Getting
through the Menopause the Natural Way
Helpful Tips on Alternatives
Any
woman over forty years old knows that the menopause is coming
sometime in the
near future.
There has been a lot of publicity about HRT and how, through taking this hormonal replacement, all your worries are over. The facts, however, are not as clear cut and you might well want to consider your options.
This article is offering some alternatives to help you through this period of time because if you go the more natural route once your menopause is over, it's over. It's important to know that those who choose HRT, when they finish their treatment, are still facing symptoms of the menopause! In other words, hormone replacement therapy postpones the symptoms.
hormone replacement therapy
Hormone Replacement Therapy replaces the female hormone oestrogen in normal doses. This involves daily oral oestrogen tablets or weekly oestrogen patches applied to the skin, with the addition of the hormone progesterone for some women.
long-term use of HRT
We are now learning that HRT is not always suitable for long-term use, as it increases risks of breast cancer, stroke and heart disease (Women's Health Initiative - WHI study). New clinical guidance recommend that GPs offer HRT in only the worst cases and for a period of only five years. Even in the early stages of use, 4 out of 5 women find that HRT doesn't agree with them.
A recent survey of 2,000 women revealed that 6 out of 10 women had tried HRT, and 33% had chosen to come off it after less than a year.
a personal choice
The decision whether to take replacement hormones remains a very personal one. A woman should discuss this with her doctor before reaching any conclusions. Although not for everyone, hormones may provide relief of some of the annoying symptoms of menopause, but women should be aware that potential risks exist.
homeopathy is an alternative to HRT
Homeopathy is safe and effective, especially when used alongside changes in your lifestyle and diet. Homeopathy is very helpful in the treatment of hot flushes, mood-swings, menopausal headaches and a host of other troublesome symptoms.
homeopathic remedies
Hormonal imbalances respond very well to homeopathic treatment. A remedy or remedies will be chosen by your homeopath from a variety of natural sources.
The choice of remedy is highly individual and requires expert help, so it's not advisable to try and choose your own remedies in a shop, for your menopausal problems. I have experienced quite a few women trying out various remedies from the chemist and ending up getting very confused.
hot flushes
One of the most common symptoms is the hot flush. This can not only become a problem during the day, especially if you are working, but can cause sleep problems at night with constant waking up because of flushes of heat.
here are some pointers to help:
Wear layers so you can manage your temperature.
Wear natural fabrics that
breathe.
Try to relax when you're having a flush. This will help.
Carry
moist tissues to freshen up after a flush.
Exercise is good. While short bursts
of exercise can trigger a hot flush, regular exercise will help to reduce the
overall number of attacks.
Stress also is known to be a potent trigger. Other
triggers of hot flushes include coffee and alcohol.
hormonal cake
The Menopause E Book - What Every Woman Needs to Know has details of how to make or have delivered a cake that contains soya and seeds and nuts that all help the hormonal balance.
See - www.menopausesupport.co.uk
help with herbs
European, Asian and Native American herbal traditions have a long history of easing menopausal symptoms. The most widely used herbal supplements or tinctures for reducing menopausal symptoms are:
black Cohosh is a popular Native American herb that is very effective for restoring hormone balance.
sage - This is a good herbal remedy for easing night sweats and hot flushes.
agnus Castus is a great hormone balancer. It works best taken first thing in the morning, every morning. It stimulates the pituitary gland which is in charge of producing and setting hormone levels.
don Quai has proved to be most effective for relieving symptoms of the menopause, in particular hot flushes as well as vaginal dryness.
st john's wort - This herb is effective in mild to moderate depression and may help to alleviate some of the temporary low moods associated with the menopause.
relaxation
As stress can have such a detrimental effect during the menopause it can make a big difference to your health if you are as relaxed as possible. Obviously in this day and age we tend to lead busy lives, so try taking some time out each day to relax. Yoga, meditation, reiki or listening to relaxation music can all help. Visit:. www.calmtime.co.uk
other articles
I have written further articles about the menopause. Get Rid of Hot Flushes the Natural Way goes into detail about how to eliminate hot flushes.