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Women face a change in hormonal levels throughout life from the dramatic changes of puberty to the symptoms of the perimenopause as these levels decline. Each month the hormones surge and wane during the monthly menstrual cycle with quiet noticeable impact. As a result, a great many women want solutions to these changes and more and more want a more natural solution than popping hormone pills.

It was once thought hormone replacement therapy would be a panacea for women of all ages. Very potent chemicals were advertised as allowing women to be dazzlingly feminine for their entire lives. Some health related problems such as premenstrual syndrome, bone loss and the symptoms of menopause were alleviated. However, that solution included an unknown cost.

Female reproductive system cancers can be a great fear for all women, and we know that about one in ten will face breast cancer alone in a lifetime. Those artificial hormone replacement therapy regimens made women feel better, but at the same time they were significantly increasing their cancer risk. Many physicians and patients chose to stop HRT and deal with symptoms is other, safer ways.

In early centuries, hormone replacement did not exist, and women found natural substances to treat their discomfort. Asian women consumed far more soy bean products than Western Women, for example, and consequently have only 10%-20% as many hot flashes. Soy isofavones work as a substitute to estrogen and make an excellent alternative to HRT.

Native American women have found herbs from their traditional medicine that help as well. Red clover has been seen to help decrease the number and severity of hot flashes, while black cohosh works well on cramps and bloating and many other PMS complaints. Each of these has found a role in natural HRT alternative care.

When researchers developed the first oral contraceptives, they worked with extracts from the wild yam, a plant that also functions like a natural estrogen. It was natural that those wanting herbal and natural hormone replacement therapy alternatives would turn to wild yam and incorporate it in holistic preparations.

Many natural extracts and compounds work as diuretics to help reduce fluid retention. Other natural extracts are effective at relieving spasms and cramping. The most effective products combine different natural extracts that work synergistically for maximum relief. Products containing plant-based estrogen may work as well for some women as the prescription medications, without the risky side affects. There are many alternative therapies to Hormone Replacement Therapy. Always consult with your doctor before taking this or any other alternative therapy or supplement.

Throughout their lives women go through constant hormonal changes. It was once thought hormone replacement therapy would cure this for women of all ages, but it was found to increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Long ago, women used more natural substances to treat their discomfort. Black cohosh, for example, was used to relieve cramps, bloating and other PMS symptoms. There are many natural compounds and extracts that reduce effects associated with cramping. Some women find that estrogen from herbs can be just as effective as prescription medications, with less risk.