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.

Cancer of the female reproductive system can often be of great concern for women. One in ten will have breast cancer alone in their lifetime. Artificial hormone replacement therapies sometimes make a woman feel better but also come along with the significantly raising their cancer risk. Some physicians and patients stop hormone replacement thearapy and continue to treat their symptoms in safer ways.

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.

Other herbs used in traditional medicine by Native Americans help as well. For example, red clover decreases frequency and severity of hot flashes, and black cohosh relieves cramps, bloating, and other PMS complaints. Both of these herbs have been used in natural HRT alternative treatments.

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.

In addition, many natural extracts and compounds work as diuretics to help reduce fluid retentions and others reduce spasms and help with cramping. Most effective products will contain a mixture of natural extracts that work together for maximum relief. Sources of plant-based estrogen may work as well for some women as the prescription ones with less risk. Always discuss alternative therapies with your doctor, but there are many effective alternatives to hormone replacement therapy to discuss and use.