Helping women through menopausal hormone therapy

Menopause hormone therapy is one of the options available in hormone replacement therapy, but this treatment is specifically for middle-aged women during or after the phase of menopause.

Hormone therapy for women can help to relieve the symptoms of menopause, it can be very uncomfortable for women. Generally there are two main types of hormones given to women in menopause: estrogen and progesterone. Both hormone found naturally in the body of a woman. Prior to menopause, the ovaries of women continue to produce these hormones in abundance. But once the ovaries reduces the production of these hormones, menopause symptoms begin to manifest.

Hormone therapy for women is aimed at restoring the natural levels of these hormones in the body to submit, if not completely eliminate the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, oblivion, insomnia and itchy skin. Hormone replacement therapy has also been shown to improve reproductive health and mental wellbeing while also decreases the risk of vaginal yeast infections,

Oestrogen affects how the body uses calcium that is used to repair and grow the bones. Estrogen also helps maintain cholesterol levels in the body. Hormone replacement therapy, are considerably lower risks of joint pains, osteoporosis, colon cancer and heart diseases.

Who are the candidates for the menopausal hormone therapy? Those whose quality of life suffers because of the discomfort of symptoms would qualify. While the treatment is usually given during and after menopause, which is an average in the range of ages of 42-58, it is also recommended for women of 30 onwards. It is at this stage the body begins to lose more of the hormone human growth or HGH, which repairs and regenerates the tissues of the body.

To determine if the patient is qualified to receive hormone therapy, doctors carried out a full medical investigation of the State of current health and medical history. The length and the interval of the treatment will also depend on prescription from your doctor. It is important, however, women subject to this treatment to stay in touch with their doctors. Doctors are well equipped and able to identify different symptoms and can react accordingly by increase or decrease the dose levels.

These days, women do not have to suffer the effects of menopause with hormone replacement therapy. This therapy has already helped numerous women and remains a subject of investigation as medical experts find ways to improve the lives of women through supplement the hormones of the body. Menopause hormone therapy remains one of the most popular and safe methods of treatment.

Resource box:

Total rejuvenation medical professionals specializing in hormone replacement therapy. For women who are starting to experience symptoms, Total rejuvenation offers menopausal hormone therapy. Programs are specifically designed for the needs of a patient's health. Get more information at TotalRejuvenation.com or call 877-530-9222.

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Benefits of the hormone replacement therapy in women

There are additional hormones that are managed through hormone replacement therapy. In women, they can offer many benefits. But with many different processes and different effects treatment options, the choice of the treatment must be specific to the needs of the individual. Hormonal treatments vary and will depend on the diagnosis of a medical expert to determine what can best benefit to a woman. One of these treatments is the HGH therapy.

HGH human growth hormone is a hormone inherent in every person. Determines the shape of the body human recovers, how quickly the cells and tissues, repair, and they regenerate. Men and women experience a decrease in HGH which close their thirties or forties, lower rates of recovery and regeneration of cells. This is visibly more seen as a process of ageing of the body.

HGH therapy can be given to women and men. In each gender, the therapy produces similar and different effects and benefits. But how this programme benefits women in particular?

He has shown an increase in the levels of HGH to increase bone density, which is especially good for women, in general, are more prone to osteoporosis than men. In addition to maintaining a diet rich in calcium and exercise, women can protect their bones by HGH supplementation.

Increase retention of calcium and maintain healthy bones, estrogen can also apply through hormone replacement therapy. In women, the addition of estrogen for the program also provides a defense against the symptoms associated with menopause stage.

Women, young and old, have more fat and less muscle men, and this only worse when they get older. Aging causes atrophy in the muscles, organs and bones. It also reduces metabolism, which in turn makes it easier for women to accumulate fat. Excess weight can cause a woman highly prone to diseases related to weight, such as diabetes and heart disease.

For middle-aged women which are already struggling to maintain a healthy weight, HGH therapy is also known for its ability to maintain healthy levels of muscle mass and also prevent increase in weight due to a slower metabolism.

Finally, HGH therapy delays signs of aging. Weaknesses of the mind and the body was reduced and decreased. Even at an advanced age, a person can remain perfectly good health. The effectiveness of replacement therapy can differ from person to person and per dose, but both men and women, offers some general benefits.

