Menopause signals the end of menstruation and fertility for women. According to MayoClinic.com, menopause officially begins 12 months after your last period. Menopause can bring physical and emotional pain, but there are actions you can take to help you through this difficult time. Ginger may help with some menopause symptoms. Before beginning any alternative treatment, however, consult your doctor about all the options available to you and discuss your interest in using ginger.
Menopause Symptoms
The main symptom of menopause is the lack of a menstrual cycle. For some women this can happen abruptly, but MedlinePlus states that this can happen over one to three years, with some women having shortened or irregular periods until menstruation ceases. Common disruptive symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, racing or irregular heart beat, joint aches and mood swings.
Ginger
Zingiber officinale, also commonly known as ginger, is a stem from a tropical plant. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ginger is used for cooking, baking and for medicinal purposes. Oils, extracts, capsules and tinctures are all common methods of consuming ginger. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that these products can be made from the ginger root or from the oil inside the root.
Ginger and Menopause
Ginger has not been evaluated well enough to for it to be fully endorsed as a relief for symptoms of menopause. However, according to an article published in "Social Science & Medicine," ginger has been used to treat the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. If these symptoms are bothering you, ginger can be infused with hot water and drunk as a tea. Speak to a doctor before using ginger to treat your symptoms.
Considerations
The use of ginger for menopausal symptoms are commonly used in countries such as Guatemala. According to "Social Science & Medicine," the majority of inhabitants in these areas are living in a rural setting without access to modern medicine. Although ginger appears to be beneficial for these individuals, your doctor may be able to prescribe better medication and treatment for your symptoms.
Warning
The Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine state that gas, bloating and heartburn are possible side effects for ginger use. Ginger use can also be contraindicated, depending on your current medications. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, the University of Maryland Medical Center states you should not take ginger. Consult a pharmacist or a doctor to ensure that none of your medications will interact with the ginger.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- MedlinePlus: Menopause
- Social Science and Medicine: Symptoms, Attitudes and Treatment Choices Surrounding Menopause among the Q'eqchi Maya of Livingston, Guatemala
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicin: Ginger
