Menopause is the natural end to a woman's reproductive cycle but it may come with uncomfortable symptoms. Natural remedies may help to ease the symptoms associated with menopause in the years leading up to your last period. Natural remedies help to stabilize hormones and ease the physical, mental and emotional effects associated with this time in a woman's life. Discuss the use of natural treatments with your doctor, especially if you're currently taking hormone replacement therapy. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests altering your diet and using herbs to treat menopausal symptoms naturally.
Step 1
Eliminate spicy foods and hot drinks from your diet to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. Limit processed lunchmeats, dairy products and pork. Instead, fill your plate with whole grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables, raw seeds and nuts. Restrict sweets like candy, cookies and pastries.
Step 2
Start a regular exercise routine. A brisk daily walk, yoga, swimming and bicycling may raise endorphin levels in the body, reducing the duration and severity of hot flashes. Set a minimum exercise goal of 20 minutes at least three times a week. See your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Step 3
Limit alcohol consumption and eliminate caffeine from your diet to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Smoking can increase the discomfort of menopausal symptoms. Quit now.
Step 4
Reduce stress to relieve emotional symptoms. Meditation, biofeedback, deep breathing or a leisurely soak in a warm tub can ease tensions and may reduce mood swings. Seek out relaxing pastimes, such as reading a good book or observing nature to reduce stress levels.
Step 5
Apply sesame oil or other vegetable oils topically before intercourse. Ask your physician about performing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which may make intercourse more enjoyable. Mother Nature.com recommends engaging in sexual intercourse at least once a week to help balance fluctuating hormones by indirectly stimulating the ovaries.
Step 6
Add natural sources of phytoestrogens to your diet. As an alternative to conventional hormone treatment, phytoestrogens are mild plant estrogens that may ease menopausal symptoms. Readily available in soymilk, tofu, tempeh, red clover, lima beans, chickpeas, pomegranates, wild yam and licorice root, these sources of phytoestrogen may balance your hormones and control symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear lightweight, loose clothing made from a "breathable" fabric, such as cotton, to minimize hot flashes.
- Some herbs may not be suitable if you're taking medications or if you have other medical disorders. Clear an herbal remedy program with your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Whole grain foods
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Sesame oil
- Soy products
- Lima beans
- Chickpeas
- Pomegranates
- Wild yam
- Licorice root
References
- Mother Nature.com: Menopause
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 3"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Menopause
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Menopause
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