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10 Myths Men Believe About Menopause |
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How Do We Fix Her Hormones?
HE SAYS
The only effective treatment option for menopausal symptoms is prescription hormone replacement therapy.
SHE SAYS
I hate to suggest that you're rather clueless (again!) but you are. Listen, as any ob/gyn in the know will tell you, there's a massive constellation of plant-based and other natural menopausal treatments for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritation and thinning, and osteoporosis. These include:
- Fifty grams of soy protein a day, or one-fifth of an average block of tofu, has been proven to decrease the intensity of hot flashes. Soy foods are rich in phytoestrogens and isoflavones, which decrease menopausal symptoms and balance estrogen levels.
Phytoestrogens are also highly concentrated in cashews, peanuts, oats, corn, wheat, apples, and almonds. Phytoestrogens appear to block the effects of excess estrogen stimulation of the breasts and uterus; many researchers believe that they have a protective action. Many researchers believe that Japanese women have a lower incidence of hot flashes and other symptoms because of their soy-based diets.
Another reason to eat soy: eating soy foods for protein rather than animal foods can help bone health. (An excess of animal protein can hinder calcium absorption.)
- Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used for more than 3,000 years to treat menopausal symptoms. While acupuncture can help ameliorate symptoms such as insomnia, night sweats, and mood swings, Chinese herbs are used by Chinese medical doctors and Western physicians to rectify various menopausal symptoms. There are many mail order sources for Chinese herbal menopausal formulae. While large-scale trials have yet to be done on these, Western medical doctors and Chinese doctors nevertheless prescribe these for their patients.
Some experts recommend Joyful Change, a Chinese herbal formula that helps alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, low back pain, hot palms and soles of feet, constipation, and breakthrough bleeding." To order, contact Quality Life Herbs at (207) 842-4929. Transitions for Women, a division of Transitions for Health, offers a menopausal health formula consisting of dong quai, licorice root, burdock, motherwort, and wild yam. This formula has been clinically tested. To order, call (800) 888-6814.
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