The Battle for Hormone Balance – HRT vs A Graceful Change with Ayurveda

Menopause is usually experienced in the late 40s or early 50s, though it can be much earlier or later. Menopause age may vary depending upon a number of factors. However, the signs of menopause and menopause symptoms are more or less similar in all women. Just like puberty, menopause is a very natural process, but it is often regarded and treated like an illness. Unfortunately a variety of stresses and poor dietary and lifestyle habits can accentuate the effects of the hormonal changes that are taking place, giving rise to a number of unwelcome menopausal symptoms.

Modern menopause treatment has addressed the problem by supplying supplementary hormones to counter the falling levels of oestrogen and sometimes progesterone. These can be derived from horse urine or possibly from plant sources. A number of products such as Remifemin are also available over the counter or on prescription to alleviate the symptoms. However, modern menopause treatment do not take into consideration the fact that the body’s hormone requirements vary continuously; our bodies make hormones according to the need of the moment. To pour a supply of hormones into the system can easily result in overload, producing yet another set of symptoms, such as breast tenderness, or digestive problems, or in later life something far worse. A number of HRT studies have been halted prematurely when women involved in the studies were found to be developing breast cancer. The breast tissue is the most likely destination for excess hormones.

There is a better route to natural hormone replacement!

Ayurveda does not advocate the supply of ready – made hormones to restore balance – whether “natural” or synthetic – as it recognizes the need for other priorities and imbalances to be addressed first. The primary target for natural menopause relief is the digestive system. Once this is effectively lubricated the metabolism is optimized in such a way that the body becomes more capable of producing its own hormones, as and when they are required. This is achieved in a gentle way, using Ayurvedic herbs such as Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Vidari and Arjuna among others, which the body utilities according to its needs. Together with gentle yoga practice and breathing techniques, they all help to open up the body channels and improve transport of nutrients and hormones throughout the body. The lymphatic system and the liver become less sluggish, menopause weight gain is reduced and the skin is seen to improve. There are no side effects because the body is not being forced in any way.

With the right support, unwelcome menopause symptoms quickly start to fade away. Rewards in the form of greater energy and vitality, enhanced mental and emotional balance, improved digestion, and a general slowing down of the aging process are experienced.