Natural Menopause Treatment Options

Menopause Supplements

If you have begun experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms (signs of menopause) it is important to understand that there are some very simple menopause treatments which can help alleviate some of the most disturbing and uncomfortable side-effects of this natural process.

Every woman experiences menopause in a different way and the menopause age can vary tremendously, but once perimenopause symptoms begin to occur many women start to look for relief. Some women will pass through this phase of life with hardly any difficulty; others will experience many of the typical menopause hot flashes or other symptoms to varying degrees and at times these symptoms can be not only uncomfortable, but pose other potential health risks.

Understanding your options when it comes to menopause supplements is an important first line of defense when it comes to finding the best solution for your particular situation. There are many different types of supplements available and many natural remedies for menopause have proven to be quite effective in alleviating various menopause symptoms or in helping with menopause weight gain.

Menopause Treatment

Hot Flashes and Black Cohosh

One of the top selling supplements used for menopause symptoms is Black Cohosh. Studies have shown black cohosh to be effective in relieving hot flashes which is one of the biggest complaints when it comes to menopause symptoms.

Night Sweats, Hot Flashes and Flaxseed

The use of flaxseed or flaxseed oil has been shown to reduce menopause symptoms for some women. In fact, one study found that night sweats were reduced by 44% and hot flashes by 35% for women who experienced mild symptoms.

Calcium to Prevent Bone Loss During Menopause

With the onset of menopause, a woman’s hormone levels decline putting her at risk of reduced bone density levels. Getting adequate levels of vitamin D is absolutely vital for proper bone health. Women under the age of 50 should get 1,000 milligrams per day while those 50+ need 1,200 milligrams each day. Some doctors recommend taking calcium in two or three smaller doses throughout the day rather than a single larger dose. This is thought to help your body better absorb the calcium.

Vitamin D and Calcium for Bone Health

Menopause symptoms, calcium and vitamin D. Most people understand that calcium is essential to good bone health, but what many don’t realize is that without adequate levels of vitamin D your body is unable to absorb the necessary calcium. Vitamin D is available in some foods, through the use of supplements and from the sun. Getting ten to fifteen minutes of unprotected sun exposure will allow your body to make the necessary amount of vitamin D that it needs for calcium absorption and good bone health.

With the growing awareness of the dangers of too much unprotected sun exposure, many people have now come full-circle and rarely, if ever, get adequate levels of sun exposure to produce the needed vitamin D. The results have been an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency both in the U.S. and around the world. Some sun exposure is actually good for you. It is important to talk to your doctor regarding your risks for vitamin D deficiency and how best to maintain adequate levels.

Ginseng as a Mood Enhancer

There is no doubt that there can be times when various menopause symptoms can result in making a woman feel a little down. This is a difficult time for many women and the uncomfortable side-effects can certainly be distressing. While there has been no research to suggest that ginseng can alleviate hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms, there is evidence to suggest that it can improve a woman’s quality of life by providing a boost to her sense of well-being and outlook.

St. John’s Wort for Mood Swings

St. John’s wort has become very well known as an effective treatment for cases of mild depression. However, studies suggest it may have even more benefits for women suffering with the symptoms of menopause, especially when used in combination with black cohosh. St. John’s wort has been shown to help improve the mood swings often associated with menopause.

Soy for Menopause Relief

In the United States, women are more than eight times likelier to experience hot flashes during menopause than women in Asian countries. One explanation might be the soy products often found in the diets of Asian women. There have been several studies suggesting that soy can help reduce a woman’s hot flashes and that soy extract was about as effective as hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms.

Menopause Supplements

When choosing to use menopause supplements it is important to understand that they are not without risk. Be sure to talk to your health care practitioner regarding the supplements you intend to take and be aware of any potential side effects. Some supplements can interfere with medications you may be taking or can cause an allergic reaction.