Natural Remedies For Menopause

Menopause can be a tough time for women who experience many of the perimenopausal symptoms.

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and irritability put most women on the edge. Aside from Hormonal Replacement Therapy, which is what most women chose to treat their menopause, there are some natural remedies and treatments one can use. HRT is not the only way to fight off osteoporosis and heart disease and gain control over menopausal symptoms.

Natural supplements are a great way to keep your body healthy and help women to better deal with menopause.

Before you take any natural supplements or try any alternative therapies, it is important that women speak to their doctors and inform them about their decision. It is also imperative that you let your doctor know exactly what vitamins and herbs you are already taking, so you do not experience any side effects.

Soy – Soy is rich in phytoestrogens, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, iron and other essential vitamins and minerals. Studies now show that soy not only provides a wide range of health benefits, but also helps you cope better with premature ovarian failure or early menopause.

Additionally a number of recent studies have found that soy helps reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms, and lowers cholesterol. It also lowers triglycerides, which are known to rise when you take estrogen.

Lastly soy can help prevent osteoporosis, cutting down bone re-absorption and increasing bone density and bone mineral content. You can get soy from a variety of sources like; soy milk, tofu, roasted soy nuts, tempeh and soy beans. However, when taking soy you also need to be careful as high amounts of it can affect your thyroid.

Flaxseed – Flaxseed is another nutrient that is high in phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids. Its beneficial properties are similar to soy.

Flaxseed also helps to minimize menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Research shows that flaxseed lowers LDL cholesterol and may even help ward off breast cancer.

It also helps to prevent heavy bleeding during menses, and eases symptoms like menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Flaxseed is available in most health stores, it is found in both seed and ground forms.

Red Clover – Red clover is another phytoestrogen that is able to reduce hot flashes, help fight osteoporosis, and minimize menopausal symptoms.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E capsules are great for helping deal with vaginal dryness.

Vitamin A – Vitamin A helps maintain tissues, skin, and mucous membranes, which can help against vaginal dryness and skin changes that come on with menopause. If you are suffering from vaginal dryness Vitamin A is a great way to help ease this problem.

Vitamin B – The vitamin B family can help both in terms of fighting off menopausal symptoms and reducing the long-term negative risks of menopause.

B vitamins can keep your energy levels high; support liver function; prevent vaginal dryness; increase resistance to infections and help maintain adrenal gland functions. B vitamins are also considered amazing stress fighters; they can help deal with menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and insomnia.

Calcium – Calcium supplements are very important for women in general and especially during menopause as they help to prevent osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and reduce triglyceride levels.

Magnesium – Magnesium is usually taken with calcium supplements and is helpful in fighting off fatigue that often appears at the onset of premature or early menopause. It helps to boost the body’s energy levels.

Potassium – Potassium is another important mineral that boosts energy. It also regularizes the heart beat, and helps ease palpitations, a fairly common symptom of menopause. Additionally, it can help women cope with water retention and bloating.

Black Cohosh – Black Cohosh is a very popular herb helps to cut down on hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. It also helps with menstrual cramps, heavy periods and other menstrual irregularities.

Studies have shown that black cohosh appears to be quite effective in reducing hot flashes as well. And some researchers believe it may help prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone re-absorption, although no long-term studies have been conducted to substantiate this.

Chasteberry – Like black cohosh, chasteberry acts like a progesterone, and has been used in Europe for many years to ease PMS symptoms as well as menopausal symptoms.

It reduces many menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and irregular bleeding. And is great for treating breast tenderness as it suppresses prolactin production.

Evening Primrose Oil – This oil is a good source of GLA (gamma linoleic acid), and has been used by many women over the years to fight off PMS and menopausal symptoms. It helps prevent bloating, water retention, breast tenderness, cramps and vaginal dryness.

St. Johns Wort – St. Johns Wort is a popular herb used to relieve irritability, depression and fatigue. As menopausal women tend to suffer from these symptoms often, St. Johns Wort is a great natural anti-depressant.

It is important that you remember that St. Johns Wort in known to interact with birth control medication, speak to your doctor before you start taking this herb.

Kava Kava – Kava Kava is another popular herb that has been widely known to reduce anxiety, fight depression, and level mood swings.

Valerian – Valerian is very popular in Europe and is often used to treat insomnia, nervousness and menstrual problems. It is also a great anxiety reliever, helping to ease mood swings and tension.

Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Fish & Poultry Are Also Good Nutrients That A Menopausal Woman Needs

Eat plenty of barley, brown rice, buckwheat, corn, oatmeal, wild rice, nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Eating right can go a long way in reducing menopausal symptoms in most women.