Sunday People

How to survive HRT shortage

- By Punteha van Terheyden

EVERY year, one million menopausal women in the UK rely on HRT – hormone replacemen­t therapy – to help with the symptoms. menopause remains a high-risk factor. Reducing alcohol and excessive caffeine intake, which are known to lead to bone loss, can boost bone health.

Pilates and yoga are effective when combined with weighttrai­ning for strengthen­ing and increasing flexibilit­y.

Encourage gut health by adopting a low-acid, plant-based diet, high in calcium and oily fish for omega 3, as well as plenty of magnesium, and vitamins K and D. This combinatio­n will allow for the best re-absorption of estrogen otherwise secreted in your body’s waste.

3. Herbs and supplement­s

Rhodiala Rosea is proven to help with stress, anxiety and sexual problems associated with menopause. Sage helps combat excessive sweating.

A 2010 review found menopausal women also experience­d a 26 per cent reduction in night sweats and hot flushes when using black cohosh supplement­s.

St John’s Wort is another popular herb that soothes symptoms of low mood and anxiety.

4. Bioidentic­al HRT

Those seeking a more natural approach to hormone therapy might consider bioidentic­al HRT – hormones identical in molecular structure to those that women make in their bodies, such as 17 beta-estradiol, estrone, and estriol made from yams and soy.

It can be an effective way of restoring hormonal balance, but make sure you consult your doctor first.

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