As women weigh potential risks of traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) versus its benefits as a treatment for the symptoms of menopause, more and more women are turning to alternative therapies. But do the alternative remedies work?
Black cohosh is among a group of plants and herbs known as phyto estrogens, which have been marketed as herbal substitutions to HRT. But while hormone replacement therapy has been proven to help prevent bone density loss, a new study shows that black cohosh does not have the same effect. Moderate exercise however, is an effective way to maintain bone density.
Researchers at the University of Erlangen, Germany recruited 128 post-menopausal women. They divided the women into two groups, one of which was randomly assigned to a regular exercise program, while the other group maintained a "wellness" program of very light exercise and stretching. A portion of women from the exercise group were also given 40-milligrams of black cohosh per day. After one year, the active group maintained their bone density, while the wellness group showed a 2 percent decline in bone density. The addition of the supplement made no significant difference, and the exercisers who took the supplement showed results similar to the rest of the active group.
Phytoestrogens are a group of plants that have chemical properties that mimic estrogen, so it seems to follow that these herbs could be used to treat the symptoms of menopause in the same way HRT is used -- and that is exactly what marketers of these supplements have been implying. Unfortunately, studies indicate that these herbs may not be as effective as HRT, or may have no effect at all. Women looking for alternatives to HRT should consult with their doctors to discuss treatment options before taking things into their own hands.
So far, this study appears to be the first to examine black cohosh's effect on bone density. The lack of substantial research on the subject should, in itself, be reason for women to proceed with caution. There simply is not enough data available to indicate that black cohosh can serve in place of traditional menopause treatments.
What can be gleaned from this study, according to the researchers, is the undeniable benefits of maintaining a regular exercise routine before, after, and during menopause.
After reading through an article at http://www.drugfreemenopauseremedies.com/ about the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) we convinced our grandmother to undergo the procedure. And so far the effects were great to her. She no longer feels uncomfortable and uneasy. So for me, based on what I saw with my grandma, I think Herbal Menopause Treatments are relatively considerable too.
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