About Menopause and HRT
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Menopause Relief
Over 13 million women in the UK are going through Menopause at any one time. For some, the symptoms may be mild and manageable, but for others the dramatic shift in hormones can cause debilitating symptoms such as depression, joint aches, insomnia, burning tongue syndrome, migraines, tinnitus, osteoporosis, cardiac disease, and chronic pain.
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is a medication commonly prescribed to treat Menopause symptoms. While this works very well for some people, others find the side effects troublesome, and there are also concerns surrounding the overall health impact of taking HRT long term.
Prof Klim McPherson and Prof Valerie Beral, from Oxford University, wrote many papers on HRT and sat on the government’s committee on the safety of medicines when it warned doctors to prescribe as little HRT for as short a time as possible for women suffering symptoms. They also led the Million Women Study (MWS), which identified an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer with the use of the drugs. However, neither were invited to give evidence to the committee preparing the current guidance for the NHS on treating the menopause. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/10/leading-hrt-experts-not-consulted-over-nhs-menopause-guidance
Studies have concluded that while HRT doesn’t shorten lives, it does increase the risk of getting both ovarian and breast cancer. Naturally, these results have triggered a steep decline in HRT use over the years and a steady rise in demand for natural alternatives.
Natural Alternatives to HRT
Estrogenic plants have been used to naturally treat the symptoms of Menopause for millennia. Unlike modern day western pharmaceuticals, these plants were chosen for their potential to support the body throughout the hormonal transition, rather than replacing hormones that are biologically supposed to change at this time. All of the following ingredients are also in our Hormone Balance patch. https://hapipatch.com/products/hormone-balance-natural-patches
Hydrocotyle asiatica (Gotu Kola)
Better known as Gotu Kola, this plant has such enormous therapeutic potential that researchers have stated further research into its applications is ‘crucial’. Although it has no know toxicity in recommended doses, it has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, significantly improve cognitive function and mood (in a placebo controlled, double blind trial), boost antioxidants and accelerate wound healing. Traditionally, it has also been used to treat amenorrhea and menopausal hot flushes.
Turnera aphrodisiaca (Damiana)
Also listed on ingredients labels as ‘Damiana’, this yellow-bloomed shrub has been traditionally used by the indigenous as an aphrodisiac and to treat a vast array of symptoms. As well as enhancing libido, some researchers believe this plant may actually improve sexual performance too and help maintain hormonal balance.
Cimicifuga racemose (Black Cohosh)
One of the most famous plants for naturally treating menopause symptoms: Black cohosh. Native to North America, this plant is the most studied natural alternative menopause treatment, which is widely used by women all over the world. Since 1956, over 1.5 million women in Germany have used black cohosh extract, and in 1994 menopausal women in Germany, Scandinavia, and Austria used over 6.5 million monthly dosages of black cohosh extract. One study noted Cimicifuga is most effective for daytime or nighttime hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disorders, and body aches. Complete disappearance of symptoms occurred in 50% of study participants.
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)
You’ll almost certainly have seen Valerian used in many different natural sleep aids, as this herb is thought by many to help improve sleep, promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. One study exploring the use of valerian extract (530mg) on women with menopause induced insomnia noted improved sleep quality in 30% of women taking valerian, compared with 4% taking placebo, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap)
Despite its name, Skullcap is best known as a relaxing herb, commonly used for soothing anxiety and mood disturbances. It was an important North American ethnobotanical medicine for use in anxiety, hysteria, phobias, panic attacks, tension, sleep disorders and stress. It’s thought this may occur as a result of stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves. A study with healthy participants found S. lateriflora significantly enhanced global mood without a reduction in energy or cognition. Studies have investigated S. baicalensis alone or as part of herbal mixtures to treat health conditions related to hormone dysregulation such as endometriosis and menopause, and Native American women traditionally used it for premenstrual tension.
Avena sativa (Oatseed)
The seemingly simple oat has an awful lot to offer! One 2020 study found that adults aged 35 to 65 years were less stressed and performed better on memory and multi-tasking tasks, compared to adults who took a placebo after 29 days of taking avena sativa extract. It’s also been shown to potentially support immune function, aid with digestion, reduce the risk of disease and improve heart health.
Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Commonly known as ginger, this food, spice and herbal supplement is famed for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pharmacological activities. Extensive research has revealed many health benefits to ginger, including having beneficial effects on diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, and inflammatory disorders, modulating essential brain functions and protecting against damage to your body’s DNA.
How the hormone balance patches work
Rather than having to remember to take endless supplements throughout the day, the Hapi Hormone gives you everything you need in one, discreet patch.
It’s hard to fathom how this works, but it’s really quite simple: the ingredients are within the adhesive of the patch (which will also keep it put for the 24 hours is takes to be absorbed). The patch is activated by your body heat, releasing the actives directly into your bloodstream.
This method of application has been used for many years in the medical industry, perhaps most famously as nicotine patches. Studies have shown that administering products in this way is often more effective than oral administration, for 3 reasons:
- Steady release over a longer period of time
- Less product lost on absorption, so higher levels of actives in the body (bioavailability)
- Considerably less likely to forget to take your daily dose.
Each discreet patch has a design which dissipates over the course of 24 hours, indicating when you need to apply a new one.
How to use hormone balance patches
It’s really as easy as applying a sticker! Simply ensure your skin is clean, dry and free from any cosmetics (such as body oil or moisturiser), choose a relatively hair-free area, peel it on and stick it on.
The patch is very thin and clear when applied apart from a light pink design. It cannot be seen under clothes.
Hapi Hormone patches are:
- Hypoallergenic
- UK Manufactured
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free
- Discreet and easy to wear.
- MHRA approved.
Dosage:
1 patch per day