Find out how you can stay active using natural remedies even while in perimenopause.
Conventional treatments for perimenopause like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are known to carry serious side effects to our cardiovascular health. As a result, more and more women are now exploring other ways of treating perimenopause symptoms.
The Chinese, for instance, have been known to use herbal medicine for centuries. What used to be regarded as unscientific treatments are now the center of interest of a lot of healthcare professionals and women for their ability to naturally treat the symptoms of perimenopause without a lot of the unwanted side effects.
Natural remedies are thought to be better for our overall health. These remedies are usually made from herbs and plant extracts which contain hormones that are very similar to the estrogen and progesterone naturally present in our bodies. In turn, this makes them easier for our bodies to absorb and utilize.
If you want to seek relief from the symptoms of perimenopause that you experience, here's a guide as to what works with the type of symptom that you have:
- For irregular periods, soy-based foods like tofu and soy milk will help in stabilizing an erratic cycle. The good news is these foods can also prevent heart-disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancers. For heavy bleeding though, see a doctor.
- For low libido and/or vaginal dryness, ginseng can help as it has tonic properties for stimulating the libido.
- Black cohosh has long been used by Native Americans and alternative health practitioners in treating some ailments that specifically affects women such as menstrual cramps, hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
- For alleviation of PMS symptoms, treatment of depression, mood swings and irritability, the Peruvian Maca root is believed to be effective in treatment of these. Not much research has been done, but it is believed to be a stimulant for the body to produce its own estrogen and testosterone.
- Still for menstrual irregularities and menopause symptoms, the Chinese herb Dong Quai is used. Also known as "the female ginseng", it is rich in phytoestrogens that either raises or lowers the body's estrogen levels. (The correct dosage is said to be 200 mg, 2 or 3 times a day.)
- Ginseng and the gingko biloba extract are said to help improve memory and poor concentration.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as this is a main contributor for hot flashes and night sweats.
- It will also help if exercise comes with a proper diet.
- Consider daily supplements such as flaxseed oil. This helps in regulating body temperature and in controlling brain function.
- Calcium and magnesium normalizes the stress hormones.
- Vitamin E can also work as a weak estrogen in the body and therefore lessens night sweats and hot flashes. Topical estrogen cream can also help in vaginal itching and dryness.
- Tea is a sure way to relieve some stress after a long, hard day. Chamomile reduces anxiety. A hot cup can do wonders for you.
Just keep in mind that any substance taken in excess will ultimately be detrimental to one's health. The same goes for the herbs mentioned. Some studies say that taking too much soy may shutdown your thyroid if one has hypothyroidism. Black cohosh reportedly has some negative side effects as well, like headaches, weight gain and gastric discomfort, and should never be used by pregnant women as midwives sometimes use this to induce labor.
Unlike conventional medicines, there are no long-term clinical trials that look at the efficacy and safety profile of these medicines. Dosage for natural treatments also has to be adjusted to your specific need. Medication, even if it uses natural herbs and vitamins, should not be attempted without sufficient research and the guidance of a medical doctor or a naturopathic doctor.
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