Natural Treatments For The Effects Of Menopause

December 17th, 2010 | by admin |

In recent years, there has been a trend towards using natural methods for healing ourselves and staying healthy. More and more people are looking to alternative medicine for cures from colds to cancer. One of the largest growing sectors in alternative health care is women searching for other options for treating the symptoms of menopause.

All too often hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has uncomfortable side effects. The hot flashes, mood swings and headaches are bad enough; women do not need additional symptoms piled on top of what they already have. This is the biggest reason that more and more women are looking at herbal and homeopathic remedies. There is still a lot of research to be done, however there is a lot of evidence supporting the effectiveness of natural remedies.

The most popular and effective natural treatment comes in the form of herbs. Plants like black cohosh and red clover contain a class of phytoestrogens that simulate the hormone estrogen in the human body. Soy is also said to possess some of these phytoestrogens and can be beneficial as well. It has been documented that by consuming a regular dose of soy products can be as effective as some prescription drugs used when treating menopausal symptoms. Other natural sources are flaxseed oil, chaste berry, ginseng and the Chinese herb, dong quai.

Black cohosh, though not as effective as soy or red clover, does help to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, and a few other symptoms. Further research has shown that black cohosh has no hormonal effects, yet it still manages to provide relief to the woman taking the herb. What researchers have found is that black cohosh contains elements that work on the pituitary gland and suppresses the pituitary’s secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is responsible for most of the symptoms of menopause and the black cohosh has been found to actually prevent these symptoms from happening.

As with all herbal remedies, they do take a while to be absorbed and used by the body. If you want a quick fix, you will not find your answer in the realm of herbs. Most herbs take three to four weeks to begin to work properly, as the elements in the herb have to build up in the system. Of course, the whole process of using natural remedies is time consuming and requires a lot of research to find out what will or will not work for you.

Jeff Clare
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/natural-treatments-for-the-effects-of-menopause-128913.html

  1. 6 Responses to “Natural Treatments For The Effects Of Menopause”

  2. By Niamh on Dec 17, 2010 | Reply

    menopause question for women?
    What natural treatments work for hot flushes and sweats.Have you tried HRT and did it work.Did you put on weight and are there other side effects.I get bad headaches and itchy skin also insomnia.I am looking for suitable remedies and would appreciate hearing your experiences.I have had symptoms for two years now and have tried black cohosh but it had no effect.I am 47.

  3. By Robin B on Dec 17, 2010 | Reply

    I did try HRT , but I couldn’t take them. Then, I went to the pharmacy, because my hot flashes were so bad, it really messed up my days and made sleeping impossible. I found a natural Soy formula for menopausal women. It said to give it 30 days, but it only took about 10 days for it to start working for me. It was a great relief ! I suggest you go to the pharmacy, check out soy menopausal supplements and give it a try. I didn’t even buy the expensive ones, just the store brand type. Also, I use a small fan beside my side of the sofa, and one in my bedroom. Cotton sheets, and blankets, and underwear. There are brands out there that are called Wick clothing, they pull the moisture away. I like cotton best.
    Take heart, winter is on its way !!
    References :

  4. By Sophie on Dec 17, 2010 | Reply

    I haven’t experienced this myself but my mum had a hysterectomy a couple of years ago and went straight through the menopause afterwards. She uses the lowest dose hormone patch which keeps all her symptoms at bay and I believe it has a very low risk that is associated with taking HRT. She hasn’t put on weight with it and hasn’t complained of any side effects just the benefits of using them.

    HTH.
    References :

  5. By marie m on Dec 17, 2010 | Reply

    I decided I would not take HRT; and looked for ways of coping with symptoms; I found that taking vitamin E capsules helped my skin condition – the itching, the dryness. I also take Evening Primrose oil to help balance the hormones..

    The flushes are much more difficult to deal with – I have tried drinking sage tea, I have tried Black Cohosh, to no REAL effect. The flushes died down themselves eventually, and now I only have the occasional one.

    The headaches may be different; after a lifetime of migraines…they started to subside; yet I have friends who developed dreadful headaches during menopause.

    I can recommend a very good book, by Dr John Lee, called "what your doctor may not tell you about the menopause"

    In which he focuses on the role of natural progesterone in women of our age.If you never acted on any of his advice, the book is worth reading for it’s sympathetic and commonsense approach to menopause!

    I have put on weight in the past four years – I am 54 – but I’m OK with it. I kind of like having a bust, I kind of like my womanly shape!

    Insomnia is another tough one…I have also been there! I found that not taking it too seriously helped. I tried various things, like Valerina, or warm baths, or a massage, or sometimes a nightcap! There were varying degrees of success with all of them, and I think sleep remedies are as individual as you are!
    References :

  6. By Black Orchid on Dec 17, 2010 | Reply

    I came off hrt after being on it for over 5 years Then i tried loads of natural remedies and have wasted a lot of money none of them worked ,
    My symptoms were so bad and really effecting my life,So i went back on hrt
    Its not for everyone but for me its a life saver
    References :

  7. By tomorjerry on Dec 17, 2010 | Reply

    Get enough calcium. A woman going through menopause needs 1000 mg to 1500 mg of calcium a day. Avoid excessive amounts of salt to reduce bloating associated with hormonal changes. More information and remedies at http://useinfo4.blogspot.com/
    References :

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