Dealing with Menopause Symptoms Naturally

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

Menopause is a period in which a woman no longer experience menstrual period permanently. At this point, the woman is no longer able to bear children. Menopause occurs at the age of 45 to 55. During the transition to menopause, a woman will go through fluctuation in hormone levels.

From the transitional phase to the actual menopausal stage, a woman will experience discomforts such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and so much more. In today’s post, we’ve put together a list of natural remedies for specific menopause symptoms:

Herbal Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms Relief

Black Cohosh

Studies show that black cohosh may help reduce hot flashes and night sweats. This mushroom may help ease mild to moderate hot flashes as well as provide short-term relief from night sweat. This remedy can also reduce blood pressure.

Soy

Just like black cohosh, soy products may ease discomforts caused by menopause. Soy contains isoflavones, which are plant estrogen that mimic human estrogen. During the menopausal stage, estrogen level drops. Eating soy products could boost the level of estrogen in the body, easing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and night sweats.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is a beneficial fat packed with omega-3 fatty acids and lignans. Just like isoflavones, lignans mimic human estrogen. Studies show that consuming flaxseed oil regularly after menopause sets in eases hot flashes. As an added bonus, flaxseed oil also lowers cholesterol level in the body.

Vitamin E Supplements

Vitamin E is a great treatment for vaginal dryness and hot flashes. When applied topically, the vitamin E oil boosts lubrication, easing vaginal dryness.

Dealing with Specific Menopausal Symptoms

Hot Flashes

The best way to treat hot flashes is to identify the triggers. Usually, these triggers include drinking caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and consuming spicy foods. However, stress and humidity could also trigger hot flashes.

To ease hot flashes, always dress in layers and then remove some of your clothing when you start feeling a flash of heat. Try taking slow, deep breaths until the flash subsides. Finally, you can also ask your doctor about taking low-dose oral birth control pills to reduce hot flashes.

Vaginal Dryness

To treat vaginal dryness, we recommend using mild vaginal moisturizers to lubricate the vagina. You may also use over-the-counter lubricants like K-Y jelly to make sexual intercourse more comfortable.

Disturbed Sleep

To avoid insomnia, do not engage in intense exercise several hours before bedtime. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks at least 5 hours before going to bed. Reduce or quit smoking too. Make it a point to keep the bedroom dark, quiet and cool to induce sleep. If you can, avoid napping during the day.

Mood Swings

Try not to complete too many tasks in just a single day so you are not as stressed out. We strongly recommend getting enough sleep and getting regular exercise to reduce mood swings. For severe cases of mood swings, we recommend taking menopausal hormone therapy or MHT. It will help if you can join support groups and be with members who are going through the same thing as you are.

Memory Loss

Some women experience short-term memory loss or trouble focusing in midlife. You can avoid these symptoms by being physically active during the day and getting enough sleep at night. But in severe cases of forgetfulness, we recommend talking to your doctor for advice.