Plant estrogens such as soy products, and herbs such as black cohosh, relieved hot flashes in some studies, though more research is needed. While some studies on soy have suggested it can relieve hot flashes, many haven t found an advantage. There isn t enough evidence to determine whether soy can ease vaginal dryness or affect bone mass and breast cancer risk, though some research has shown that it can improve cholesterol levels. On this hormonal seesaw, as your estrogen levels drop, your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease climbs. Both can have serious consequences.
Heart disease is the nation s leading killer.
Osteoporosis, which makes bones more susceptible to often painful and debilitating breaks in old age, affects 8 million American women. Understanding HRT Hormone replacement therapy was initiated to manage the symptoms, not the long-term health effects, of menopause. The addition of oral progesterone eliminated that risk. There are many different kinds of estrogen and progesterone combinations, and you can opt to receive hormones through pills, adhesive patches, creams or vaginal rings. Side effects also differ among therapies, but common ones can include vaginal bleeding, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, nausea, headaches and mood changes.