During the months and years leading up to menopause, the body experiences changes as the ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing hormones like estrogen. Although menopause is a natural process of life, the changes in hormone levels cause symptoms that can range from mildly irritating to life-interrupting. To help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk for postmenopausal diseases, some women choose to take hormone supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements to treat any medical condition.
Estrogen Only
In the past when women complained about symptoms caused by menopause, doctors quickly prescribed synthetic hormone replacement therapy. The Women's Health Initiative, launched in 1991 by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, studied the effects of hormone replacement therapies. These studies found that although estrogen-only hormone supplements can help protect against osteoporosis -- a condition of decreased bone density due to a lack of estrogen -- they do not reduce the risk of heart disease or breast cancer and can increase the risk for the formation of blood clots and stroke. Women seeking estrogen-only supplements such as supplements containing conjugated equine estrogens, synthetic conjugated estrogens or ethinyl estradiol should discuss the risks versus benefits with their doctors.
Estrogen and Progestin
Some synthetic hormone supplements contain both estrogen and progestin, including conjugated equine estrogens with medroxyprogesterone acetate, conjugated equine estrogens with medroxyprogesterone acetate and ethinylestradiol with norethindrone acetate. Taking these supplements reduces the frequency and intensity of daily symptoms like hot flashes, but the WHI studies found the risks may outweigh the benefits. Estrogen and progestin hormone supplements reduced the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures and the incidence of colorectal cancer by 37 percent. These same supplements increased the risk for breast cancer by 26 percent, stroke by 41 percent and heart attack by 29 percent. Women taking estrogen and progestin hormone supplements were also twice as likely to experience blood clots in their legs or lungs.
Bioidentical Hormones
Because of the increased health risks caused by traditional hormone replacement therapies, many women choose to discontinue their use, but their menopause symptoms of sleeplessness, hot flashes and irritability return. Women who want to find relief from their symptoms may lean toward more natural alternatives. Bioidentical hormone supplements contain hormones identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced by the body. Proponents argue that these hormones act the same within your body as the natural hormones produced by your body. The question of whether bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic hormone supplements remains unclear and scientists need to conduct additional research.
Natural Supplements
To avoid health risks associated with hormone supplements, some women choose to treat their menopause symptoms with natural supplements. Some natural herbs produce an estrogenic effect in your body. Black cohosh and dong quai exhibit plant estrogen properties and help stabilize blood vessels, therefore reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Vitamins may also help treat the symptoms of menopause. Vitamin E, an important antioxidant, can reduce the severity of hot flashes, according to a study published in "Gynecology and Obstetrics Investigation." Taking B vitamins can help reduce anxiety and tension, which may reduce headaches associated with menopause. Women should also increase their intake of calcium and vitamin D to promote the formation of new bone and reduce the risk for osteoporosis.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Women's Health Initiative: Facts About Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Harvard Women's Health Watch Newsletter; What Are Bioidentical Hormones?; August 2006
- "Gynecology and Obstetrics Investigation"; The Effect of Vitamin E on Hot Flashes; S. Ziaei, et al.; 2007