These are just some of the effects of the hormone replacement therapy in women. Hormone replacement therapy can be adapted to the needs of a woman's health through the management of a healthcare professional and expert diagnosis.

Resource box:

Total rejuvenation is home to specialist at hormone replacement therapy. Women and men, hormones declined as age, resulting in various health conditions. Total rejuvenation helps patients overcome the signs of aging through various forms of hormone replacement therapy. More information at TotalRejuvenation.com or call 877-530-9222 for more information.

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Guide of every menopausal women and the importance of the hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Menopause means "the disruption of menstruation" and refers to a woman had her last menstrual period. In general, women experience between the ages of 45 and 55, but sometimes (although rarely), already in the 1930s. This accompanies changes in your body such as hot flashes, fatigue, depression, and an irregular cycle can occur years prior to the onset of menopause.

The three hormones produced by the ovaries are progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. These hormones are not produced by the body after menopause. Although estrogen may still be produced by adipose tissue, so that fat women do not experience symptoms of deficiency of estrogen after menopause. The body needs estrogen to maintain healthy and long term problems of deficiency of estrogen, such as angina chest and sketching, dowager's hump, fracture of hip, genital degeneration, osteoporosis and hip fracture, become common as these women come to this stage. These health problems reduce the quality of life among women. The good news is that it is preventable.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE?

According to experts, there are 5 groups of symptoms of deficiency of estrogen a woman may experience during this phase:

Hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, palpitations, excessive tiredness, tracking of sensations in the skin and insomnia - are caused by instability in the normal operation of vessels.Changes in mood, depression, memory loss, uneasy and anxiety - are psychological symptoms.Dryness of the vaginal tissues and affected bladder - which leads to desire to urinate more often and make uncomfortable relationships.Loss of interest in sex - this is due to the dryness of the vaginal tissues and affected bladder that lost the momentum of the women in sex.Prone to fractures, back pain, muscle aches and osteoporosis - due to the weakening of the tissues of the body support and thinning of the bones.

WHAT OTHERWISE CAN BE ESTROGEN DEFICIENCY AFFECTS WOMEN?

Diseases of the heart and stroke increase among women after menopause. Before the occurrence, the women were protected by estrogen. Studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause, reduces the risks. Hormone replacement therapy is that it is important that women who have risk factors for heart disease, people with high levels of cholesterol, obesity, and have high blood pressure. It is said they administer what is most important for women who have experienced menopause at a very early age.

WHAT IS THE THERAPY OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT (HRT) HORMONE?

This means replacing the hormones that have been previously produced by the ovaries. HRT reduces the incidence of diseases of the heart and stroke. Although, it s still under study on this subject, is believed to improve short-term memory and the kind of called dementia Alzheimer's disease will be reduced.

Genitourinary problems in old age will be reduced. Prevents bone loss and osteoporosis. This means that the quality of life will be maintained while 40% of the life of quality will be reduced and will continue to persist for 10 years or a lifetime after menopause women without hormone replacement therapy.

WHAT THE FACTS AND FALLACIES OF THE HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?

Hormone replacement therapy will not cause weight gain. Some women may experience side effects initials as a feeling of swollen breasts and fullness sensation but theses are only reactions tend to be established within the first few months of therapy and there is no need to worry about.Hormone replacement therapy not suppresses ovulation and therefore should apply methods of family planning to avoid unwanted during this stage pregnancies.Women with a history of liver disease, problems, or coagulation estrogen-dependent cancers should take another type of therapy.Hormone replacement therapy should take 5-10 years for the symptoms of estrogen deficiency, 10-20 years for osteoporosis prevention and treatment of life should be made for the prevention of diseases of the heart and stroke.Calcium supplements should be taken daily along with hormone replacement therapy. Calcium not being absorbed by the body if there is no presence of estrogen in the body.

At the age of 45-50 or at any time feel that you can experience symptoms of estrogen deficiency, immediately consult a doctor and ask about hormone replacement therapy and if adapted to their health needs. Remember: Not taking any medicine without first consulting your doctor.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER WOMEN OF THINGS SHOULD DO BEFORE AND AFTER MENOPAUSE?

