Natural treatments for menopause 'ignored'
Natural treatments for menopause 'ignored' by GPs
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By James Christie. |  |
Monday, 26, Oct 2009 09:15
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
A new report claims most women experiencing the menopause are not informed about alternative treatment, despite concerns about HRT.
A study by food supplement producers Phyto Soya found that almost half of women with menopausal symptoms were prescribed HRT after visiting their doctor.
Yet 50 per cent of those surveyed confirmed they had later stopped HRT treatment due to concerns about long term health.
However, more than 80 per cent of menopausal women are not informed about alternative treatments, the poll indicated.
Dr Sarah Brewer, a private GP and specialist in nutritional medicine, is backing a a campaign for increased use of natural treatment options via the NHS.
"It does concern me to see statistics like these as it means that many women out there are being given limited options to keep the unpleasant symptoms of the menopause in check," she commented.
"HRT is just one answer but is not a route all women want to take. There are clinically proven natural supplements to help address falling oestrogen levels.
"It is a real shame that this recommendation isn't coming more often from a GP or nurse practitioner - people who have looked after their medical needs all their lives."
Over a fifth (23 per cent) of respondents to the survey had taken it upon themselves to try natural therapies and over a quarter had tried to alleviate symptoms by making changes to their diet and lifestyle.