Up until 2002, doctors routinely prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women in menopause who wanted to decrease unpleasant symptoms including hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, depression, weight gain, mood changes and night sweats. Then, according to the Mayo Clinic, a large clinical trial uncovered more potential risks than benefits with HRT, leading many women to discontinue its use. Today, there are natural alternatives to HRT that women can use to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
A healthy diet, exercise and a stress-free lifestyle can decrease mood swings, hot flashes, depression and night sweats. Foods that are hot or spicy can stimulate symptoms, as well as caffeine, white flour and sugar, so it is best to avoid these. Daily exercise can reduce weight gain, hot flashes and sleep problems. It can also elevate your mood and help lift depression. Incorporating regular yoga, massage, meditation, visualization, hypnosis or deep breathing exercises can relieve tension and daily stress, which is also a major trigger in menopausal symptoms.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are estrogens naturally occurring in soybeans and other plant-based foods that can help relieve menopausal symptoms. Because women in menopause have declining levels of estrogen that trigger hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings, naturally occurring estrogens can help. Phytoestrogens are found in soy products like tofu, soymilk and soybeans. They are also found in flaxseed, whole grains, berries and pumpkin. The Mayo Clinic cautions women to be careful though and check with their doctor first, because there is still some concern about cancer risk with this form of estrogen.
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbs can reduce hot flashes and night sweats by putting mild plant estrogens or hormones back into your system. Black cohosh and primrose oil are widely available and have been popular in Europe for years. Other herbal remedies include don quai, ginseng, motherwort, caste tree or vitex, chickweed, hawthorn berries and dandelion. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any herbal treatments, though. According to ProjectAware.com, "there is limited and conflicting research on their safety and effectiveness. Some of the herbal products can have harmful side effects or can interact with other drugs."
Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine has treated women's menopausal symptoms using herbal teas, acupressure and acupuncture. These treatments are thought to help balance the body and promote healing. According to Naturalhealthweb.com, "since the early seventies, studies around the globe have suggested that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are effective treatments for hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness and many other symptoms associated with menopause."
