Estrogen replacement therapy is used when a woman is undergoing menopause and experiencing adverse effects as the result of reduced production of estrogen. Because estrogen is responsible for regulating a number of bodily functions, including body temperature, side effects such as hot flashes, sweating and difficulty sleeping can result. However, estrogen replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, which may cause you to seek alternatives for treatment, according to DrWeil.com.
Black Cohosh
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, black cohosh is an herb that can help to reduce the number of hot flashes a woman experiences. The Mayo Clinic states that black cohosh can reduce other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, heart palpitations and vaginal dryness. Because it offers the benefits of symptom reduction in some women, yet does not have estrogenic effects on the body, such as increasing breast cancer risk, this treatment could help to reduce menopausal symptoms. Taking between 20 and 40 milligrams of black cohosh each day has been linked with symptom reduction in other studies, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic also recommends that women at risk for breast cancer consult a physician before using this supplement.
Bio-Identical Estrogen
Natural replacements for estrogen therapy include bio-identical estrogen, which is plant-based instead of developed from humans. Examples of bio-identical estrogen brand names include Estrace, Bi-Est or Tri-Est, according to DrWeil.com. By utilizing a bio-identical estrogen, you may experience a relief of symptoms while the treatment is not associated with the same level of risk as traditional estrogen replacement therapy.
Lifestyle Modifications
Not every woman going through menopause requires estrogen replacement. Some women may experience relief from menopausal symptoms through lifestyle changes to reduce mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats. For example, stopping smoking and alcohol drinking have been associated with a reduction in symptoms, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Other lifestyle measures, such as reducing the intake of spicy foods, keeping your bedroom cool at night and going to bed at the same time every night, can help to reduce sleep interruptions that often accompany the menopause phase.
Antidepessants
Taking antidepressants to reduce menopause symptoms has been associated with a reduction in menopause symptoms. For example, the antidepressant Effexor is useful in treating hot flashes, according to DrWeil.com. Because the brain and the estrogen hormone are closely linked, improving your mental function by taking antidepressants can help to better control your hormones, according to PubMed.gov.
