Non Hormonal Menopause Solutions 

One of the most effective treatments for the symptoms of menopause is hormone therapy.

It is also one of the most expensive treatments and involves putting various hormones into your body such as estrogen, progesterone, progestin and even testosterone. This type of treatment has to be prescribed by a doctor and over time the costs can really add up.

But what if there was a way that you could do it yourself, not by buying hormone drugs illegally online, but through natural means. Yes there, are natural remedies that can treat your menopause symptoms.

Natural hormone therapy is becoming increasingly popular owing to the side effects of medical hormone therapy. These side effects include nausea, spotting, sore or swollen breasts, migraines and bloating. Using medical hormone therapy can also increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other heart-related conditions, breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

Natural hormone therapy comes from plants in our environment and certain foods. This article will introduce you to the most common sources of natural hormone therapy and how you can benefit from going to the natural route.

4 Natural hormone Remedies To Control Menopause Symptoms 

It was observed by researchers that women in Asian countries such as China and Japan had less severe menopausal symptoms than women in Western countries. After some studies were conducted, it was discovered that the reason for this is because Asian diets consist of many phytoestrogen-rich foods that contain lignans and isoflavones.

Phytoestrogens are a type of estrogen that occurs naturally in certain foods . Some of these foods include soy, flaxseed, tofu, whole grains, chickpeas, certain fruits and vegetables, and legumes.

By incorporating phytoestrogen-rich foods into the diet, you can:

Precaution

Even though phytoestrogens occur naturally, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have any of the same side effects as synthetic hormones.

We strongly advise that you take precautions when adding phytoestrogen to your diet since overuse can lead to obesity, increase your risk of certain cancers and heart disease and increase your risk of developing uterine fibroids.

More research is still needed to understand the dangers of too many phytoestrogens in the diet so until then, proceed with caution. After all, too much of anything can never be a good thing even if it is healthy.

Warning

Try to ingest phytoestrogens in their natural form, i.e in foods since many supplements on the market, today are not monitored by the FDA for quality assurance and dosage.

If you must ingest phytoestrogens in capsule form, always do thorough research on the company before purchasing.

Taking Your Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are important throughout a woman’s entire life and should be a part of every meal. Vitamins help to keep the body going and prevent the development of several conditions including rickets (osteoporosis), anemia, scurvy, goiter, and certain cancers.

As it relates to menopause, you still need to ingest the recommended daily amounts to live a healthy life. Certain vitamins and minerals have been known to ease or prevent certain symptoms of menopause. These include:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is responsible for vision, the immune system, and the reproductive system. It also promotes bone health and cell growth which can help to lower your risk of fractures and developing cancer. Good sources of Vitamin A include dairy, fish, liver, green leafy vegetables, carrots, and tomatoes.

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 helps the brain to produce a chemical known as serotonin. This chemical is necessary to regulate your mood. During menopause, serotonin levels fluctuate which causes mood swings and can worsen depression. Taking vitamin B-6 supplements or eating foods rich in vitamin B-6 such as starchy vegetables, non-citrus fruits, and poultry can help to prevent mood swings and help with anxiety and depression .

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is responsible for brain and tissue health, creating new blood cells and keeping the body energized. During menopause when energy levels are low and there is a higher risk of mental degeneration, consuming foods rich in vitamin B-12 such as beef, pork and poultry can help to relieve fatigue, memory loss, and depression.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is responsible for the growth and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the absorption of iron and Vitamin E and promotes healthy cartilage, teeth, and bones. In menopausal women, it helps to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and bone disease. It can get your recommended daily dose of Vitamin C from oranges, strawberries, kiwi, green and red peppers, broccoli and tomatoes.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in your body and promotes bone health. It is produced from exposure to sunlight and can decrease your chances of developing osteoporosis and depression. Vitamin D is also present in foods such as egg yolk, fortified cereal, beef liver, and fish liver oil.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that helps to rid your body of cancer-causing free radicals and improves the appearance of your skin and hair. It is can also reduce stress, depression and the severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Vitamin E is found naturally in avocados, shellfish, hazelnuts, almonds, and wheat germ.

Calcium

To prevent Osteoporosis and fracture you will need to take calcium or eat calcium enriched foods. Dairy products or high in calcium, other sources include seed, leafy greens, bean, lentil and almond.

Herbs For Your Symptoms

Certain herbs, roots, and seeds offer relief from the many symptoms of menopause when taken as supplements or made into teas. These include:

Black cohosh

Black cohosh is one of the most common herbal treatments for menopause. Its roots contain natural phytoestrogens which help to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats mood swings, insomnia, and vaginal dryness.

Black cosh should not be used if you take medication to regulate blood pressure or if you have a gastrointestinal disorder.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is native to Asia and has been used for generations in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea to support female reproductive health.

It has been known to help relieve cramps and PMS and can help to reduce severe hot flashes. Consuming dong quai can cause sensitivity to sunlight, so use sunscreen whenever you plan to use it.

Though studies on these herbs have proven to be inconclusive, many women use these herbs to alleviate symptoms such as low sex drive, hot flashes, anxiety, headaches, and mood swings.

Other herbs you can try include:

• Licorice
• Wild yam
• Evening primrose oil
• Chasteberry
• Ginseng
• Red raspberry leaf
• Red clover
• Valerian
• Green tea
• Ginkgo biloba

Lifestyle Modification

Sometimes the easiest and the best way to keep symptoms of any condition, including menopause, is to make better lifestyle choices. Studies show that women that are at a healthy weight experience less symptoms and when the do have symptoms they are not as intense and do not last as long as women that are overweight.

Complement dietary changes with exercise . These exercises should include resistance training, cardio flexibility, and balance training and mental exercises.

Resistant training is great for strengthening muscle and bone and can decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis. Cardio is great for heart health and promotes good blood circulation, perfect for strengthening bones and promoting healthy skin and hair. These are also great for weight loss and maintaining your desired physique.

Flexibility and balance training can help to make you more agile which means you’ll be less likely to fall. Nasty falls with brittle bones can lead to painful fractures and breaks and can even immobilize you when you are up in your years.

Mental exercises help to keep those brain juices flowing and can help with your memory and concentration. They can also help to distract you from feeling bored or lonely.

If you are a heavy drinker, you might want to think about laying off the alcohol. Alcohol use can contribute to depression, anxiety, and irritability which are already symptoms of menopause. Long term alcohol use can increase your risk of cancer, osteoporosis, liver disease, and heart disease.

Smoking can trigger early menopause . It should be avoided during menopause since it can trigger hot flashes, worsen anxiety, cause mood swings and cause sleeplessness. Smoking can also help to make your skin even drier and increases the risk of bone disease.

How effective is natural hormone therapy?

One thing you should note is that efficacy varies from woman to woman. So while your friend can reap all the benefits, you may find that it isn’t the most effective treatment method for you.

This is mainly because natural forms of estrogen and other hormones exist in low doses in most natural substances. Because of this, you might have to incorporate a lot of a certain herb or food into your diet to see any kind of results.

Natural treatments that don’t include any forms of estrogen can offer some relief, but can never be as effective as hormone therapy.

Final Thoughts

Natural hormone therapy can be helpful if used correctly. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. He/she will be better able to advise you on what’s best for your situation.