Are you frustrated by hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, or another menopausal symptom that is disrupting your daily routine? Fortunately, there are ways to naturally reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms. Using natural methods is less invasive and causes fewer side effects. It is recommended to take a natural approach to menopause treatment before resorting to prescription medication or surgery.
During menopause, the production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone is disrupted, and the levels of these hormones begin to fluctuate. It is this change in hormone patterns that causes the body to react in strange ways that can disrupt your life. Read on to find out how you can make life more bearable with natural treatment methods.
5 Tips for Dealing with Menopause Naturally
With the controversy that surrounds HRT (hormone replacement therapy), it is no surprise that women are looking for alternatives. Making lifestyle changes and using non-hormonal treatments are alternative ways to balance hormone levels in a relatively easy and risk free way.
Change Your Diet
Changing your diet can be extremely beneficial, but self-discipline is needed. Try to keep a healthy and balanced diet that includes all the necessary food groups. There are specific dietary suggestions for certain symptoms, but generally a good diet with a sufficient intake of vitamins B, C, D and E is essential. Try to consume more soy as well.
Exercise
Exercise alone can alleviate some menopausal symptoms. Exercise not only maintains a healthy body, but it can help to correct hormonal imbalance. It is highly recommended and you try to do at least half an hour of aerobic exercise every day.
Reduce Stress
If you are stressed, your hormones become even more unbalanced because cortisol, the stress hormone, has a negative effect on sex hormones. Yoga is a wonderful way to reduce stress because it allows you to concentrate on your breathing while stretching your muscles. It's also important to make time for yourself to do something that you enjoy, like relaxing in the bath with a good book.
Avoid Triggers
It depends on what symptom you have, but making behavioral changes to avoid worsening symptoms is important. For example, if you have hot flashes or night sweats, avoid hot rooms and spicy food and wear light cotton clothing. With vaginal dryness, you should avoid alcohol, tight clothing, and try using natural lubricants. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is highly advised for all symptoms, and staying hydrated and getting a good night's sleep is important too.
Try Hormone-regulating Supplements
These herbal supplements don't contain any artificial hormones, so little risk is involved. Instead, they work by stimulating hormone production and helping your natural hormones work more efficiently. They do this by aiding the pituitary and endocrine glands that produce the hormones. All three sex hormones can be balanced using non-estrogenic herbs, but it is important to talk to your doctor if you want to use them on a long term basis.
Recommendation
If you are seeking relief from menopausal symptoms, try these natural methods first. They can be very effective, yet they are safe and easy to incorporate into your lifestyle. If you want to consider any other treatment method always talk to your doctor first and get the appropriate advice.
To find out more about alternative menopausal treatments, follow the links below.
Sources
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
- Hopkins, Virginia. Lee, John R. M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. New York: Warner Books Inc., 1996.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Martin, Raquel. The Estrogen Alternative. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000.