I'm sure there must be a thread on natural alternative to Hormone Relplacement Therapy

[Mommyintraining2]

I've done a search but can't find anything.

I'm starting to think my hormone levels are off as I approach menopause. Symptoms seem unmanageable at certain times each month. I read that St. John's Wort and Black cohosh can help. But I would love input from others before going in that direction too far.

Anyone with experience or who has done research on this?

[ACsMom]

Glad you posted this! I'm getting ready to do some research too, as this is an issue I am going to be dealing with very soon, apparently. I will post what I find out and I look forward to reading others' replies. What symptoms are you having, if you don't mind sharing that? My symptoms are quite strange (armpit hair stopped growing, for example) but I'm going through this prematurely, plus I just gave birth two months ago so it could have to do with that as well. I really, really don't want to go on drugs, so I'd love to find natural alternatives as well. I'd be surprised if there was never a thread about this here before!

[Mommyintraining2]

I'm so glad you replied. I was starting to think I was alone in this.

I'm experiencing intense food cravings half-way through my cycle. Plus I'm dealing with wild mood swings and am super irritable/grouchy, etc. Facial hair growth, cycles are starting to get off (used to be 28 days on the dot). I'm sure other things that aren't as obvious.

I read the Schwarzbein Principle and found great ideas on diet and balancing hormones. I'm trying to stick with that. But the food obsessions are overwhelming at times. And the fatigue...

I order Dr. Lee's book recommended by Mercola: What your doctor may not tell you about pre-menopause. I'm looking forward to getting that.

Thank you for sharing what you find as well. I really appreciate the support.