As the transition signaling the end of a woman's childbearing years, menopause is a gradual process in which a woman's body produces fewer hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. Menopause also causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as night sweats, insomnia and hot flashes. While some women seek a drug-based hormone regimen, others consider a holistic approach to help relieve menopausal hot flashes. The holistic approach not only focuses on menopause and its symptoms, but also seeks to improve a woman's emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Consult a doctor or healthcare provider to discuss hormone therapies and holistic approaches that are right for you.
Early Onset Menopause
While most women begin menopause around 50 or 60 years of age, women who begin menopause before the age 45 are classified as having early or premature menopause. Causes for early or premature menopause can range from illness and infection to malformation of the ovaries and even cancer. Although all menopausal women may suffer from the same types of symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, women with early menopause caused by illness may experience more severe symptoms due to an already weakened immune system.
Hormone Replacement Therapy vs. The Holistic Approach
In the Western world, many women suffering from menopause undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy, in which drugs replace estrogen and other hormones to relieve menopausal symptoms. Although HRT drugs are relatively effective, they can cause adverse side effects, such as headaches, nausea and, in severe cases, cancer or strokes. The holistic approach, on the other hand, incorporates a woman's lifestyle, diet, exercise and herbal remedies to treat the whole person.
Lifestyle
By examining a woman's lifestyle and choices, the holistic approach to menopause aims to change or eliminate factors that may exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Woman who smoke, suffer from chemical dependencies, have irregular sleep patterns or are under a lot of stress may have a harder time relieving menopausal symptoms. By adopting a healthier and more stress-free lifestyle and maintaining consistent sleep patterns, women with menopause and hot flashes may better control their symptoms.
Diet and Exercise
A proper diet and a consistent exercise regimen are also important parts of a holistic approach to menopause and relieving hot flashes. Beginning with a healthy diet of low fat and heart-healthy foods, a woman can help stabilize hormones with foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy, pomegranates and flaxseed. Phytoestrogens are plant-based hormones that help relieve hot flashes by mimicking estrogen in the body. Menopausal women should also eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish. Omega-3 fatty acids not only regulate hormones, but are also beneficial for the heart and lower cholesterol. Coupled with a proper diet, menopausal women should also stay active by walking, swimming or taking yoga.
Herbal Remedies
Used in Eastern medicine for hundreds of years, there are a number of herbs that may help relieve menopausal symptoms. Herbs such as black cohosh, dong quai and chaste berry, also called vitex, are commonly used to regulate hormone levels. Herbs can be ingested in teas or added to other foods in extract or tincture form. Herbs and their essential oils are also components of aromatherapy for treating menopause. Before adding herbs to your diet, consult a doctor or dietician for appropriate dosages specific to your age, weight and any medications you take regularly.