They have a very active life and exercise on a daily basis. Eat a well-balanced diet - avoid fatty foods, liquors, cigarettes and harmful drugs. It is a general knowledge than to have a healthy life, we always find time to exercise, to get enough sleep and eat a diet low in fat, low cholesterol, fibrous. We always know this. However, not all people who know the practices they know. So, if you're one of them, should make this principle of healthy lifestyle this multi-vitamins take time.always with breakfast to start the day. Make sure that the vitamins are essential ingredients so it can be useful for your daily needs of body. Read this link for more information about multi-vitaminas: take time to have some fun from time to time. The smile and although it is no tone, hum and sing much. Take everything in life as an experience. Not to dwell on the tensions that will give you but focus on how to solve problems in life with an attitude positive and a smile, even if difficult things.

Every woman will experience menopause. No woman is exempt. Therefore let us take care of ourselves so that aging gracefully without unwanted symptoms could bring the menopause. We have a choice. It is us which option to take.

(Warning: this article was not written to support and endorse any brand of hormone replacement therapy or any pharmaceutical companies.) This is written purely in my quest to help women like myself to receive more information about their health and to help them improve their lives. Thus, this article is only for information.)

Read some of the articles? See my other articles on this site or can visit the blog of the author: http://www.leah-micayabas.blogspot.com

Hello world. I am a proud mother, 31-year-old, only one of two beautiful children. Working as a teacher/professor of English per day, a part-time professor to several children in the afternoons and writer Freelance online to local customers in the wee hours of the night.

I write about parenting, motherhood, health, fitness, beauty, fashion, arts, crafts, music, fiction, prose, poems, songs, environmental issues, inspirational stories, success stories, development staff and life in general.

Although I'm a freelance writer for a time, it will be my first months writing here on this Web site. I am so honored that was to be welcomed. You will hear more than me now and I hope that you will like all the articles I just publish already and the articles that I am going to be published soon. ENJOY READING!

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Hormone Imbalance in Women

Aging is difficult enough for women without having to deal with declining hormones. Women often complain of a diminished sense of wellbeing, chronic fatigue, and a loss of libido just to mention a few symptoms of hormone imbalance.

For many women there is a tremendous void in treatment of menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes, mood swings and low or no sex drive are just the tip of the iceberg. Some earlier hormone imbalance symptoms of estrogen deficiency are frequent waking at night. Many others are present, including "mental fogginess." A woman's short-term memory retention may be dwindling and her concentration and focus isn't as good as it used to be. Frequently, women may experience some loss of energy to the point that they actually slide into symptoms of chronic fatigue. In addition, women may experience some mood swings and irritability, and at the extreme may actually develop feelings of depression. With the loss of energy and chronic fatigue, females find themselves unable to exercise as much as in the past, or to recover as quickly when exercising. Women often find themselves increasing weight gain in spite of attempts at exercising. One hormone imbalance symptom that is not frequently discussed is the loss of sex drive and diminished libido. Not only is energy level and sense of wellbeing diminished, but anticipation and enjoyment of sexual activity is waning as well.

All of these symptoms are the result of a hormone imbalance deficiency state, not a "normal aging process." Restoring your normal balance of hormones will go a long way toward making you feel like a younger, healthier, happier woman again.

10 Self Questions to determine if you may have Hormonal Imbalance:

1. Do you have hot flashes?

2. Do you have a lack of energy?

3. Do you have restless sleep or sleep disturbances?

4. Do you have a diminished sex drive?

5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life"?

6. Are you moody or easily irritated?

7. Do you have difficulty concentrating, or have short-term memory loss?

8. Have you noticed muscle loss?

9. Do you feel fatigued often?

10. Do you have bladder leakage?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy increases female and male libido, decreases menopause, increases weight loss and more with an anti-aging hormone imbalance health procedure. Bioidentical hormone is the chemical makeup of the replacement hormone and is exactly the same hormone that the human body produces.

For more Information on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy please view http://www.HormoneWizard.com

Dr. Lucey has been called "The Hormone Wizard" by many because of his uncanny ability to diagnose, analyze and treat hormone imbalances in men and women. Dr. Richard Lucey is a specialist in Family Practice focused on (BHRT) Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy [http://hormonewizard.com/bioidenticalhormones]. He has been practicing medicine in Pensacola, FL for more than 30 years. Dr. Lucey has been especially devoted to helping women regain their hormonal vigor through hormone replacement therapy. His experience in treating menopausal women has led to his use of natural hormonal replacement therapy for both women and men. He is committed to making this hormone therapy available to every woman and man who wants and needs it. Diplomat American Board of Family Practice 1975- Present Fellow American Academy, Disability Evaluation Physicians Member U.S. Olympic Sports Medicine Society, Member Medical Advisory Board - Retired Boxers Foundation. More information on Hormone Replacement Therapy can be found via http://www.hormonewizard.com

Hormonal Replacement Therapy Or HRT for Women

Hormonal Replacement Therapy for Women.

