For the majority of women, Menopause is a painstakingly dreaded event. Primarily, because it generally provokes symptoms including hot flashes, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. A possible solution is taking western prescription medication such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to deal with Menopausal symptoms. However, some women refrain from taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) because it has been known to aggravate the symptoms. Women are left instead, not treating their symptoms at all.
Needless to say, there aren’t many commercialized alternatives on the market. For many years, civilizations have turned towards plants and herbs in order to treat a number of ailments. Chinese medicine has been prescribed by naturopaths to target the root causes of a health problem and involves being prescribed specific formulas by a practitioner consisting of herbs and plants that target the body’s overall balance. These treatments have not only become predominant in Chinese culture but have been adopted by specific groups in western communities that sought an alternative to western prescription drugs.
One Australian entrepreneur that brought the first natural alternative to HRT is Elissa Scott, with her company The T Lady. Each soft pyramidal tea bag consists of five herbs that have been known to alleviate the symptoms of Menopause. The tea is currently distributed across IGA supermarkets, Foodworks, and Foodland stores, with plans to expand forward into the global market.
Menopause Affects 50% of the Population
Every woman goes through Menopause at some stage in their life. According to a 2005 study done on the effects Menopause had on women’s quality of life, close to half of the women surveyed reported at least one of the common symptoms. The burden that Menopausal symptoms have on women is significant. The study showed that women who suffered from symptoms reported higher levels of impairment on work and daily activities than women that didn’t.
Environmental conditions play a factor too—with increasing levels of chemical and biological pollutants in our eco-system, we become our own targets for hormonal imbalances. During Menopause, the primary hormones that are affected are estrogen and progesterone. The decrease in estrogen levels contributes to some of the symptoms incurred through Menopause.
With the impact Menopause can have on a women’s quality of life, the opportunity to resolve these issues is huge.
The Natural Health Industry is Growing
According to IBIS statistics, the Alternative Health Therapies industry was worth $3.7 billion in Australia alone. Reports showed that 2 out of 3 Australians used Complementary and Alternative medicine—this includes visiting a naturopath, remedies, and self-care techniques. This upward trend is explained through the desire for a more holistic type of remedy, as well as the ability to participate more in one’s own healthcare.
Women predominantly show more interest in using alternative therapies as opposed to men. This may be due to the fact that women are prone to be more sensitive to hormonal shifts, especially during the menstrual cycles, and through the use of hormonal contraceptives.
Underlying The T Lady’s branded philosophy is the discouragement of using “band-aid, quick-fix solutions” that are often associated with western medicine. With her 100% natural herbal teas, she aims to “empower women to have a choice, and to make the most out of this natural phase of their lives”.
There’s been a boom of natural products, vitamins, and supplements on the market, and this can easily be explained by companies that see this desire for health optimization through natural means.
Herbs as a Softer Alternative to Chemically Driven Solution
Taking natural supplements or remedies brings peace of mind to those that worry about the side effects prescription medication may have on their bodies. Natural alternatives like teas provide a feasible way to benefit from the healing effects that certain herbs have on our endocrine systems and organs.
Women’s Health Concern elected a survey that gathered that 95% of women would try alternative therapies before HRT because of their fear of health implications HRT might inflict. There are a number of science-backed herbal supplements that can ease Menopausal discomfort, including Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, and Gingseng. Natural health companies such as The T Lady integrate different types of herbs into a premeasured, and ready-to-consume package for women. Thus, reducing the need to purchase different types of herbs separately to experience their benefits.
Conclusion
Finding a holistic solution to treat Menopausal symptoms could become as easy as reaching into the cabinet. Herbal treatments have been touted as medicine in different cultures throughout the centuries. As the demand for natural and alternative therapies increases, the opportunities for entrepreneurs to dominate the natural remedy realm will also skyrocket.
