What Are The Treatments For Premenopausal Symptoms?

Perimenopause, is the period when a woman's body is preparing for menopause. For most women, hormone production by the ovaries begins to slow down after age thirty and continues to diminish over time. Many women suffer from various degrees of anxiety, dry skin, fatigue, bloating, headaches, irregular or heavy periods, heart parlpitations, hot flashes, insomnia, decreased libido, poor memory and concentration, mood swings, night sweats, loss of bladder control, vaginal dryness and weight gain during this time. Treatments may include hormones, foods, nutritional supplements and exercise.

Contraceptives

Birth control medications containing estrogen may effectively level fluctuating hormones and provide relief from irregular cycles, menstrual cramps, menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) and endometriosis, a painful condition characterized by inflammation of tissues that occur outside the uterus. Nisha Jackson, PhD., author of "The Hormone Survival Guide for Perimenopause," warns that estrogen contraceptives may have unwanted side effects of nausea, fatigue, weight gain and decreased interest in sex.
An intrauterine device (IUD) containing progestin is another birth control method that may relieve irregular cycles and menorrhagia with less side effects, although some women experience irregular bleeding when using an IUD. Diosgenin, a substance contained in soy, Mexican wild yams and the herb fenugreek, is used to manufacture progestin as well as natural progesterone creams.

Exercise

Regular moderate exercise is conducive to better sleep, weight loss, stronger bones, increased energy and improved mood. According to Jackson, finding time to work out as little as 30 minutes a day will improve skin tone, increase sex drive, help stress management and balance hormones. Women who want to get moving should consult a healthcare professional and start with walking, which almost anyone can do. Walking with a pet or a buddy makes it more fun and more likely to become a habit.

Foods

Estrogen-like compounds found in foods such as soybeans, flaxseeds, pomegranites and dates are called phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Consuming these substances on a regular basis may alleviate perimenopausal symptoms. A review of randomised clinical trials by United Kingdom researchers Huntley and Ernst of the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth found that there is evidence for the efficacy of soy preparations for perimenopausal symptoms. Huntley and Ernst also concluded that there are no serious safety concerns with the short-term use of soy products.

Supplements

According to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases memory function, reduces stress and enhances sex drive. It should not be taken with hormone replacement therapy. Essential fatty acids in evening primrose, black currant and borage oils are thought to act as a sedative and diuretic. Vitamin D3 regulates calcium absorption, and vitamin E may relieve hot flashes. Balch asserts that calcium and magnesium supplements alleviate irritability and nervousness as well as they protect against bone loss. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is sponsoring studies on herbal remedies for perimenopausal symptoms including red clover, kava kava, ginseng, dong quai and black cohosh. Since each woman is different, it is important to obtain the guidance of a knowledgeable naturopathic physician or other healthcare professional before treating your symptoms with supplements.