Ailments and Situations - Menopause (and Related Issues) - Hormone Replacement Therapy - Natural Hormone Support

As opposed to synthetic or cross-species derived hormones, natural hormone support involves the use of plant hormones found in common foods that more closely relate to the human body. Phytohormones present in soy and wild yam are harvested and modified in a laboratory to become natural, or bioidentical hormones -- hormones that exactly match those of the human body.

Estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone are available in these preparations and are standardized to ensure a reliable and consistent dosage. Hormones are administered orally, transdermally, or vaginally.

Under natural hormone support, the amount and type of hormone supplementation varies by individual. Dosage adjustments are regularly made for the first year until an optimal dose is found. As the climacteric continues and a woman moves from perimenopause into menopause, the dosage will likely change again.

To more accurately determine dosage levels, a woman should have a hormone profile taken in her early to mid-forties when she has not yet entered menopause and is symptom-free. Her personal hormone levels will thus be known beforehand and a hormone support protocol can be more accurately determined during menopause. Naturopaths or other health practitioners can arrange to have the profile taken.

The goal should be to restore hormones, or precursors, to the levels present in the hormone file taken in a woman's thirties or forties. This approach considers estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, even when women have had their uteruses removed.

In addition to phytohormones found in soy and wild yam, 2% progesterone cream is commonly used in natural hormone support. Application rates vary. In general, apply one-quarter to one-half teaspoon (25 to 50mg) 2% progesterone cream to the skin once or twice daily. Overall duration should be determined in consultation with your naturopath or other health practitioner.