet prior to getting on your flight and  a 1.5 mg  pill prior to going to bed. If you commonly sleep during the night, Melatonin should not normally be taken during the day - and vice versa - because Melatonin plays a role in setting the body's daily clock. 

And another important quality of Melatonin for many people is that is has no morning-after hangover effect like sleeping pills. You should normally wake up well refreshed and full of energy.

Sweet dreams!

Vitamins and Minerals