Menopause is the change that marks the permanent end of a woman's menstrual cycle. While it's a natural part of aging, many women dread the process, due to the symptoms associated with menopause. The beginning signs of menopause include irregular periods, hot flashes and mood swings, among other unwanted symptoms. (1) Menopause symptoms can vary in terms of their duration and intensity. Some women go through menopause without experiencing a decrease in quality of life. Others experience symptoms much more prominently and have trouble coping. The change is inevitable, but natural treatments for menopause symptoms can help women combat uncomfortable symptoms and maintain their quality of life.
Menopause Causes
- Increasing loss of ovarian follicles
- Decreasing amount of estrogen being produced
- A drop in hormone levels
- Aging
Beginning Signs of Menopause
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Increased abdominal fat and weight gain
- Insomnia and changes in sleep quality
- Thinning hair and dry skin
- Sudden urges to urinate or trouble controlling urination
- Decreased sex drive (2)
Treatment for Menopause
1. Exercise
Exercise is one of the best treatments for menopause. Working out on a regular basis can help boost serotonin levels to improve mood and sleep patterns. Weight gain is a common beginning sign of menopause. Exercise can work as a treatment for menopause symptom to help help combat weight gain and abdominal fat. Aim for 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity several times a week to help naturally balance hormones and maintain a healthy weight. (3)2. Use Herbal Preparations
Menopause natural supplements can help the body balance hormone levels to reduce mood swings, insomnia and other symptoms of menopause. If you are taking any medications, consult a doctor before using menopause natural supplements. Some of the most commonly used and most effective menopause natural supplements include:- Ginseng
- Evening primrose oil
- Licorice root
- Black cohosh (4)
- Wild yams
- Red raspberry leaves
- St. John’s wort
- Chaste tree
- Sarsaparilla
- Red clover (5)
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is a key part of natural treatment for menopause. Processed foods full of dangerous additives, hormones and chemicals can wreak havoc on natural hormone levels and worsen symptoms. Whole foods full of beneficial nutrients can work as a treatment for menopause symptoms. (6) To help balance your hormone levels:- Eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to balance hormone levels and miaintain a healthy weight
- Consider consuming less calories to maintain a healthy weight through menopause
- Reduce your consumption of processed, packaged foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and refined oil
- Eat plenty of high-fiber foods to help control your appetite and improve your digestive health
- Drink plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated and balance fluid levels in the body
