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Natural Solutions To Menopause
Black Cohosh Extract, Soy Isoflavones, and Gamma-oryzanol
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) has been the remedy of choice for medical doctors for a few decades now when it comes to treatment of menopause. Unfortunately, on July 9, 2002, researchers announced that they were stopping the American Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of 16,000 women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as results showed that after 5.2 years there was a 26% increased risk of breast cancer in the women using hormone replacement than in women receiving the placebo. Women taking HRT also showed a 41% increased risk of stroke and a 29% increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction), compared to women receiving the placebo.
Prior to this, many medical
doctors promoted HRT as a means to reduce the risk of heart disease in
postmenopausal women, but the findings of the WHI trial provide unequivocal
evidence that, in fact, HRT greatly increases the risk of both heart attack
and stroke in this population.
In today's world, women live one-third of their lives in the postmenopausal
years. Helping them maximize their quality of life, and lifespan, should be
the intent of any nutrition, supplementation, or lifestyle recommendations,
which should be customized to an individual's needs. In addition to
controlling hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, there are three major
health concerns that must also be factored in to the decision-making
process. It is well established that postmenopausal women are at an increased
risk for breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
- Heart disease is the number one killer of postmenopausal women
- Osteoporosis affects one in four women by age 50
- Breast cancer incidence rates have increased by 40% in the last 50 years
HEART DISEASE
Problem:
It all boils down to high levels of estrogen during pre-menopausal years which drastically decline by as much as 90% during menopause. Estrogen allows the body to get rid of LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Post menopause however, the body cannot get rid of the cholesterol as effectively which eventually clogs up arteries in the heart causing a heart attack.
Solution:
Lower saturated fat intake to 10-28 grams per day. Cut out smoking, alcohol consumption. Use animal protein foods such as chicken, turkey, and fish. Use milk and yogurt products, which are of the 1% variety and cheese, which is below 3% milk fat. Limit butter, ice cream, whipping cream, chocolate and deep fried products. Increase soluble dietary fiber intake, which reduces blood cholesterol. Soluble fiber is found in fruits and vegetables, oat bran, psyllium husk fiber, flax seeds, beans and peas. Remain physically fit and at or near one's ideal weight. Gamma-oryzanol, soy products and soy extract are supplements known to reduce blood cholesterol.
OSTEOPOSIS
Problem:
Decreasing estrogen levels allow calcium to leak out of bone into the blood stream. See our previous article for full details on prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Solution:
Ingest 1,500 mg of calcium per day. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good sources. Supplement with Vitamin D including 600 - 1000 IU per day. Calcium, zinc, magnesium and copper are other nutrients needed for healthy bones. Weight bearing exercise is critical to keep the bones strong and healthy. Supplement with Black Cohosh and Soy Isoflavones to help reduce menopausal symptoms as well as to help preserve bone mineral density.
BREAST CANCER
Problem:
Women who are overweight have a 3X higher chance of getting breast cancer. Why? Fat mass increases levels of estrone which increases cell division rate of breast cells. Cancer is nothing more than mutated cells reproducing out of control. Hormone Replacement Therapy caused breast cancer by the exact same method.
Solution:
In addition to avoiding the use of HRT, try alternative approaches including a combination of Black Cohosh, Soy Isoflavones, Gamma Oryzanol and Vitamin E. These natural interventions have been shown to reduce menopausal complaints without the risk of cancer.
Summary of Daily Dosage
- Black cohosh extract - consider 80 mg, twice per day
- Soy Extract - 250 mg (yielding 25mg of soy isoflavones) twice per day
- Gamma-oryzanol - 150 mg, twice per day
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