Women in the Western Hemisphere cease having regular menstrual cycles at about the age of 53, coincident with loss of follicles and ovarian estrogen production. In the United States, the idea of hormonal replacement therapy, to restore estrogen levels after menopause, is a well-known idea often debated amongst women and also debated amongst scientists.

The facts of the matter, approximately 80-90 percent of all women stop estrogen replacement therapy within 12 months after starting it. In other words women don't like estrogen replacement. Many women say it makes them feel terrible and other women believe it can lead to cancer and other health problems. Most women refuse to use estrogen replacement therapy and logical debate for using estrogen does not seem to be gaining popular acceptance among women who may need estrogen replacement therapy.

There are many responses to women, such as use natural estrogen therapies instead of synthetic estrogens from horses urine, combine estrogen with progesterone, and many other cutting edge ideas of the hormonal sciences, to make estrogen feel natural in a woman's body. Women still refuse to use estrogen replacement therapy.

There are several ideas women may want to consider who refuse to use estrogen replacement therapy. One idea already described on this web site, in the article, "The Value of Measuring DHEA," after menopause, DHEA supplementation can help produce the estrogen called estrone. Using DHEA is a method for postmenopausal women, to produce some natural estrogen. See a hormonal specialist whenever you use hormones.

Another idea we suggest is to use progesterone replacement therapy. Progesterone is an important hormone involved in producing the sexual hormones in women, helps promote bone density, is considered an anti-depressant, is considered important in maintaining healthy skin, and many other considerations. It is also considered low toxic and is a hormone that many women, not all, have no problems using for hormone replacement therapy. So if a woman is not going to use estrogen replacement therapy, regardless of the debate going on in science, then she might consider progesterone to help her maintain some sexual hormonal balance, which may help with the postmenopausal period.

Another idea for women who refuse to use estrogen replacement therapy, using anti-estrogen herbs and foods. For example, black cohosh is an herb that has anti-estrogen effects and helps women feel better. Soy powder also has anti-estrogen effects and helps women feel better. One important point often overlooked, many of the anti-estrogen herbs and foods have not been proven to have biological value. For instance, black cohosh may help reduce postmenopausal or premenopausal symptoms, but it does not have biological effects that estrogen has, such as helping to promote immunity, slow down bone loss, helping to balance other hormones, and so on. Consider these anti-estrogen substances like aspirin, you take them to help make you feel better, but this does not erase the question of should you restore estrogen or not restore it.

In conclusion, women who refuse to use estrogen replacement therapy, can consider other ideas to gain biological benefits, such as using DHEA for producing their own estrone and restoring progesterone (see a hormonal specialist for restoring DHEA and progesterone) to help gain the physiological benefits, and to use other ideas to feel physically and mentally better, such as progesterone replacement and anti-hormone supplements or foods. Many women will not use estrogen at all, so other methods that are low toxic and help a woman biologically, mentally, physically, and so on should be considered.

Special note - some of the newest ideas about progesterone suggest to use progesterone only at the time of ovulation up to the time right before menstruation. In a postmenopausal woman you would try and mimic your cycle and take progesterone for about the second half of your cycle. For perhaps the latest up-to-date information of this type read, "Natural Hormone Replacement for Women Over 45," by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and John Morgenthaler. The book also contains ideas how to mimic your estrogen cycle if you restore estrogen and many other valuable ideas for women.


Note – In order for these anti-aging ideas to be successful, you must use supplements of the highest quality. Dr. Bob often said, "almost all supplement companies produce poor quality." You can consider the product page of this web site. Almost all the products met Dr. Bob’s approval. Since he passed away we have attempted to keep the same high standards.

WARNING:  DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT OR MEDICATION YOU CURRENTLY USE.  CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS. 

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Page Last Modified: 03FEB02