Self Help – Treating The Symptoms Of Menopause Without Medication

More and more women today are deciding that hormone replacement therapy is not for them because of the potential risks involved i.e. increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis plus a number of adverse side effects. This means that women are commonly treating the symptoms themselves and there are a few very practical and easy ways to do this.

Herbal remedies There are various herbs that can be used to combat or at least ease the symptoms of menopause including the following:

• Black cohosh – this herb contains natural plant estrogens that can ease many menopause symptoms such as cramping, muscle aches, hot flashes and mood swings. It can be bought in capsule or powder form at most health stores and when used regularly it can also help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. • Dong Quai - again this herb contains high levels of plant estrogens and as such it is very good for all menopause symptoms. In fact, many doctors are now prescribing Dong Quai instead of HRT in women where the symptoms are not severe. • Wild yam – this herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is great for muscle aches and arthritis that is caused by declining estrogen levels. It can also regulate menstrual bleeding to some degree and so is useful for menopausal women experiencing very irregular periods. • Evening primrose – this is great for during the early years of menopause when the monthly periods are still quite heavy and often irregular. It can help to alleviate cramping, water retention, irritable moods and headaches that often surface just before the monthly cycle begins.

If you are thinking of using herbal remedies to help with your menopause symptoms then it is advisable to consult a qualified herbalist as some herbs can cause additional symptoms if used in the wrong quantities or concentrations.

Foods that contain phytoestrogens There are a number of plants that contain relatively large quantities of plant hormones, and in particular estrogen. Soy products such as tofu, soy milk and soybeans can help with hot flashes when eaten daily and soy is regarded as one of the best sources of plant estrogens. Other food sources include:

• Edible seeds such as pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds, amaranth and buckwheat. • Beans such as kidney beans, red lentils, yellow split peas and obviously soybeans. • Whole grains. • Leafy vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, kelp and seaweed. • Many fruits and in particular berries e.g. strawberries, raspberries, blue and blackberries, cherries, grapes, apples and apricots. • Olive oil. • Garlic and onions.

Unfortunately our stomachs can’t naturally use plant estrogens and so the gut bacteria have to be stimulated before any estrogens they can be absorbed. Luckily this is easy to do and simply eating natural yoghurt, un-pasteurised sauerkraut, unwashed fruits and salads, or sourdough bread regularly will help to keep the gut bacteria stimulated.

Practical suggestions Obviously you can’t eat these foods all the time or take herbal remedies with you everywhere you go and so you need to find a few practical ways to cope with symptoms while you are out and about. You will know what symptoms affect you most and so you need to focus on them.

For example, many women suffer with headaches, muscular and joint pain and back ache during pre-menopause, especially when they are expecting their monthly period. If this is the case then have some strong pain relief handy or a heat pack if you are somewhere you can sit down e.g. in the office or at a friends house. Similarly if you suffer with hot flashes then have a packet of wet wipes in your bag or pocket so that you can cool your face and neck down when needed.

There are plenty of ways to treat your menopausal symptoms without resorting to HRT however if these alternative ways don’t have any effect or your symptoms get worse then you should consider consulting a doctor for advice.

Alternative Treatment For Menopause