These natural remedies may be good for some of us, but menopausal women should take them with caution.
Natural progesterone: It is so called because it is derived from yams –
although it is still processed in laboratories first. It’s supplied as
a rub-on cream, and its advocates argue that it is chemically identical
to the progesterone produced by the body. As such, they say it is safe,
unlike the artificially produced progestogens used in the pill or in
HRT (hormone replacement therapy). The problem is that progesterone is
seen as the ‘good’ hormone, but this fails to understand the delicate
balance in the body. Estrogens increase antibody production, but
progesterone decreases it. As such, there is growing evidence that
progesterone may, on its own, be carcinogenic.
Soy: Women who eat soy to avoid breast cancer can develop the very
disease they are trying to prevent. Several studies have suggested that
soy may cause breast cancer cells to proliferate. It also blocks the
uptake of zinc and magnesium.
Don quai and ginseng: Although both these herbs are two of the most
popular remedies to treat menopausal symptoms, several studies have
shown that they also encourage the proliferation of breast cancer
cells.
Black cohosh: This is one of the best natural supplements for
treating menopausal symptoms, but it shouldn’t be taken for more than
six months at one time. It should also be avoided by anyone with a
history of breast cancer in the family.
Herbs: Plant estrogens can have as powerful an effect as synthetic
ones, so don’t substitute and think its automatically the safer option.
Studies have shown that some herbs – and especially soy, liquorice, red
clover, thyme, turmeric, hops and verbena – act as tumour promoters.
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