Menopause, which is the period of time during which your menstrual periods permanently end, is a natural life event that typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. FamilyDoctor.org states that menopause is a process that may take several years. Nutritional supplements may be a helpful method of treating menopausal symptoms, although it is always wise to consult your physician before using nutritional supplements for this health purpose.
Menopause Info
You have reached menopause when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Menopause is intimately associated with a decline in the production of two important hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Menopause may cause several bothersome symptoms or problems, including hot flashes, changes in your libido, vaginal dryness and pain during sex, night sweats, fatigue and weight gain. On the other hand, some women experience few or no menopausal symptoms.
Nutritional Supplements
Certain supplements may provide the nutrients you need to help treat your menopausal symptoms. Among the most helpful nutritional supplements for this health purpose, notes Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," are vitamin E, hesperidin, vitamin C, ferulic acid, phytoestrogens, dong quai, licorice, chaste tree berries, black cohosh and ginkgo. Evidence supporting some of these supplements in treating menopausal symptoms may be inconclusive.
Supplement in Focus
Dong quai may be one of the most frequently prescribed nutritional supplements for menopausal symptoms. According to expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," dong quai has long been used in treating various ailments, including menopausal symptoms, chronic pelvic infections, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and anemia. This nutritional supplement possesses antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory action, enriches your blood and promotes healthy circulation. Extracts of the dried root are used in nutritional supplements, states Smith.
Dietary Recommendations
Certain dietary changes may also help treat your menopausal symptoms. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the following foods may be beneficial in reducing your menopausal symptoms: blackstrap molasses, whitefish, sardines, salmon with bones, kelp, dandelion greens, broccoli and soybean products. Foods that contain significant amounts of phytoestrogens -- naturally occurring plant compounds that cause estrogenic effects -- include soybeans, flaxseeds, nuts, fennel, celery, parsley and alfalfa. These foods may help alleviate your hot flashes. Alcohol, caffeine and sugar may trigger hot flashes, aggravate your urinary incontinence and exacerbate your mood swings and should be avoided.
Additional Information
Menopause, though a normal part of the aging process, may cause problematic symptoms that require the intervention of a qualified healthcare professional. Nutritional supplements may help reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life while you are going through menopause. Avoid using nutritional supplements in place of other therapies recommended by your primary care provider. Always discuss proper dosage and potential side effects with your doctor before using nutritional supplements.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Menopause: What to Expect When Your Body is Changing
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Women's Reproductive Health: Menopause
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