Do women need testosterone?

Up to the year 2002 hormone replacement therapy or HRT was almost standard treatment for all post-menopausal women suffering from symptoms of falling female sex hormone levels. Up to then, testosterone was not considered a female sex hormone of any significance. In the past ten years there have been some quite dramatic developments.

What are the most frequent symptoms of Menopause?

(1) Frequent hot flushes.

(2) Night sweats.

(3) Vaginal dryness making sexual activity difficult or impossible.

(4) Loss of libido and mild depression.

(5) Hair and skin dryness.

(6) Weight gain unrelated to over-eating.

(7) Slowing down and eventual cessation of menstruation. Erratic menstrual periods.

What hormone levels fall at time of menopause?

All female hormonal levels, including testosterone, fall around the time of menopause but the ones that cause the most symptoms are oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Testosterone is a steroid androgen hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. During early adulthood women produce testosterone at about 10% the rate that men do. As with men also, their levels of testosterone fall as they get older such that by menopause, or shortly thereafter, their testosterone levels fall to zero or near zero.

Testosterone levels in women.

Testosterone is now thought to play an important role in female libido and sexual response. Not all women, by any means, will experience a fall in their sex drive or function as a result of declining testosterone levels. Some however will and it is important to know that these women can be helped and need to be helped.

Can these be replaced?

Yes, all three hormones can be replaced. In the case of post hysterectomy, oestrogen can be given alone since endometrial cancer is no longer a possible side effect. Otherwise a combination of oestrogen and progesterone are usually chosen since oestrogen given alone carries a greater risk of endometrial cancer. Testosterone, so often forgotten, can now be given alone or in combination with either of the other hormones.

What are the treatments for menopause?

The most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms remains hormone replacement therapy. If you have not had a hysterectomy this will involve a combination of oestrogen and progesterone and perhaps testosterone. If you have had a hysterectomy, because that removes the danger of endometrial cancer, the estrogen's alone or in combination with testosterone, will be your treatment of choice.

In 2002 the preliminary findings of the Women's Health Initiative study were reported to a fanfare of alarming publicity. The bottom line was often misinterpreted in attention grabbing headlines like: HRT CAUSES BREAST CANCER. However, it might be useful to understand exactly what the study did in fact report:

Among 10,000 women taking oestrogen/ progesterone combination HRT for one year there were eight extra cases of breast cancers when compared to a similar group of women not receiving HRT over one year. The initial study did not show any extra deaths among the HRT taking women.

Other facts that sometimes hysterical reports on this study failed to mention was that there was a decreased incidence of bone fracture and of bowel cancer among the HRT group. And also there was a 15% reduction in the incidence of breast cancer among women who were on oestrogen only HRT - that is, post-hysterectomy women.

There were 38 cases of breast cancers among the HRT group compared to just 30 cases among the non HRT group. The question then that a woman needs to ask herself is this. Are the benefits of my taking HRT such that they outweigh the increase in the risk of developing breast cancer? This question needs to be answered in the calm light of day and not be unduly influenced by devotees on either side. Is the risk versus benefit ratio correct? Are my menopausal symptoms such that to be rid of them would be well worth the risk of being one of those 8 in 10,000 women for whom this treatment might cause breast cancer?

To add even more worry to this vexed question The Women's Health Institute study also showed an increased risk of developing heart attach and stroke among the HRT group of approximately the same increased rate of some 10 extra women per 10,000 on treatment. Again this figure needs to be looked at in a balanced fashion for what it is and risk/benefit ratio needs to be weighed up.

What about Natural or Bioidentical HRT. Much play has been made in recent years about the virtues of naturally occurring hormones as distinct from the synthetic ones. Indeed a major industry has grown up around this very topic. Some very fashionable and famous women have thrown themselves behind the argument in favour of "naturally occurring" HRT. Unfortunately though, this is invariably accompanies by far more hyperbola than clinically proven fact, anecdote rather than study. The problem is, search as you may, there are no published studies that I am aware of, that actually prove that naturally occurring hormones impart any benefit over the synthetic ones and may do not carry the same efficacy.

