Menopause is a transition time for females -- a time where your ovaries no longer produce eggs and your body's production of estrogen and progesterone declines. In most cases, your frequency of menstruation gradually decreases until you no longer experience periods. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that menopause is a natural event in the lives of women between the ages of 45 and 55.
Menopause Information
Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, skin flushing, insomnia and tachycardia, or increased heart rate. Less common menopause symptoms include forgetfulness, headaches, irregular menstrual periods, mood swings and reduced libido. Menopause-related symptoms occur due to changes in your hormone levels. The type and severity of menopause symptoms varies between women.
Menopause Supplements
Nutritional supplements are often used to help treat menopause-related symptoms. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that nutritional supplements may help reduce your menopause-related symptoms, including beta-1,3-D-glucan, coenzyme Q10, dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA and essential fatty acids. Beta-1,3-D-glucan increases your bone marrow production and helps prevent osteoporosis, while coenzyme Q10 reduces depression and fatigue and boosts your energy levels. DHEA reduces stress and enhances your sex drive and essential fatty acids -- especially primrose oil and black currant oil -- help treat hot flashes.
Menopause Herbal Remedies
Like nutritional supplements, herbal remedies may be used to treat menopause-related symptoms. Balch lists numerous herbs that may be used for this purpose, including aloe vera gel, which helps treat vaginal dryness, and amaranth, chickweed, dandelion greens, nettle, seaweed and watercress that are helpful in preventing osteoporosis. Natural estrogen promoters include anise, black cohosh, fennel, licorice, raspberry, sage, unicorn root and wild yam root. Damiana boosts both your sexual desire and enjoyment. And hops and valerian root are especially helpful for promoting restful sleep.
Warning
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that there are several serious health complications that may be associated with menopause, including bone loss and osteoporosis and an increased risk of heart disease. If you are a woman experiencing menopause-related symptoms, visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment strategies that may be helpful. Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies should always be taken under the guidance of a health care professional who can monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment accordingly.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Menopause
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
Member Comments