Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms the Natural Way

Amy Taylor September 19, 2012

There are a lot of beautiful women these days. With all those beauty regimens, creams and sophisticated cosmetic treatments, women in their fifties tend to look like they are thirty, flirty and thriving. However, some women suffer from the debilitating symptoms of menopause, which in turn, severely affect their life. These include hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, and sometimes depression. For these people, menopause is a major life transition.

Menopausal symptoms are normally treated with medical intervention such as Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, more and more women are starting to appreciate the benefits of using natural techniques to manage and alleviate the symptoms. Midwife Zita West, who helped Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett and Sophie, Countess of Wessex get through pregnancy, has devised a programme that can be done by women who want to free themselves from the undesirable effects of menopause. Her programme does not include HRT or any prescription medications. It only involves natural approaches which, according to West, will make menopause women feel like natural women.

1. Diet

Diet plays a big factor in the management of menopausal symptoms. West suggests eating more foods that contain phytoestrogens, a hormone that is similar to oestrogen (female hormone that depletes during menopausal period). These include flaxseeds, soy, kidney beans and pulses.

2. Weight-bearing exercises

Weight gain often comes along with menopause. Usually, large fat deposits are formed in the abdomen. This is where exercising makes perfect sense. Weight-bearing exercises like brisk walking, jogging and aerobics do not just promote weight loss but also improves bone density.

3. Regular health checks

To get away from the serious effects of menopause, women should learn how to look after themselves. Women in their menopause are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Undergoing regular checkups would therefore minimise the risks. West also recommends seeing a gynaecologist to get a pelvic check-up.

4. Keep the stress low

Women in their menopause are likely to experience low mood from time to time. Going out, having fun, shopping, dining out with friends and doing other recreational activities can relieve stress and prevent emotional disorders.

Alternative Therapies for Menopause

Symptoms of menopause can be alleviated with the intervention of some of the most common alternative therapies such as acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Although scientists could not determine how these therapies work, studies show that those who had acupuncture experienced relief from menopausal symptoms particularly hot flushes. Visualising oneself (through hypnotherapy) as a healthy individual also helps manage the symptoms.

Homeopathy

Other than acupuncture and hypnotherapy, homeopathic treatments are also recommended for women in their menopause. They contain essential compounds which help relieve symptoms. Cimicifuga for instance, is known to relieve all symptoms of menopause from hot flashes to vaginal dryness, bleeding, headaches, depression and mood swings. Sepia is recommended to women who are experiencing emotional imbalances. It alleviates the feeling of sadness, moodiness, and indifference. It also aids in vaginal dryness and pain during sexual intercourse.

TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine which involves the use of special herbs can also be used to treat menopausal symptoms. Wild Yam, a popular herb, helps regulate hormones particularly progesterone. Such hormone is important in controlling depression, anger and irritability. Ginseng is used to treat many diseases. It has also been found to help reduce symptoms of menopause. This herb is useful in keeping the vaginal walls supple and healthy, preventing vaginal dryness, pain and tearing. It also aids in insomnia. There are many other herbs that could do wonders in managing menopausal symptoms.

But prior using any of these treatments, it is always necessary to seek advice from a therapist. This way, women would know which specific treatments are best for them.