Summery.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women today remains every bit as valid and as useful as it always has been. It has now been extended to considering the addition of testosterone to oestrogen and progesterone. As always, care must be exercised and this therapy should only be embarked upon under medical supervision and advice. In our present knowledge so called "Bioidentical" HRT offers no advantage over their synthetic equivalents and indeed may not be as effective.

Dr Andrew Rynne.

http://doctorrynne.com

I am Irish medical practitioner and writer. I have twenty years experience in treating Sexual Dysfunction in men and women Online. Please ask me any questions that you might have through this website. I will be delighted to try and help you

Women Over 50: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Most women suffering from menopause know that treatments for the condition are often worse than the symptoms they are suffering. Hormone replacement therapy may slow the hot flashes and short tempers, but it is a leading cause of female cancers. With this risk in mind, many women opt out of taking hormone replacement therapy and choose instead to suffer through their menopause without treatment. However, a side consequence of suffering through their menopause is that they also inflict on spouses and others around them much grief and negative reaction. That is what is so exciting about a new form of menopausal treatment.

The new form of treatment that is now available poses little risk to the women who use the product. Bioidentical hormone therapy is a therapy that works with identical forms of female estrogen, allowing the body to ease menopausal symptoms without the danger of causing of cancer.

Identical hormones have an identical makeup to naturally occurring female hormones. Previously, hormone treatments surprisingly used estrogen products that were harvested from pigs. It is the belief of many in the medical industry that the type of hormones that were being used from pigs was the cause of the high incidences of cancer, not the fact that hormones were being replaced in the therapy.

Hormone therapy can ease many of the symptoms of menopause as well as provide additional health to the heart. Another problem occurring at the age when menopause sets in is bone loss. This is also slowed when Identical hormone replacement therapy is used.

This is why most doctors will now offer identical hormone replacement automatically. Some, however, will only offer it if the risk of cancer seems very high. Women should consider requesting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy so that any risk of cancer might be reduced from treatment.

Menopause is a terrible time for most women. In addition to the effect it has upon the body with increased risk of cancer, heart disease and bone loss, it is also a difficult time for the peace of mind of their spouses and others around them. Many marriages have dissolved during the menopausal period because of the strain that menopause has put upon the spousal relationship.

That's why bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the right treatment to safely get through this difficult experience, both for the women involved as well as their spouses.

Sandra Tiffany is taking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and wants to share her experience.

The location offers articles, books, medical comments, cost information, and covers thyroid effects of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Also check out "Deal of the Day" opportunities.

http://www.bestbioidenticalhormonereplacementtherapy.com

Women in Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy - What Should They Do?

Hormones are chemicals produced in your body. The hormones role is to influence tissue or organs within the body. Some hormones we produce are Thyroid, Insulin, Growth Hormone and the sex hormones Testosterone, Estrogen and Progesterone. In the last 20 years the list has grown to over 100 different known hormones.

Menopause is the cessation of the menstrual cycle for one year. The estrogen that had been abundantly produced previously, is now at a much lower level. Symptoms occur as the hormone ratios change. Women who have experienced this know that they can experience:


liability of emotions
sleep disturbances
temperature regulation problems like hot flashes, sweats and chills
change in sexual desire
loss of the ability to orgasm
inability lubricate enough to enjoy sexual activity
Some women complain of word finding difficulty they sometimes call "Foggy Brain". These symptoms are a great source of discomfort and anxiety for many women.

Not that many years ago it was recommended that women take hormones to "replace" those they no longer produced. Over time it was discovered that these pharmaceutical grade hormones predisposed the individual prescribed them to some serious problems. These problems seem to be related to the


dose,
ratio,
length of time taken,
age of the patient and
smoking habits
as well as hereditary risk factors.
Bottom line, they made symptoms go away but caused blood clots, breast and uterine cancer. They did not prevent many of the diseases for which they were being taken. The pendulum swung completely away from hormone therapy. Then women began taking hormones from plants but those plant estrogens might cause some of the same problems.

Now enter "bio-identical hormones". These are hormones derived from plants and chemically altered to "exactly" resemble human estrogen and progesterone. Also, about the time these bio-identical hormones became available, new studies indicated that topical use and use up to age sixty probably solved some of the symptom problems but did not cause the side effects.

