Menopause — Natural Solutions

Although the media likes to depict menopause as a disease it definitely is not. Menopause is a natural stage of life that does not require medication. Women who live healthy lifestyles can live through the stage of menopause with little to no symptoms.

What is Menopause?

The true symptoms of menopause are cessation of menses, hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms that are associated with menopause are also common in non-menopausal women and older men and are mood swings, heart palpitations, irritability, itching, and loss of libido.

The time frame for menopause from premenopause to perimenopause may take 10 years or more. Some very lucky women about 10-15 percent actually experience no symptoms. But there are also the unfortunate 10 to 15 percent that are plagued with severe symptoms.

There are many alternative methods to handle the symptoms of menopause and I will discuss some below.

Soy Can Help

Soy products contain hormone-like plant estrogens that are called phytoestrogens. Studies have shown that phytoestrogens can help with reduce hot flashes and protect against heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. This may explain why women who enjoy soy-rich diets suffer less menopausal symptoms. Another component that is found in soy called ipriflavone has also been shown to remineralize bone in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. To get the most our of your tofu, take a daily Vitamin E supplement. Vitamin E has been shown to multiply the heart healthy effects of soy.

To better survive the menopausal stages it is best to eat a diet rich in whole foods. It is important to include alfalfa sprouts, fennel and sea vegetables with foods high in calcium such as dairy, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon with bones and sesame seeds. These powerful foods will protect against osteoporosis, heart disease and menopausal symptoms.

As far as hot flashes, try to avoid substances that will increase the symptoms such as coffee, alcohol, smoking and spicy foods. (Journal Neuromusculoskeletal System 1996;4:67-72)

Herbs are Awesome

There are fantastic herbs that can help during menopause to quell the annoying symptoms. The most highly suggested is called black cohosh extract (Cimicifuga racemosa). This herb has been found to reduce hot flashes, and also helps with depression, anxiety, vaginal atrophy and a multitude of other symptoms.

The Chinese have learned the value of Dong Quai extract, with it’s muscle-relaxant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Scientists believe it promotes progesterone synthesis in the body.

Another all natural way to support adrenal function and increase the production of estrogen is by ingesting Siberian ginseng and Ginseng.

Supplements

There are many vitamins that alleviate hot flashes and mood swings. Some more common ones are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. For mood swings the ones that work best are Vitamins B, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, zinc, bioflavinoids and royal jelly.

Because of the lowering of the estrogen levels our bodies may create a roller coaster of emotions and body temperatures. Some of the side effects also may include some negative effects to the woman’s urinary tract and genital area. Without the proper levels of estrogens, the skin tissue in sensitive areas may thin out substantially. Some supplements to help with this condition include Vitamin E, acidophilus and soy.

I hope that some of these suggestions will help you with the symptoms of menopause. The most important thing to remember is try to avoid over the counter and prescribed medications if at all possible. Many of the symptoms can be reduced with the examples mentioned and of course the reduction of stress and a warm bubble bath always helps.

Until next time,

Dr. Mommy