WHAT IS MENOPAUSE:

A natural progression in a woman's reproductive life cycle when menstruation stops. Levels of circulating female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, drop due to a decline in stimulating hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN:

Usually between 45 and 55.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS:

Physical: night sweats, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, fatigue, skin changes.

Mental or emotional: anxiety, mood swings, depression, insomnia, memory loss.

WHAT IS HRT?:

Hormone Replacement Therapy involves the use of female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, to replace those lost during menopause or after hysterectomy. Early estrogens were taken from the urine of pregnant mares. Both hormones are now made synthetically. Some medical specialists say the body does not differentiate between natural and synthetic hormones. Others disagree.

WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

For relief of menopausal symptoms, and prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Some women say it makes them look younger by improving skin condition. Responsible doctors will only recommend it for women with a medical need or indication.

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE IT?

Anyone with a family or personal history of cancer of the womb or breast, heart disease or stroke; smokers; HRT may also aggravate epilepsy, diabetes and hypertension.

ARE THERE NATURAL HRT REMEDIES?:

Yes, and lots of them, says Dr Arien van der Merwe. These are mostly plant or phyto-estrogens, such as:

Soy isoflavone phyto-estrogens: found in soy foods and supplements of extractions of soy proteins, also chickpeas, red clover, most nuts and seeds.

Crushed linseed (flax seeds): Flax seed contains lignans, another group of phyto-estrogens that balance estrogen and progesterone levels and protect breast tissue from cancer.

Sesame and sunflower seeds: (these give you fibre, essential fatty acids, plant estrogens and more).

Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis): a Chinese herbal remedy that balances female hormones.

Sage tea: reduces hot flushes.

Black cohosh: shown in research studies to be "very effective" in reducing hot flushes and vaginal dryness,.and preventing osteoporosis.

Mexican wild yam: ask for Dioscorea villosa or Dioscorea compositum, as there are many species

Licorice root

For more information, including a menopause diet read Herbal Remedies by Dr Arien van der Merwe (Tafelberg).