Menopause Natural Remedy: Herbs, Diet and Attitude

Premenopausal women often see themselves victims of the multiple changes in estrogen and progesterone occuring in their body during this period. Menopause symptoms can be truly exhausting: depression, mood swings, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular menstruation or even nausea.

There are treatments for these symptoms, but they are not applicable in all women, as every one is different and needs a different approach. It is important for each woman to understand what can and must do to have optimum health during perimenopause and post-menopause. They need to know that during this period there is an increased risk of osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Prevention and early detection of these diseases are essential to deal with in the first place.

Herbs and homeopathic treatment for menopause

When considering the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the use of natural hormones, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks according to each woman’s health, before deciding which way to turn. There are many factors involved, so it is necessary to seek the advice of a qualified physician specializing in both homeopathy and in endocrinology.

Menopausal women practice different techniques to manage this period and treat these symptoms. Many of them are using stress management techniques, natural herbs or dietary supplements, while others have used massage therapy or a soy diet, acupuncture. In most cases, the majority of menopausal women have tried to ease their symptoms by consulting a homeopathic or naturopathic doctor.

Over 70% of menopausal women use supplements and herbs to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of menopause. The most used herbs are:

• Soybeans (42%)
• Green tea (34.68%)
• Chamomile (20.76%)
• Gingko (20.51%)
• Ginseng (17.97%)
• Echinacea (15.44%)
• St. John’s worth (7.34%)

Plants such as red clover, garlic, valerian or evening primrose have been used by more than 15% of the respondents of an American study. Another popular natural remedy for menopause symptoms is evening primrose oil. Some studies conducted in America indicate that evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid involved in the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. This would have a significant effect in preventing hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness and mood swings.

Attitude during menopause

Despite the uncomfortable aspects of menopause, it is important that this situation to be perceived as a change and not as a disease, virtually as a new phase of life. Menopause is an opportunity to experience life from a new perspective and should be regarded in this sense, not as a painful condition. For some women, it includes fewer family obligations. This means that is time to look at yourself from a different angle, renew your options and find a focus on maintaining the quality of life.

Diet for menopause

Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Sugar, animal fats and caffeine should be avoided. Adopting a raw vegan diet is extremely important for menopausal women.

• Whole foods
• Unprocessed foods – such as fruits, vegetables, beans
• Healthy oils, (flax and fish oils )

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent heart disease in postmenopausal women where the risk is increased. This is because before reaching menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels are high and this means more protection against bad cholesterol. During menopause, the protective effect diminishes, resulting in lowering the good cholesterol.

Exercise during menopause

Exercises are able to reduce hot flashes and remove depression. More over, daily exercises can help fight obesity and boast weight loss. Physical activity is beneficial for sleep, while it maintains optimal cholesterol levels and prevents heart diseases. It is highly recommended to practice slow deep breathing, whenever the heat hits.