The first study into a natural treatment for symptoms of the menopause is being held at HarrowÍs Northwick Park Hospital.

Doctors hope to confirm the benefits of a natural progesterone cream produced from the Mexican yam or from soya.

ñMany women do not like the idea of taking conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) ,, or have to stop taking it ,, because of the side-effects, which come mainly from the inclusion of progesterones,î said internationally renowned consultant gynaecologist Joan Pitkin.

ñNatural progesterone however, is made from the Mexican yam or from soya, and is identical to the naturally occurring hormone which women produce when they ovulate and during pregnancy,

ñSome doctors believe that it is this progesterone which gives pregnant women their bloom and serenity, but so far this has not been proven in any truly scientific way.î

Natural progesterone has been popular with women in the United states for 20 years and has become increasing popular in Britain over the last six years. Seventy percent of menopausal women aged between 40 and 60 in Britain suffer from symptoms.

ñIt does appear to significantly reduce the symptoms of the menopause,î said Miss Pitkin. ñWe have embarked on this study the evaluate natural progesterone cream scientifically.Íî

Volunteers are now being sought for the study. They must be aged 40-60, not have had a menstrual periods for a year and be suffering from post-menopausal symptoms such as as hot flushes and dry skin.

For details contact Kathy Abernethy at the Menopause Research Unit on 020 8423 1402.