Some women are better off with hormone therapy. Others don't need the assistance.
Hormone therapy is optional for menopausal women and there are varying schools of thought about it. Medical advice about this topic swings like a pendulum. There was a time when all doctors prescribed hormones and then there came a time when everyone was adamantly against it. As with most things in life,
a middle of the road approach is often the best approach. Here are some things to think about:
- Women who could use HRT: Some individuals may be helped more by hormonal treatment than others. Some examples include those who had menopause earlier than usual due to a hysterectomy, radiation therapy or other reasons. These could be considered artificial or premature menopausal situations. Individuals who have cardiovascular disease, an apple shaped physique, family history of Alzheimer's disease or depression are also good candidates.
-Individuals with lower needs of HRT: Females with normal menopauses such as those at ages of fifty plus, who don't smoke, who don't have depression, whose family members haven't shown signs of cardiovascular disease, dementia or osteoporosis, who have medium to large bone structures and a zest for living.
- Herbal options: There are herbal remedies that many people advocate and that can work for certain individuals. Examples of this include Siberian ginseng and licorice root and others but these herbs should always be discussed with one's physician.
- Lifestyle alterations: Sometimes lifestyle alterations can help a menopausal woman handle her symptoms rather than hormonal replacement treatments.
o Get adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for a highly functioning physical, emotional and mental self. Going to bed at a regular time that is before midnight and sleeping approximately eight hours will be optimum.
o Eat a healthy diet: A nutritious diet will go a long way in keeping a person feeling great. It should contain as many whole foods as possible, raw, natural and non-processed items are best. Low sugar consumption is also a good choice for wellbeing.
o Take vitamins: Vitamin C and B complex are especially helpful, as are magnesium and zinc. A multi-vitamin and mineral tablet might be a good way to cover all bases.
o Exercise: Getting adequate exercise to promote strength, heart rate and flexibility will keep bodies functioning smoothly. Yoga, walking, aerobics class, bicycling and more can do the trick. Recreational exercises such as dancing, bowling or hiking with a group are also optimum selections.
o Practice positive thinking: Having a more positive attitude will also go a long way in feeling great. Affirmations, journaling, reframing negativity and more can be learned through books or support groups.
o Relaxation techniques: Finding a way to relax through meditation, deep breathing and yoga will be a great way to promote wellbeing.
Whether or not to opt for hormone therapy is an individual decision. For some women, it's the perfect answer, yet for others it's not. The decision to take HRT or opt for alternatives such as herbal remedies or lifestyle alterations should be made carefully and thoughtfully. Discussing the possibilities with a trusted physician may be helpful as well as reading books and online literature from reputable sources about the subject.
