Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can bring on a number of unpleasant symptoms for menopausal women. Everything from insomnia to mood swings to breast pain to the dreaded hot flashes and night sweats can be attributed to the hormonal imbalances of menopause. Declining estrogen and progesterone production can also lead to more serious conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
So what’s a woman to do? Well, she can go the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) route, but that course of action brings on a whole new set of concerns, including an increased risk of uterine and breast cancers.
Of course, all women are different, so consulting with your medical professional can help you devise an individual treatment plan that works best for you. However, women seeking more natural ways of reducing menopausal symptoms can give these four suggestions a try:
1. Get Enough Exercise
During pre-, peri- and post-menopause, as in all stages of life, exercise is key in keeping your body healthy. Daily exercise can help to decrease the following symptoms associated with menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and insomnia. Weight-bearing workouts (running, walking, resistance training) help to keep bones strong and yoga is great for reducing stress.
2. Eat a Proper Diet
Foods containing phytoestrogens, such as soy, may help to reduce menopausal symptoms. Heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, grains, oats, wheat, brown rice, almonds, cashews, fresh fruits and vegetables may also provide some benefit. Things to avoid include carbonated beverages, commercially raised meats high in saturated fats and foods with a high sugar or caffeine content.
3. Give Acupuncture a Try
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes and mood swings in menopausal women. By stimulating the musculoskeletal system, a licensed acupuncturist can actually increase estradiol levels (a hormone that normally declines during menopause). Acupuncture may also cause an endorphin boost that can help to stabilize a woman’s body temperature and mood.
4. Consider Vitamins and Supplements
The following natural botanicals, vitamins and supplements may also be of benefit during menopause: Angelica gigas, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, fish oil, flaxseed oil, sage, vitamin D, calcium, black cohosh, evening primrose oil, probiotics and ginseng. Rather than trying to incorporate multiple supplements into your daily routine, you can simplify with MenoEase and its proprietary blend of five natural, estrogen-supporting phytonutrients.