How To Treat Menopause Symptoms
Natural Therapies For Depression, Hot Flashes, Insomnia, Memory Loss
Oct 31, 2009
While many women encounter menopause with little or no difficulty, others experience distressing symptoms that can last for months to years.
Before, during and after menopause, the body experiences fluctuations in many different hormones, each with varying effects and symptoms. Though the decline in estrogen levels is a primary cause of menopause and its symptoms, other body hormones also change, including progesterone and testosterone.
Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, weight gain, sexual changes, depression and a failing memory are some of the symptoms that may be experienced by women as a result of hormonal fluctuation at this stage in life. The right diet and supplements can help ease this transition and reduce or deflect some symptoms.
Black cohosh is the most widely-used medicinal herb for menopause. Various studies have shown that this flowering herb can reduce unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including irritability, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweating, poor concentration, insomnia, and depression.
Research has shown that black cohosh is a good estrogenic herb that acts specifically on the uterus to reduce cramps and congestion. It is also an excellent herbal remedy for relieving uncomfortable hot flashes and night sweating.
Other studies show that this herb contains two anti-rheumatic agents and is therefore able to relieve muscular pain and cramping. It may also help to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Uses of black cohosh include:
- For hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms, take 200 mg twice daily
- For mood swings and depression associated with menopause, take 200 mg twice daily or try tea and tincture preparations.
- For rheumatism, arthritis and muscle pain, try black cohosh teas, capsules and tinctures.
Nutritional Supplements for Menopause
Although foods provide minerals and vitamins, when a therapeutic dose is needed or when the diet is lacking, a supplement may be required. Several vitamins and minerals help reduce or alleviate symptoms of menopause and help to improve overall health. Supplements always work best in conjunction to a healthy life style and diet plan.
- Vitamin A stimulates production of estrogen in menopausal women.
- The B vitamins help the liver detoxify the body and balance hormones. Try 100 milligrams of a B-complex one to three times daily.
- Vitamin C fortifies the walls of blood vessels and capillaries. The recommended daily dose is 1,500 milligrams.
- Vitamin D is critical in the absorption of calcium for the prevention of osteoporosis. Take 400 to 800 lU daily.
- Vitamin E stimulates estrogen production and offers heart protection and can relieve menopausal symptoms within a few weeks - 400 IU of vitamin E taken twice daily.
- Calcium is often depleted during menopause and is needed to maintain bone density. Take 1,000 milligrams daily.
- Magnesium is also needed to maintain bone density.
Other Herbal Therapies
Other herbal therapies to consider for the treatment of menopause symptoms are:
- Dong quai is a Chinese herbal remedy for hot flashes and body dryness.
- Licorice has a phytoestrogenic effect and is good for adrenal gland insufficiency.
- Chasteberry acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate and normalize hormonal functions.
- St. John's wort is effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
These herbs help balance the body's hormones and decrease menopausal symptoms. Consult your physician before you try herbal medications to find out which is most beneficial to you.
Regular exercise also helps reduce irritability, mood swings and weight gain. If you're suffering from hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause, an hour of exercise a day can help minimize discomfort.
All herbal remedies are also potent medications and should be used responsibly. They may also interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies and report any side effects immediately.
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