Menopause is a very troublesome and tiringperiod for women who experience many of the perimenopausal symptoms.
Such conditions as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and irritability put most women on the edge. Apart from Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is chosen by the most women to treat their menopause, there are some natural remedies and treatments available. HRT is not the only way to defeat osteoporosis and heart disease and gain control over menopausal symptoms.
An effective way to keep healthy and help women deal with menopause better are natural supplements.
Before taking any natural supplements or trying any alternative therapies, it is essential for women to consult their physicians and inform them about their decision. Furthermore, you must inform your physician about vitamins and herbs you are already taking. This may prevent some side effects to occur.
SOY – it is rich in phytoestrogens, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, iron and other necessary vitamins and minerals. Research proves that soy not only brings a lot of health benefits, but also helps you cope better with premature ovarian failure or early menopause.
According to recent studies, soy helps to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms, and lowers the level of cholesterol. It also lowers triglycerides, which are believed to increase when you take estrogen.
What’s more, soy helps to prevent osteoporosis, cutting down bone re-absorption and increasing bone density and bone mineral content. You can get soy from a variety of sources such as: soy milk, tofu, roasted soy nuts, tempeh and soy beans. However, when consuming soy, you must be careful because high amounts of it can affect your thyroid.
FLAXSEED – it is another nutrient high in phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids. It brings similar benefits to soy.
Flaxseed also helps to minimize menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Studies prove that flaxseed decreases the level of LDL cholesterol and may even help ward off breast cancer.
It also helps to prevent heavy bleeding during menstruation, and alleviates such symptoms as menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Flaxseed is available in most health stores, it can be found in both seed and ground forms.
RED CLOVER – it is phytoestrogen that reduces hot flashes, helps to fight osteoporosis and minimize menopausal symptoms.
VITAMIN E – Vitamin E capsules deal with vaginal dryness.
VITAMIN A – it helps to maintain tissues, skin, and mucous membranes, which can help against vaginal dryness and skin changes that occur with menopause. Vitamin A solves the problem of vaginal dryness.
VITAMIN B – The vitamin B family can help both in terms of fighting with menopausal symptoms and reducing the long-term negative risks of menopause.
B vitamins can keep you energetic, they support liver function, prevent vaginal dryness, increase resistance to infections and help maintain adrenal gland functions. B vitamins are also regarded as effective stress fighters; they can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and insomnia.
CALCIUM – Calcium supplements are necessary for women in general, particularly in menopausal period as they help to prevent osteoporosis, decrease blood pressure and reduce triglyceride levels.
MAGNESIUM – it is normally taken with calcium supplements. It is helpful in fighting off tiredness that frequently occurs at the onset of premature or early menopause. It helps to boost the body’s energy levels.
POTASSIUM – it is another important mineral that boosts energy. It regularizes the heart beat, and helps to alleviate palpitations, a common symptom of menopause. Furthermore, it can help women cope with water retention and bloating.
BLACK COHOSH – it is a very popular herb helpful in reducing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. It’s also effective against menstrual cramps, heavy menses and other menstrual irregularities.
Research has revealed that black cohosh also turns out to be effective in reducing hot flashes. Although so far no long-term research has been conducted to substantiate this, some experts believe that it helps to prevent osteoporosis and decrease bone re-absorption,.
CHASTEBERRY – Like black cohosh, chasteberry acts like a progesterone. It has been used in Europe for many years to alleviate both PMS and menopausal symptoms.
It alleviates variuos menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes and irregular bleeding. What’s more, it is great for the treatment of breast tenderness as it suppresses prolactin production.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL – it is a good source of GLA (gamma linoleic acid), and has been used by many women over the years to alleviate both PMS and menopausal symptoms. It prevents bloating, water retention, breast tenderness, cramps and vaginal dryness.
St. JOHNS WORT – it is a popular herb used to relieve irritability, depression and tiredness. It is a great natural anti-depressant, due to the fact that menopausal women suffer from such symptoms quite frequently.
You must remember that St. Johns Wort interacts with birth control pills. Therefore, before you start taking this herb, consult your physician.
KAVA KAVA – it is another popular herb that has been widely used to decrease anxiety, fight depression, and level mood swings.
VALERIAN – it is very popular in Europe and is often used for the treatment of insomnia, nervousness and menstrual problems. It is also an effective anxiety reliever, helping to alleviate mood swings and tension.
FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES, FISH & POULTRY ARE ALSO GOOD NUTRIENTS THAT A MENOPAUSAL WOMAN NEEDS. You should eat barley, brown rice, buckwheat, corn, oatmeal, wild rice, nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Eating correctly can reduce menopausal some symptoms in most women.
