Natural Products for Menopause Symptoms
This article will highlight very specific natural products for menopause symptoms. When menstrual periods cease completely for six to twelve months a woman is considered to have entered menopause. The time period before total cessation is called perimenopause and the time after is called postmenopause. This process can take several years and have an array of discomforts associated with it. These can include: irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, headaches, vaginal dryness, bladder infections, cold hands and feet, forgetfulness and inability to concentrate (brain fog), insomnia and fatigue. Many women are choosing to find natural products for menopause symptoms. Most women choose natural products because they are worried about the adverse-side effects of conventional medicine. Current medical treatment for the discomforts associated with menopause involves the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
This practice is highly controversial and warrants educating oneself on the side effects associated with it. Natural products for menopause relief can be just as effective without the associated worry from unknown side-effects. -Vitamin E along with Estrogen creams are commonly used natural products for menopause as they effectively combat vaginal dryness. Good sources of Vitamin E include cucumbers, asparagus, mackerel, haddock, lamb, kale, liver, brown rice, safflower oil, sesame oil, almonds, and mangoes. Vitamin E is good in aiding vaginal dryness, but if you have rheumatic heart disease or a history of high blood pressure it should not be taken in excess.
-Black cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa) is a relaxing nerve tonic and has been used over the ages as a remedy for female gynecological problems. Recent clinical studies done in Germany have confirmed that Black Cohosh is strongly estrogenic making it a highly effective natural product for menopause symptoms including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, anxiety, and irritability. It has as its main constituents triterpene glycosides, cinnamic acid derivatives, chromone, isoflavones, tannins and salicylic acid. Black cohosh can be found in health stores and comes in the form of either tea or supplements.
-Dong Quai, one of the most important of the Chinese tonic herbs, is used as a nourishing blood tonic and to regulate the menstrual cycle. Dong Quai has been used for centuries by Asian healers to balance female hormones making it an excellent natural product for menopause symptoms. Clinical research has indicated that Dong Quai also contains antispasmodic compounds that aid in relaxing muscle tissue, explaining its effectiveness in treating menstrual cramps. Research has shown that Dong Quai is extremely effective in providing long term relief from symptoms of Menopause when taken regularly for between 8 and 12 weeks, and its effects are most noticeable at the end of the treatment period.
-Bioflavonoids are found in many natural products for menopause and act as estrogen substitutes. They work to relieve symptoms of mood swings and hot flashes. Bioflavonoids are found naturally in citrus fruits mostly.
-Vitamin B-Complex can be lost due to the emotional stress that often accompanies menopause and can worsen symptoms, especially mood swings. Replacements of Vitamin B can be found abundantly in wheat germ or can be taken as supplements.
-Women who contract frequent urinary tract infection can take Echinacea or Vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, parsley, asparagus, tomatoes, salmon, and liver. Cranberry juice and water can also help with urinary tract infections.
-Fatty acids are a good natural product for menopause as they can help to regulate hormones and reduce mood swings. Examples of fatty acids are Omega 3 and Omega 6. Fatty acids can also be found in flaxseed, pumpkinseeds, mackerel, tuna, salmon, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and safflower oil.
-A healthy diet, regular exercise program, and getting plenty of rest can be nearly as good as any of the natural products for menopause. Eating foods rich in phytoestrogens including soy, flaxseed, nuts, whole grains, apples, fennel, celery, parsley, and alfalfa helps decrease menopausal symptoms. Foods that should be eaten sparingly are salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Avoid antihistamines, alcohol, caffeine, and diuretics, and be sure to stay well hydrated. Regular exercise improves mood, health of bones, and cardiovascular health as well as diminishing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
-Natural products for menopause can help greatly in reducing menopausal symptoms and making the big change in life for women a much easier and more pleasant transition. Remember that it is always important to consult your physician before beginning any new remedies.
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