It is no secret that all women undergo dramatic hormone changes that range from puberty to menopause. These changes in hormone levels can often have negative effects on the women who experience them, causing mood swings and physical ailments. Therefore, many women are demanding natural, as opposed to chemical, treatments as a solution that will help them avoid these changes.

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.

Other helpful herbs have been used for centuries in traditional Native American medicine. For example, hot flashes can be made less severe with red clover, and black cohosh is effective in reducing cramps, bloating, and other common symptoms of PMS. Both of these can be incorporated into natural HRT regimens.

Researchers actually developed the first oral contraceptives through extracts of wild yam, as the yam is a plant that has a natural estrogen function. Therefore, it is only natural that those seeking natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy would turn to this plant to incorporate it into a holistic preparation.

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.