The original page can be found on-line at http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ara_menopause.html
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.
|
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 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. |
|
"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.
|