Conflicting clinical reports follow the use of HRT for skin improvement. Reports from US Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and UK Million Women Study (MWS) claim that use of HRT result to:

• Breast cancer
• Womb cancer
• Stroke
• Dementia
• And Other Cardiovascular Diseases

For a time, the use of HRT declined. Scientists who refused to believe in adverse effects of estrogen replacement caused a new wave of studies on HRT for post-menopausal women.

These studies claim the adverse effects were exaggerated. HRT uses alternative approaches with phytoestrogens that treat peri- and post-menopausal symptoms in women.

With the benefits and risks of HRT balance, this resulted to a favorable shift towards its application, but with the following conditions:

• To be taken to alleviate symptoms of the menopause
• To be taken at its lowest dose, and for a long time
• Users to have annual check up with the GP

There are health benefits for the skin with HRT. At the same time, there are also health risks. While studies on HRT are conflicting and inconsistent, the health hazards are real.

It is well to remember that HRT is used to alleviate peri- and post-menopausal symptoms. If you are looking for skin treatment, it might be wise to look for other means of therapy.

Phytoestrogens are compounds found naturally in plants. They are similar to estrogen in structure. Being similar, they can act function as antiaging in skin. As such, it has the ability to increase:

• Hyaluronic acid which functions to retain water in skin and keep it hydrated
• Increase collagen content and quality
• Increase skin vascularization
• Prevent oxidative stress in skin

Phytoestrogens are also found to have protective properties on skin health:

• Reduce UV-induced cell death
• Improve skin elasticity
• Protection against UV induced senescence
• Have potential antioxidant effects
• Have strong anti-inflammatory properties
• Improved skin thickness

Pueraria Mirifica is a plant that contains the compound phytoestrogens. It can be found in Burma and Thailand and is also known as kao keur, kwao krua ko, Thai Kudzu, and white kwao krua. Pueraria Mirifica is different from other kwao krua plants, such as kwao krua dang and black kwao krua.

Pueraria Mirifica is known for its rejuvenating qualities. Studies researches done on P. Mirifica shows that it can be used to prevent, or as a treatment for estrogen deficiency in skin and other body organs, in menopausal females. Doses, however, should be controlled.

Other P. Mirifica health benefits:

• Relief from Menopausal Symptoms
• Vaginal Health Support – a topical treatment found effective in treating or promoting vaginal health tissue and dryness.
• Promotes Bone Health – restores inadequate supply of estrogen for bone health common during peri- and postmenopausal women
• Increases Antioxidant Activity – the increase in antioxidants reduce stress levels and oxidative damage to the body.
• Anticancer Effects – P. Mirifica slows the growth of cancer cells in breast
• Possible Heart Health – Since heart health is affected by reduced levels of estrogen, and increase in estrogen improves heart health.
• Supports Brain Health – increased level of estrogen helps maintain healthy brain and nervous system.

Not much is known of the safety of P. Mirifica in the long-term. But, since the plant is similar to estrogen, it contains the same characteristics and side effects, like:

• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Cramps
• Weight changes
• Headaches
• Irregular periods

P. Mirifica is also not advisable for use among:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Those who are sensitive to estrogen
• With conditions, like breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids
• Used with caution for women with liver condition

P. Mirifica is sold as dietary supplement in the form of tablet, capsule, and soft gel formulations. The product is also sold in the form of serums and creams available at cosmetic counters and online.

Products sold in dosage range from 100 mg to 1,000 mg. It is best, however, to start with the lowest dosage (50 gm) per day. You can increase the dosage gradually each day. Observe, however, its effects and consult your physician if you feel anything.