Hormone Replacement: How to Balance Your Hormones Naturally. Dr. Cabot Sandra

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      What Are the Myths Surrounding the Menopause?

      Many women are reluctant to consider HRT anymore, because of sensational media coverage, or books they may have read. However, many of these things are nothing more than hormonal myths. Below we look at some of these common misconceptions, as well as the true facts about HRT.

MYTH	TRUTH
If I start on HRT, I will never be able to come off it.	Not true,HRT is not addictive.
Homoeopathic hormones such as DHEA and melatonin will relieve my symptoms as well as real hormones do.	Homoeopathic hormones do not work like real hormones, as they are present in infinitesimal doses.
Herbal preparations are converted into real hormones in my body.	There is no proof that herbal hormones can be converted in the body into real hormones.
Natural HRT is the same as herbal hormones (phytoestrogens).	Not true, natural hormones are human hormones and some require a doctor’s prescription.
HRT should always be taken for the shortest possible time.	If we use small doses of natural hormones that are administered via the skin or vulva, they can be used for long periods of time.
HRT never causes weight gain.	If potent hormones are given orally, they may cause weight gain in some women.
Menopause is a short phase of my life.	Menopause is a permanent state of relative sex hormone deficiency.
Blood tests are not an accurate way to tell if I have become menopausal.	It is necessary to check the FSH levels.
I will not need any HRT until after my periods have finished completely.	Some women need natural progesterone to help balance their hormones, well before the menopause arrives.
Once I lose my sex drive, there is nothing I can do about it.	Wrong, natural HRT, used in the correct way, can make you sexually young again.
All HRT will definitely increase my risk of breast cancer.	Small doses of natural hormones in the form of creams or patches have not been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Natural progesterone and oestriol may exert anti-cancer effects.
All HRT will definitely increase my risk of blood clots and strokes.	Natural HRT given in a way that bypasses the liver, such as in patches or creams, has not been shown to increase blood clots or strokes.
I am too old to take HRT.	Possible benefit from HRT has little to do with your age, but rather your lifestyle, sexual needs and symptoms.
If I take HRT, I do not need to take a calcium and mineral supplement.	It is always vital to take a good calcium-mineral tablet, as this will improve bone density and will reduce your risk of osteoporosis. HRT alone is not adequate to protect against osteoporosis.

      What Tests Should I Have During the Menopause?

       Every peri-menopausal woman should have a Dexa Bone Mineral Density test to determine her risk of osteoporosis. If bone density is abnormally low, the test should be repeated regularly, either annually or biannually.

       She should see her doctor every 12 months for a breast examination and a vaginal and pelvic examination.

       A mammogram and pap smear should be done every two years.

       Blood pressure measurement, weight, urine and cholesterol testing should be done annually.

      A Menopause Examination Checklist

      This table provides you with a general checklist of important tests that are often performed at the menopause, together with what the doctor is looking for when doing them. Your doctor will decide if any special tests, such as blood tests or pelvic ultrasound, are needed in your individual case.

EXAMINATION	WHAT THE DOCTOR LOOKS FOR
THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Heart, blood pressure, blood vessels	High or low blood pressure; signs of cardiovascular disease; varicose veins.
Weight	Underweight; obesity.
Thyroid gland	Enlargement; lumps. Under or overactivity can be confirmed with a blood test for thyroid function.
Breasts	Lumps; thickening; skin or nipple changes.
Abdomen	Swelling; tenderness.
Pelvic examination	Size of pelvic organs; condition of ovaries; signs of cancer, prolapse of uterus or bladder, vaginal atrophy.
SPECIAL TESTS
Pap smear	Cancerous or precancerous cells in the cervix.
Mammogram	Very early signs of breast cancer.
Bone mineral density test (BMD)	Signs of osteoporosis.
Blood count; blood tests for oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), blood sugar, liver function, cholesterol level	Blood oestrogen level; signs of metabolic disorders.
Urinalysis	Signs of infection, kidney disease.
Pelvic ultrasound	Signs of disease of the uterus and/or ovaries. Pelvic ultrasound is useful for women in whom pelvic examination is difficult, uncomfortable, or inconclusive.

Chapter 3

       Hormonal Imbalances

      How Hormones Work

       Oestrogen Dominance

      You may have heard of the term ‘oestrogen dominance’ and wondered what it is. Some doctors use this term, which describes the effect of a relative excess of oestrogen in the body compared to progesterone.

      This can be caused by over-production of oestrogen in the body, or a deficiency of progesterone. During the pre-menopausal years, due to ageing of the ovaries and infrequent ovulation, it is common for women to produce adequate oestrogen but not enough progesterone. Oestrogen dominance can also be caused by the oestrogenic effects in the body of xenoestrogens, which are chemicals derived from petro-chemicals and oestrogens used in the mass production of some meats.

      SYMPTOMS OF OESTROGEN DOMINANCE

       weight gain around the buttocks, hips and thighs

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