Some studies suggest nonidentical progesterone actually predisposed a woman to greater inflammation and possibly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The task force reviewing the evidence suggested a woman be informed and then be allowed to participate in the decision making process. The information available on the web is conflicting because some of it is old. Some of it is accurate but the context of the information is not known. To get a handle on this, you need expert information and in context. Then you can discuss your needs with your health clinician and make informed decisions. To help you do this I suggest you sign up for a free 30 day Basic Membership trial at http://femalemenopausementors.com/basicmember/.

Alternative Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women - Are Bio-identical Hormones Safer

If you are looking for alternative hormone replacement therapy for women, then you are probably at or nearing the age of menopause. Many women are interested in alternatives because of the health dangers of hormone replacement therapy. The good news is that there are alternatives. Different things work for different women. A lot depends on lifestyle, diet and exercise, as well as your overall physical health.

Lately bio-identical hormones have been suggested as alternative hormone replacement therapy for women, but in actuality, no one knows if bio-identical hormones carry the health dangers of hormone replacement therapy, or not. They are called bio-identical because the molecular structure of the hormones is identical to a woman's own. Doctors and compounding pharmacists create a mix that is designed specifically for an individual woman. It is probably safer than conventional HRT, but no studies concerning long-term use have been done. The therapy was made popular by a book written by Suzanne Somers, in which she states that she will take them for the rest of her life.

According to reports, Ms. Somers did not have issues related to lifestyle, diet or exercise and she was in generally good health, but was devastated by the symptoms associated with menopause. Other women have felt the same way. While doctors and major pharmaceutical companies have focused on estrogen replacement, bio-identical HRT takes into account levels of all hormones, and replaces those that are lacking. For example, low testosterone levels in women can cause women to have difficulty reaching orgasm, among other things, but traditional hormone replacement therapy does not include testosterone, only equine estrogens and synthetic progesterone.

The better women's clinics evaluate a woman's lifestyle, diet and exercise regimen before recommending treatment, mainly because of the dangers of hormone replacement therapy, but also because HRT is not necessary for all women. There are many lifestyle factors that can aggravate menopausal symptoms. Smoking cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, poor diet and inadequate vitamin intake are some of them. Studies have shown that excess stress also increases symptoms and that stress reduction therapy reduces them. Menopause can be a very stressful time in a woman's life and the amount of stress that women are under continues to increase.

When lifestyle is not a factor and a woman's diet is well balanced and includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, vitamin supplementation may be necessary, particularly calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. A supplement that contains soy or red clover isoflavones (a type of plant estrogen), as well as calcium, vitamin D and magnesium may help prevent osteoporosis. Studies have shown that estrogen, as well as vitamin D and magnesium, improve the body's ability to absorb calcium.

In fact plant hormones, like those found in soy, red clover and wild yam, is considered alternative hormone replacement therapy by some. In addition there are botanicals that effectively reduce hot flashes. One is black cohosh.

There are plant components that reduce mood swings and depression, like 5 HTP, which is used by the body to create serotonin, which, in turn, is important for regulating mood, appetite and sleep cycles.

There are botanicals that the body can use to create hormones, such as tribulus terrestris. Contrary to what some people think, not all of a woman's hormones are produced by the ovaries. Some are produced by the adrenals. Some are produced from cholesterol. Some are created from other hormones. If you believe that the body can create what the body needs, if it has the proper "ingredients", then you may see that taking synthetic hormones can actually reduce the body's ability to create its own. Particularly if the standard dosage contains more of one or the other than the body needs.

The alternative hormone replacement therapy for women that consists of bio-identical hormones may have shortcomings in that hormonal levels can vary from day to day and week to week. So, while the compound created may be correct on one day, it may not be on the next.

The known dangers of hormone replacement therapy, according to the Women's Health Initiative include blood clots, which can lead to stroke and heart attack. The longer a woman uses HRT, the greater her risks of developing breast and other types of cancer. Once thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, the Women's Health Initiative showed that the dangers of hormone replacement therapy outweigh the benefits. As previously stated, no one knows if bio-identical or other alternative hormone replacement therapy for women is any safer than conventional HRT.

For more information about menopause and hormone replacement or to learn about natural products that can relieve menopausal symptoms and improve overall health, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit us at www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.