Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms with these 8 Natural 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.