Women face changes in their hormone levels throughout life, from the drastic changes in puberty to the decline in hormone levels in perimenopause. Additionally, each month hormone levels wax and wane during the menstrual cycle with a noticeable impact. As a result, many women want a solution to these changes, and would prefer a more natural solution than simply taking hormone pills.

Estrogen hormone replacement therapy (or HRT) was once thought to be the fountain of youth and powerful drugs were marketed with glowing promises of being 'forever female'. They were effective in relieving PMS and menopause symptoms as well as helping to avoid osteoporosis, but with time we learned they came with a price.

Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had been used to alleviate symptoms of hormone level changes, it was found that the same therapies were increasing the risk of breast cancer in the women who used them. Despite the symptoms they were experiencing, most women gave up the use of HRT in favor of safer alternatives due to a very real fear of female reproductive cancers.

In early centuries, hormone replacement did not exist, and women found natural substances to treat their discomfort. Asian women consumed far more soy bean products than Western Women, for example, and consequently have only 10%-20% as many hot flashes. Soy isofavones work as a substitute to estrogen and make an excellent alternative to HRT.

Herbs used as traditional medicine by Native American women have also proven effective. Black cohosh reduced PMS-related complaints such as bloating and cramps, while red clover has been found to reduce the number and strength of hot flashes. Natural HRT alternative care has found a role for each of these herbs.

Natural wild yam extract was among the first substances studied by researchers trying to develop the first oral birth control pills. The chemicals in the wild yam act as natural estrogen. It makes sense then that women seeking natural, herbal hormone replacement therapy would return to the wild yam and use it.

Many natural extracts and compounds work as diuretics to help reduce fluid retention. Other natural extracts are effective at relieving spasms and cramping. The most effective products combine different natural extracts that work synergistically for maximum relief. Products containing plant-based estrogen may work as well for some women as the prescription medications, without the risky side affects. There are many alternative therapies to Hormone Replacement Therapy. Always consult with your doctor before taking this or any other alternative therapy or supplement.