Hormone Replacement Therapy Alternatives

Research has found that hormone replacement therapy drugs—prescribed to millions of American women to ease symptoms of menopause—may pose serious, life-threatening risks such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and death. Women who are experiencing perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and depression should be aware that there are hormone replacement therapy alternatives that can alleviate these symptoms without the grave risks.

The American College of Obstetricians, in response to the alarming HRT study findings, issued a number of hormone replacement therapy alternative guidelines to inform women of the safe and unsafe HRT options on the market. Some popular alternative forms of treatment include:

• Low-dose Antidepressants – A low dose antidepressant may prove beneficial in treating symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, and more. But these drugs also pose other side effects. Speak with your doctor to see if antidepressants are right for you.
• Soy and Isoflavones (natural plant estrogen found in soybeans) – Ingesting about 50 grams of soy protein a day has proven to be a safe and effective hormone replacement therapy alternative, helping to relieve night sweats and hot flashes. Bone density and cholesterol levels may also improve if taken long-term.
• Black Cohosh – A risk-free herbal HRT alternative that works to treat hot flashes and night sweats for a short-term period (six months).
• St. John’s Wort – Less than 1.2 milligrams a day may prove beneficial (short-term) in treating mild to moderate symptoms of menopause-related depression. However, a new study shows that St. John’s Wort does not treat severe depression and can interfere with prescription antidepressant medication.
• Chasteberry (also called monk’s pepper, sage tree hemp, Indian spice, or tree wild pepper) – This spice is used to alleviate breast pain and reduce mood swings, bloating, and other symptoms associated with menopause.
• Ginseng – Various types of ginseng have been touted for boosting immunity and relieving stress. When used as a hormone replacement therapy alternative, ginseng can improve the overall sense of health and well being, according to a study of menopausal women.

Woman should consult with their doctors to find out more information about hormone replacement therapy alternatives including natural remedies and lifestyle changes. If you or a loved one has suffered the life-threatening effects of hormone replacement therapy drugs, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses. Please contact us today to speak with one of our qualified and caring personal injury attorneys who can evaluate your case FREE of charge and protect your legal rights and interests.