 Natural Relief from Menopause Symptoms
Hot flashes, night sweats, mood
swings, fatigue and sheer frustration -- do these sound familiar?
Menopause is a natural transition that is unique for each woman,
but for many it comes with a lot of unpleasant symptoms that
can disrupt the normal flow of daily life.
Menopause is the point at which
a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the
end of fertility. As a normal event, menopause is usually confirmed
when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive
months. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 40
and 58, with the average at about age 51. Symptoms can start
occurring several years prior actually entering menopause. This
stage is called peri-menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT),
estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), and prescription drugs can
be effective in treating symptoms of menopause, but many can
have negative side effects.
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More women are choosing to use
natural alternatives that can be as effective as other prescription
treatments. Here are some natural options to help reduce the
symptoms of menopause:
Soy
Soy contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens, or plant
estrogens. Eating soy and integrating a soy supplement into your
diet can help to relieve menopausal symptoms, particularly hot
flashes.
A recent clinical trial at the
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a prominent teaching
hospital of Harvard Medical School, found that 52 percent of
women who took a soy extract called AglyMax had reduced hot flashes
over a 12-week period.
AglyMax is a unique soy germ
extract that contains isoflavones in their most usable form called
aglycones. A special fermentation process maximizes the benefits
obtainable from the soy bean and also produces healthy antioxidants.
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"What we are trying to find
is a safe and effective alternative to hormone therapy,"
says senior author investigator George Blackburn, a doctor at
the Department of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Surgery
at BIDMC. "Our study found that patients who consumed the
soy supplement showed a reduction in the number of hot flashes."
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for overall health, but can help
in relieving the symptoms of menopause as well. Exercise is great
for reducing stress and strengthening the cardiovascular system
and bones. Additional benefits include fewer migraines, reduced
insomnia, lower cholesterol and a more toned physique.
Behavioral Changes
It's important to wear layered clothing when possible so you
can adjust if you feel hot. Cotton clothing is a good option
because the fabric allows for air circulation. This is particularly
crucial during bedtime so you can get a sound, rejuvenating sleep.
When you do get a hot flash, relax and take deep breaths. Sip
cool drinks and use ice packs as needed. Avoid coffee, alcohol
and hot baths or showers before bed. Try to track the triggers
that cause hot flashes (spicy food, work stress, etc.) and avoid
those activities in the future.
Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture and yoga are alternative medicine options that might
be helpful for menopausal women. Some people have found that
acupuncture helps to relieve hot flashes and yoga helps to aid
the body in relaxation, lessening mood swings and depression. |
