Menopause - Treatment the Natural Way

The 9 letter word that is most feared by a woman of that certain age Menopause. I for one didn't think much about menopause until I started having hot flashes. Another thing that I noticed was lack of sleep and how my body was changing. It started off not bad and I felt lucky that I wasn't plagued with mood swings. The one thing that has gotten worse over a short period of time is the hot flashes I was experiencing. At first they were mild and far apart. Now they are very uncomfortable and sometimes it feels like I am coming unraveled when I have a really bad one. I went on a search to find what I can do to make me feel better and to cut down on the severity of my hot flashes.

Black Cohosh has been widely used in treating hot flashes and has been popular among women with menopausal symptoms worldwide. Black Cohosh can also be found in many over the counter formulas for menopause treatment like Estroven.

I have been using Black Cohosh off and on for a few years. I have found that it helps in lowering the severity of hot flashes.

Black Cohosh is from the buttercup family.

If you have a hard time getting to sleep, take 5 milligrams of Melatonin about 2 hours before bedtime. Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your body's pineal gland. During the day the pineal is inactive but a night the pineal gland is "turned on". As we age this gland is less efficient, so a supplement is beneficial. If you take Melatonin on a nightly basis it is suggested that you take a break from taking Melatonin because your body gets dependant on it and will stop producing Melatonin naturally.

Dong Quai:

Also know as, female ginseng and is used as a hormonal regulator. Dong Quai help’s with hot flashes, and insomnia. This herb should not be used if you are pregnant but some of woman will not need to worry about that if your are in full blown menopause and have been menstrual free for over a year. Dong Quai is part of the celery family

Licorice:

Performs some of the natural functions of estrogen, which makes it beneficial for menopause.

Chasteberry:

Increases the levels of progesterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. May not be good for hot flashes and if you are taking Chasteberry either cut down or stop using this herb. It is suggested that this is good to take if you have had female surgery. Also helps with skin problems and sex drive.

Evening Primrose Oil:

Helps with menopause symptoms and recommended to be taken with vitamin E. Will help with hot flashes and help you get a good night sleep.

Wild Yam Cream:

Safe and natural alternative for improving or alleviating symptoms associated with hormone imbalance. Wild yam is one of the richest sources of phyto (plant) progesterone out there. I have heard some great things about Wild Yam creams and thing this is my next thing to try.

St. John's Wort:

May be helpful in the short-term to treat mild to moderate depression in women (when given in doses of less than 1.2 milligrams a day.) It is not recommended treating severe depression. It also can increase skin sensitivity to the sun and should not be taken with prescription antidepressants. It is suggested not to use St John’s Wort for more than tow years.

Valerian Root:

This has traditionally been used as a tranquilizer and sleeping aid. Can be used for anxiety. This herb has some controversy attached to it. I have used Valerian Root with no problems but like anything, follow the directions for dosage.

Ginseng:

Most of the many types of ginseng (including Siberian, Korean, White and Red) are promoted for relieving stress and boosting immunity. It is said that it does not relieve hot flashes but did improve women's sense of well-being. Quality ginseng is key to getting good results.

Kava Kava:

An herb that treats anxiety, stress and depression for woman that are menopausal. The relaxing, euphoric state brought on by this herb make it useful in treating these conditions.

Vitamin E:

This vitamin can provide relief from mild hot flashes for some women. Taking more than 400 international units of vitamin E supplements daily may not be safe so read the label for dosage

Other things women need to incorporate into their lives during menopause.

Yoga

Tai Chi

Meditation

Fiber

Fruit and Vegetables

Drink plenty of water.

Calcium

One thing that women going through menopause is that hot flashes deplete our body of B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. What triggers a hot flash can range from alcohol, white sugar, hot tubs and stress. Pay attention to your body and keep track of what your triggers are. I know that getting dehydrated and being sick increase the severity and frequency of my hot flashes.

With anything that you take whether it's vitamins or herbal supplements read the labels. Also do yourself a favor and buy quality supplements. Give them time to do their stuff and try some products instead of many at once to see what works for you. If something does not work stop taking it. Most of all talk with your doctor to get feed back. The one thing that won't hurt is to see a doctor of alternative medicine. There are some very reputable doctors that have incorporated this into their practice.