Why is there so much interest in over-the-counter and natural remedies for menopause-related symptoms?
A. Some women are hesitant to take any kind of drugs, including estrogen. Others are concerned about potential long-term negative effects such as breast cancer. A growing number are looking for something other than hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to provide relief of symptoms and protection against long-term conditions. The fact is, natural herbs and plants have been a part of drugs as long as drugs have existed. In other words, drugs are not always as synthetic as we may tend to think. Though some herbs, foods and products claim to have natural estrogen, there are no significant studies to prove their safety or effectiveness in relieving menopausal symptoms or preventing long-term health problems. Ask your doctor about natural remedies before trying them.
