Menopause occurs when your body manufactures less estrogen and your ovaries stop releasing eggs. As menopause occurs, you may experience symptoms ranging from hot flashes to night sweats to depression. Your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy or other medications, although there are alternatives to treat problems associated with menopause.
Change Your Diet
Making changes to the way you eat can improve menopause symptoms. Hot flashes, a problem three out of four women experience during menopause can cause sweating, increased heart rate and flushed skin. HealthCastle.com recommends steering clear of any beverage containing caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods to avoid making hot flashes worse. You may also consider following a low-fat diet--Breastcancer.org notes that losing excess weight may help prevent hot flashes. You should also enrich your diet with foods high in calcium, which supports bone health. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that presents with brittle bones, increases with menopause.
Take Nutritional Supplements
Not only do nutritional supplements ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals you need for healthy bones. they decrease symptoms associated with menopause. The Natural Health Website for Women indicates that you need extra vitamin C, E and B vitamins as well as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids during this time of your life. Vitamin C taken with bioflavonoids and vitamin E may reduce hot flashes and may also prevent or treat vaginal dryness that may occur during menopause. B vitamins may increase your energy levels and nurture your adrenal glands. The website also notes that magnesium can help mood changes menopause can cause, and omega-3 fatty acids ease a range of menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness and skin problems. A quality multi-vitamin and fish oil capsules may supply all these nutrients, but consult your physician before taking supplements.
Consider Herbal Remedies
Many herbal remedies have long been in use to relief menopause symptoms, thus, including them in your diet may help relieve a range of problems. The Holistic Online website notes that taking black cohosh, liferoot and sage may relieve hot flashes. Herbs like chasteberry, damiana, gingko biloba and St. John's wort may ease depression and other mood changes associated with menopause. The website promotes the use of a variety of herbs that may balance hormones such as dandelion, dong quai, false unicorn root, licorice, raspberry and red clover. Consult your physician before taking any herbal remedies and follow recommended dosages prescribed by your doctor or herbalist.
