Relieve Menopausal Symptoms with these 8 Remedies
The years leading up to menopause (the
pre-menopausal years) can be a pretty challenging time for a woman - our
menstruation cycle has, after all, been a big part of our
month-to-month routine since our teenage years. But by the time we enter
our 40s, we experience hormonal changes once again. These hormonal
changes are characterized by drops in estrogen, which usually occur over
a 3-to-5 year phase, after which a woman enters her menopausal years.
Unfortunately though, for most of us women, the pre-menopausal years are
not characterized by hormonal changes only. Rather, these years bring
on an onset of other symptoms too.
Signs and Symptoms of Menopause
Mood swings tend to be especially common, and occur due to the extreme
fluctuations of progesterone and estrogen. When estrogen is dominant, we
may feel irritable and edgy, often flying into angry rages. And when
the opposite happens - when our estrogen levels drop to low - it may
cause us to feel sad, weepy and depressed.
'Hot Flashes' don't help either. Out of the blue, we suddenly feel a
wave of heat in the face, neck or chest - sometimes, accompanied by
redness and swelling of the skin in those areas too. Hot flashes are
often accompanied by increased heart rate and sweating, and at times,
heart palpitations too.
Sleep disturbances, often caused by night sweats or anxiety, tend to be
quite common too. During this period, women might find it increasingly
difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, until the years come to pass.
Vaginal dryness, pain and inflammation are commonly experienced during
the pre-menopausal years, which may also be accompanied by itching and
discomfort.
Urinary complications may also occur, leaving many women with a need to
urinate more frequently than normal. Studies have also shown that
menopausal and pre-menopausal women are more prone to developing lower
urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
Other signs and symptoms of menopause include hair loss, changes in sex
drive, accumulation of fat in the abdomen and fat loss in the breasts.
To alleviate the symptoms of menopause, there are a number of orthodox
treatments available, such as Hormone Replacement Therapy and low-dose
anti-depressants. Alternatively, you can opt for natural remedies,
including these dietary changes and supplements to add to your regime.
Natural Remedies for Menopause
Soy is considered to be a natural source of estrogen. It has also been
studied for its potential to relieve muscle pain associated with
estrogen loss resulting from menopause. A study in 2009 suggested that
the addition of soy products to one's diet can be used effectively as an
alternative to HRT.
Dong Quai is another great remedy, in fact,
its root has been used for centuries by practitioners of traditional
Chinese medicine. It is also used as a treatment for irregular menstrual
cycles, infrequent menstrual periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and
painful menstruation. Dong quai is also believed to alleviate menopausal
symptoms associated with pain in the uterus. Though studies on its
estrogen-like effects have been conducted, further research is
necessary. It is available in powder, tablet, capsule and liquid form.
Black Cohosh has long been used by Native Americans to relieve various
conditions including amenorrhea and menopause, painful menstruation and
painful childbirth. This herb is so potent, it has received attention in
the scientific community for its potential to alleviate menopausal
symptoms. It has been found to support the balance of hormone levels and
lessen the intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. Though more
studies need to be carried out, research indicates that black cohosh can
aid in preventing and treating depression associated with menopause.
Green tea is said to relieve symptoms
associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats and other
sleep disturbances - primarily because it contains the amino acid
theanine. It also helps reduce stress and pain, and a few studies
suggest that it can improve brain function. Green tea is associated with
improvements in the ability to concentrate and focus. It is also a
great energy booster and will provide relief from fatigue and anxiety.
It is often associated with relief from more severe symptoms, reducing
the risk of menopause-induced overactive bladder.
Evening Primrose is a good source of
essential fatty acids, making it a great supplement to take in order to
alleviate fatigue, headaches, mood swings, the inability to concentrate.
Studies have also shown that evening primrose is an effective treatment
for breast pain too. Clinical trials suggest that it may also be useful
in cases of PMS (which may occur during pre-menopause). Currently
though, further experimentation is necessary before confirming its
effectiveness in treating other menopausal symptoms.
Chasteberry has a long history of use as a
remedy for menstrual problems. Today, it is still used as a natural
alternative to HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and pharmaceutical
drugs for complications during menopause. Studies also show that it
might be beneficial in cases of PMS, breast pain and infertility.
Chasteberry should not be used by breast cancer patients, pregnant women
or women taking birth control pills.
Valerian root is thought to be an effective means of alleviating
menopausal symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, hot flashes and
muscle tension.
Mexican Wild Yam has been of great
importance to the development of HRT because its constituents act as
precursors to estrogen and progesterone. Claims have been made about its
benefits in terms of menstruation and menopause. It is said to balance
hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve ovarian and uterine
pains. An article published in a 1992 issue of National Geographic
magazine describes the importance of wild yam as a staple food for the
inhabitants of a remote island. Investigators found that the island's
inhabitants tended to have a high libido, and symptoms associated with
menopause were not experienced by women on the island.
Maca is a root crop grown in South America. It is reported to have
hormone-balancing effects, can improve the libido and also provides
post-menopausal support.