A Natural Alternative to HRT?

Menopause can be a challenging time. The hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and fatigue can take its toll on even the most stoic of women. Although hormone replacement therapy or HRT can reduce some of the discomfort of this midlife transition, many women hesitate to use it because of concerns about the health risks – particularly the risk of breast cancer. Many natural alternatives to HRT have been proposed, but few have been shown to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Now, a new study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry looks at another potential hormone therapy alternative – resveratrol.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a natural plant-based chemical known as a phytoalexin that has been shown to have ant-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits in animals. Resveratrol is best known as the ingredient in red wine believed to give it its heart-healthy benefits. Resveratrol has also been shown to slow down aging and prolong life in some lower species of animals. Many vitamin companies have jumped on board the resveratrol band wagon and are actively promoting it as an anti-aging supplement.

Could Resveratrol Be a Natural Alternative to HRT?

Researchers in this study tested the anti-tumor and estrogen-like effects of three different compounds – glyceitein, resveratrol, and geistein (a phytoestrogen found in soy products). Of the three, they found that resveratrol had the most positive estrogen-like effects with the least potential for promoting tumor growth. In fact, resveratrol seemed to inhibit cell growth – a positive when it comes to the prevention of cancer. The researchers are hoping that resveratrol may have estrogen-like effects in women which could relieve some of the symptoms of menopause, while, at the same time, reducing the risk of breast cancer – a very powerful combination.

Resveratrol for HRT: Is If Safe?

Using resveratrol as a hormone therapy alternative has not been proven to be safe as of yet. Although this study shows some benefit for cancer prevention in the laboratory, there’s still concern that resveratrol could stimulate breast cancer growth in women due to its estrogenic properties. At least one study suggests that it could promote breast cancer growth, although several other studies have supported its anti-cancer benefits. Obviously, more research is needed before resveratrol could be considered a safe hormone therapy alternative.

Natural Alternatives to HRT: Is Resveratrol the Answer?

Resveratrol supplements are currently available, but the safest approach is to wait until more studies confirm that it does, indeed, reduce the risk of cancer rather than promote it. It’s possible that it could have varying effects depending upon the dosage used and may have different effects in humans than it does in the laboratory or animals. Don’t count out resveratrol as a natural alternative to HRT, but it’s too early to recommend it at this point.