The medical term estrogen actually refers to a group of chemically similar hormones that are produced by both men and women. The role estrogen plays in men is not entirely clear. However, it is known that estrogenic hormones are responsible for the growth and development of female sexual characteristics and reproduction. They are produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat tissue and circulate in the bloodstream, affecting the breasts, uterus, brain, bone, liver, heart and other tissue. During menopause, the reduced supply of estrogen causes side effects in a woman's body that can be alleviated by means other than estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Black Cohosh
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements from the National Institutes of Health, black cohosh is a perennial plant native to North America. Historically it was used by North American Indians to treat gynecological disorders, malaria, rheumatism and sore throat. In 2010, it is primarily used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The method of action is not currently known, but it is believed that it exhibits estrogenic activity in the body. In one placebo-controlled, double-blind study, black cohosh showed estrogenic changes in the vaginal epithelium of women who had experienced menopause. Side effects have included stomach discomfort and headaches, heaviness in the legs and weight gain. No long-term, published studies have followed women for longer than six months to determine other long-term side effects.
Nutrition
According to HolisticOnline.com, nutritional support is very important for menopausal women. Specific vitamins and phytochemicals appear to be especially helpful in reducing the symptoms of menopause when women choose not to receive estrogen therapy. These vitamins and phytochemicals include vitamin A, beta-carotene, B-complex, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, manganese, L. glutamine and melatonin. Each of these vitamins plays an important role in maintaining the health and wellness of a woman's body as estrogen levels continue to decline during menopause.
Vaginal Lubricants
When estrogen levels decline, significant cytological changes occur in the vaginal wall. These changes produce vaginal dryness and painful intercourse but can be alleviated using over-the-counter, water-based vaginal lubricants or moisturizers, according to MayoClinic.com. It also appears that women who remain sexually active have reduced side effects from the lower estrogen levels than do women who enjoy a less active sex life.
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices will also affect the way in which the body reacts to decreased amounts of estrogen, according to MayoClinic.com. Women who get regular exercise, dress in layers, avoid hot beverages or spicy food, avoid caffeine and optimize the amount of sleep they receive will reduce their side effects. Sleep can be improved through relaxation techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery. According to MayoClinic.com, smoking increases not only the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer, but it can also increase hot flashes and bring on early menopause. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days each week will help protect against conditions associated with aging and help to reduce stress.
Venlafaxine
According to BreastCancer.org, low-dose antidepressant medication has been shown to reduce the number of hot flashes a woman experiences by rebalancing chemical receptors in the brain. Venlafaxine has been shown to reduce hot flashes by approximately 50 percent in nearly 60 percent of women who have suffered breast cancer. Women experience these changes quickly during the first week of medication administration. When side effects are noted, they are mild. Other antidepressants are safe and effective for woman not taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, but venlafaxine is the most effective for this group of women.
