About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment which is used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. It replaces the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) as women approach menopause. Menopause usually occurs when women reach the age of 50 years. It may occur in early 30’s or 40’s.

Ayurveda links the menopause with aging in women. In Ayurveda, Vata dosha (one of the three bodily doshas) is associated with the aging. The symptoms experienced during menopause by some women are same as when the Vata dosha upsets the normal balance of the body. The other two doshas are also associated with the menopause. Pitta aggravation leads to symptoms like hot flushes. Kapha type menopausal symptoms include weight gain, feeling of mental and physical stress.

The female hormones estrogen and progesterone plays an important role in the women’s body. The falling levels of these hormones in females cause a range of several physical and emotional symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy aims at restoring the female hormone levels and hence allow the female body to function normally again.

Role of Estrogen

The main role of estrogen is to release the eggs from the ovaries. It regulates menstruation cycle in women and helps her to conceive. It also plays an important role in controlling various other functions such as bone density, temperature of the skin and keeping the vagina moist. Reduction in the levels of estrogen causes the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, loss of sex drive and thinning of bone (osteoporosis). Most of these symptoms will pass within 5 years, but untreated vaginal dryness may get worse. The risk of osteoporosis will increase with the age.

Role of Progesterone

The progesterone is another hormone which is equally important as the estrogen. It prepares the womb for pregnancy by providing the protection to the endometrium, a lining of the womb. Taking estrogen as HRT increases the risk of womb cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, when you have a womb. Progestogen, a synthetic form of progesterone, is commonly used with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy. In case, you have a hysterectomy, you can take estrogen only HRT.

Who Can Use HRT?

A female can start taking HRT as soon as she begins to experience the symptoms of menopause. It should not be taken in the following conditions:-

  • If you are pregnant.
  • Have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer.
  • Have a history of womb cancer.
  • Have a history of heart disease, liver disease.
  • Untreated blood pressure.
  • Proper diagnosis is required in case you have irregular periods.

How can HRT be taken?

There are several methods through which HRT can be taken:-

  • Tablets – The tablets can be taken by mouth.
  • An implant – Through this method, small pellets of estrogen are inserted under the skin of the buttock, thigh or tummy.
  • Gel – Estrogen gel can be applied to the skin and absorbed.
  • Patch – A patch which can be stick on the skin.

In case you are suffering from vaginal dryness only, then you can take local estrogen preparations only which can be directly applied to the vagina. Local estrogens can be in the form of vaginal ring, vaginal creams, and pessaries which can be placed directly into the vagina.

Alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda provides effective herbal remedies such as Naari Kalyan Churna, Female Health Support and Shatavari Capsules as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for symptoms of menopause. These herbal remedies help females to remain fit and enjoy the fragrance of life in this transitional stage. These herbal remedies are manufactured from 100% pure and natural herbs; without the use of any chemicals, binders, fillers, colors, yeast, starch, preservatives or additives. These herbal remedies are prepared under the supervision of renowned Ayurveda experts.

1. Naari Kalyan Churna

Naari Kalyan Churna is an effective herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda for the treatment of symptoms related to menopause. “Naari Kalyan” is a hindi word, where Naari means “Female” and Kalyan means “beneficial”, therefore it is a herbal remedy especially beneficial for females. The herbal combination works in a synergistic way to relive symptoms like hot flushes, lower abdominal cramps, leg pain, general weakness, mood swings and irritation etc. during menopause. We can say this remedy is a complete and best herbal supplement for menopause. The results of Naari Kalyan Churna are steady and in synchronization with the nature.

Pack size – Each jar contains 200 g powder in it.

Dosage – 1 tablespoonful two times a day, with warm water or milk.

2. Shatavari Capsules

Shatavari capsules of Planet Ayurveda have pure herbal standardized extract of Asparagus racemosus. In India it is widely used as rejuvenating herb for women. Shatavari shows significant results in managing menopausal symptoms by its phytoestrogens. Shatavari is cooling, appetizer, galactagogue, anti-spasmodic and aphrodisiac in nature. Estrogen is the hormone that is responsible for all the heat fluctuations during menopause. Shatavari regulates the hormones, increases strength and stamina. Capsules Shatavari by Planet Ayurveda enables the woman physically and psychologically to cope with the symptoms associated with menopause and supports female reproductive system.

Pack size – Each bottle contains 60 capsules.

Dosage – 2 capsules two times a day, with plain water, after meals.

3. Female Health Support

Female Health Support is a combination of herbs, which are mentioned in Ayurveda to give strength to the female reproductive system. This formulation alleviates vitiated vata and pitta and restores the system without any side effects.

Pack size – Each bottle contains 60 capsules in it.

Dosage – 2 capsules two times a day, with plain water, after meals.

Dietary Guidelines

  • Avoid Spicy foods
  • Avoid Caffeine (in tea, coffee, cola, aerated drinks)
  • Avoid Smoking
  • Avoid Alcohol