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Home arrow Nutrition arrow Natural ‘Substitute’ For HRT: Menopause Expert Shares Herbal Approach That Helps Women Lose Weight And Relieve Symptoms Without Side Effects

Natural ‘Substitute’ For HRT: Menopause Expert Shares Herbal Approach That Helps Women Lose Weight And Relieve Symptoms Without Side Effects

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Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
Last update: May 28, 2024
5 min read 321 Views 0 Comments
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Over 75% of women in perimenopause and menopause experience bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and, yes, the notorious weight gain. 1

Yet, science is still behind when it comes to a solution.

“Women come to me desperate for an answer” begins menopause expert Grace Harmon, PhD.

“They’re being pressured into synthetic medications, all while a natural solution is available.

I hope that today, my insights can help a wider audience.

I want to open up a conversation about something that affects most women…

Yet often remains shrouded in mystery and unnecessary risks.

Let’s talk about (peri)menopause, HRT, my protocol, and how to finally lose the weight,” she smiles.

“First, let’s discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy. It’s effective, but I don’t recommend it.”

“Hormone replacement therapy can be VERY effective.

That’s because it meddles with your estrogen levels.

Estrogen is the hormone directly responsible for most perimenopausal symptoms (and even weight gain). 2

Synthetically replacing the hormone with HRT has helped some women manage hot flashes, mood swings, and even sleep disturbances,” Harmon explains.

“But, in my opinion, HRT is 100% overkill,” she adds.

“Even the smallest shifts in your hormones can absolutely wreck your system.”

According to Harmon, women experience plenty of ups and downs in their moods and even health.

“We’re already on a hormonal roller coaster every month.

Now imagine messing with your hormones directly — the ride will get even crazier…

So many of my clients actually gained weight on HRT… the opposite of what they want!”

“Even if you’re willing to take that risk, I think the possible side effects of HRT outweigh the benefits.”

“Various studies have flagged potential negative effects, including an increased risk of cardiovascular issues and certain cancers,” Harmon highlights.

“The research is consistent — women undergoing HRT are under more risk of blood clots, blood pressure spikes, strokes, and even breast cancer. 3

So, HRT is effective. But I don’t think the risk is worth it.”

“It’s disappointing, really, but we have to face the reality.

Until recent years, the topic of women’s health has been largely neglected.

Did you know that HRT itself was invented by men?” Harmon laughs.

“It’s just a silly coincidence, yet I think it illustrates my point quite well.

I’m happy that now, strides are actually being made.

And they’re made by fellow women!

I can finally say that there are natural ways to manage the symptoms of menopause…

I call my herbal protocol the natural ‘substitute’ for HRT.

The research is very convincing…”

“I believe we’re on the verge of a breakthrough in terms of women’s health.”

According to Harmon, more and more female-led research has been focusing on natural, herbal remedies, which have the properties to promote menopausal well-being safely.

“It’s fascinating, really, what we can achieve without resorting to pharmaceuticals.

Women have been experimenting with herbs for centuries…

Now we’re getting the proof that they actually work.”

“Now, let’s talk about my herbal protocol for menopausal women.”

We asked Grace Harmon to give us a rundown of the natural remedies that have the potential to replace HRT, the combination of which Harmon calls her “protocol”.

Natural remedy #1 — KSM-66 Ashwagandha

“You may have heard of Ashwagandha.

We are well aware of its beneficial effects when it comes to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

This alone would be enough for me to recommend Ashwagandha to women in menopause,” Harmon explains.

“However, a specific type of it, called the KSM-66 Ashwagandha, has also been shown to positively impact blood estrogen levels.

Better estrogen levels means less hot flashes, less mood swings, improved sexual health, increased libido and arousal. 4

It also helps with weight management, which is a bonus.

My only advice would be to look for KSM-66 Ashwagandha specifically.

KSM-66 uses a different method to extract the beneficial properties, so make sure you pay attention to the label.”

Natural remedy #2 — Black Cohosh Extract

“Black cohosh is very helpful when it comes to hot flashes,” begins Harmon.

“It works wonders for my clients who have night sweats.”

Black cohosh is also known to positively impact mood, and reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms. 5

“So many women are anxious during perimenopause.

That anxiety should be addressed.

Not just because it’s unhealthy to be anxious, but because heightened emotions often lead to involuntary eating and subsequent weight gain.”

Harmon has no doubts about the effectiveness of this extract:

Many experts alongside myself think that black cohosh may be a safe alternative to try before HRT. 5

It’s a natural, herbal remedy that’s been around for centuries.

But as with everything, quality matters.

Spend some time looking for reputable extracts.”

Natural remedy #3 — Linum Usitatissimum

As our hormones change in menopause, it becomes harder to maintain a healthy weight,” states Harmon.

“And it’s not just about estrogen, there are various other hormones at play here.

For example, leptin.

It’s like the red traffic light. Or a stop sign,” she explains.

“Leptin tells the brain when we’ve had enough to eat. 6

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, abundantly present in Linum Usitatissimum, may contribute to the regulation of leptin levels.

Essentially, you feel fuller either faster, or for longer.

I have had clients lose a comparable amounts of weight with this as with HRT.

And I will always recommend trying this first before resorting to synthetic pharmaceuticals.”

“However, for the best effects, I will always recommend choosing your supplement wisely.”

There is one I always recommend, and it’s called Her Bodhi.

It combines KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh extract, Linum Usitatissimum into one very powerful supplement.

I stand behind it because it’s a women-led project with a very precise formulation.

It uses only the highest quality ingredients and follows stringent extraction methods.

I suggest this supplement to women who inquire about HRT, and the results have been very encouraging,” Harmon smiles.

“And when it comes to hormonal weight management…

I firmly advocate for the natural approach with comparable results.

No synthetic hormones and risk to your health required.

It’s not every day that I can change someone’s life, but today is hopefully that day,” she concludes.

Take a FREE Her Bodhi quiz and try it risk-free with free shipping and a money-back guarantee!

Results may vary due to personal features

Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel’s goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.
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