Menopause naturally occurs in women aged 45 to 51 but some women menopause early at 35 or late at 61. Like the onset of puberty, menopause is a significant cycle in a woman’s life. It marks the decline in the estrogen levels, which leads to the cessation of the menses.

This period comes with bouts of hot flushes, depression and anxiety. Women may have severe symptoms and will need treatment to ease the symptoms.

The Symptoms

Women do not have a uniform set of menopausal symptoms. Generally, there will be: vaginal dryness, weight gain, decrease in libido, mood swings, hot and cold flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. Serious symptoms like bone loss, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and pain during sex can also occur in some women while some will experience an increase in allergy reactions, sinus problems, and urinary infections.

The Causes

The body goes a difficult transition during menopause causing several symptoms to appear. Women who have experienced depression in their fertile years are likely to go through severe bouts of depression during the menopause and post menopause periods. The increase in incidence and severity of existing medical problems is magnified during menopause and trigger panic attacks. Poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to these symptoms too.

Menopause Treatment

There are treatments for severe symptoms. Apart from traditional medical remedies, there are alternative remedies available – home remedies and natural remedies.

* Medical Treatment

A doctor can recommend medications after viewing one’s medical history. Medical treatments for menopause symptoms include hormone replacement, local hormone treatment, and anti-depressant therapy. Unfortunately, many of the medications for depression can have unwanted side effects like diminished sexual drive and hormone replacement therapy has been known to have implications in cancer and other diseases.

* Menopause natural remedies

Natural remedies offer safer alternatives to medication. These remedies include a healthy menopause diet, herbal treatment, and food supplements.

Diet is a big factor in the management of menopause symptoms. Reducing the intake of coffee and tea minimizes hot and cold flashes. Increasing carbohydrate intake reduces depression. Calcium-rich foods prevent the osteoporosis; to decrease the risks of heart attack; and essential fatty acids from flax seeds should be included in the diet to reduce hot flashes.

* Herbal Treatments for Menopause Relief

Herbs for menopause can treat symptoms like hot flashes and decrease headaches without the side-effects of artificial estrogen and progesterone. Herbal treatments include herbs like wild yam, dong quai, cohosh, and valerian root. For depression, St. John’s Wort has shown to be effective menopause supplements.

The use of St. John’s Wort in folk medicine dates back to ancient Europe. It was the preferred treatment for kidney infections, burns and wounds, and was a popular cure for depression. This must however be taken only if approved by the health care provider if other medication is being taken.

Natural food supplements could be used in conjunction with herbal treatments. The food supplements contain a variety of herbs: Black Cohosh, Chaste Tree, Wild Yam, and Rosemary. These minimize symptoms, have a calming effect on the nerves, and promote general well-being. These supplements can be taken in tablets or liquid form. You can ask your health provider to help you get the right food supplements for you menopause symptoms.