There are many ways to combat the side effects of menopause. There are the basic methods such as hormone replacement therapy, and non-hormonal therapy. Although these methods work, they also come with some heavy side effects such as dizziness and nausea as well as others. There is also the threat of developing breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and gall bladder disease which make many women leery of using these methods. Thirty to forty five percent of women stop using HRT within twelve months of getting it prescribed.
Some people just don't feel comfortable taking a drug, and look for a therapy that is more natural in origin, such as herbal remedies. Here are some of the alternative therapies used to combat menopause symptoms.
- Soy and soy products can be used to boost estrogen. Soy contains Phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens is a plant derived compound that boosts estrogenic activity. While soy may work, there isn't enough scientific evidence to say for sure. If taken over the long term soy may help with cholesterol and bones.
- St. John's wort can be used to treat mild depression. It is not effective in treating severe depression. It is used in the short term, which means two years or less.
say for sure. If taken over the long term soy may help with cholesterol and bones.
- Black cohosh can be used to treat hot flashes and night sweats. According to studies it is extremely safe to use, although the studies have been brief.
- Chasteberry has been reported to help with anger, headache, breast fullness and mood swings. Very little scientific proof to back up these claims, but it may be worth a try.
- Ginseng has been reported to give some women a sense of well being. While this may be true, it was also found that ginseng quality control is sub par. Some of the ginseng contained pesticides, little or no actual ginseng, caffeine and lead.
- Meno-Eze has been clinically proven to help with menopause symptoms. It contains herbs that contain phytoestrogens or plant hormones. It is said to help the body retain cholesterol levels and a host of other menopausal symptoms and is safe for long term use.
- Horse chestnut is said to promote circulation of the veins. Many women develop varicose veins during menopause, so this may help to prevent that.
- Wild yam is a herb used to give relief to menopausal arthritis. There is very little scientific proof to back up this claim.
- Dong Quai is a female tonic used to balance hormones and help with menopausal symptoms.
- Yoga is used by some women to treat their loss of flexibility and to relieve stress. Some women believe that by lessening their stress levels using this method, it helped prevent their mood swings.
- Natural progesterone is extracted from plant sources. It is said to help with hot flashes, but may make you dizzy or tired. It is best to take this medicine at bed time to minimize the side effects.
- Anti depressants can be used for mood swings and hot flushes. While clinical studies have proven that it is fifty percent effective, most of the trials were flawed in some way. It is best to talk to your family doctor about using this method.
- Evening primrose oil is often used to treat menopausal symptoms, but according to the only study ever conducted on its effects, it was shown that it was no more effective than the placebo.
- Fish oils rich in Omega three fatty acids are sometimes used to treat hot flashes. There is no scientific proof that it actually works.
- Calcium is used to combat bone loss, but while it may help with this, there is no proof that it is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Menopausal women should also consider exercising on a regular basis. Studies have concluded that women who exercises regularly are less likely to experience sever hot flashes. They are also healthier and have more energy. Exercise also helps to minimize bone and muscle loss due to estrogen loss and aging.
It is also a good idea to eat healthy. This way your body has all of the proper nutrients that a woman needs in this faze of her life. Women who have a healthy diet are also healthier and better bale to handle menopausal symptoms.
While there are many alternative methods of treating menopausal symptoms, there are also a lot of fakes. It's important to talk to your doctor before using any of these methods.
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