Sadly, menopause is a condition that cannot be prevented altogether. Every woman would experience the condition at some time of her life or the other.
And while there is no way a woman can escape from menopause indefinitely, there are certain ways she can handle the condition and its symptoms (including hot flashes, sleep apnea, vaginal dryness, fatigue, body pain, skin related issues, mood swings and bladder related issues etc.) without too much of a hassle.
Effective Home Remedies for Menopause
Rather than opting for medications to reduce the symptoms of menopause, your best bet would be to try one or more of the home remedies mentioned below. Equally effective and sans any alarming side effects, these home remedies can provide you with the much needed relief you desire during this period.
Of course, you would need to consult a doctor before opting for these remedies, especially if you are taking medications for menopause or other medical conditions.
Tofu
Tofu is known to contain high amounts of phytoestrogens which contain estrogen like properties that help to balance the low levels of estrogen in the body during menopause.
Eating tofu every day can therefore help balance out the hormones in the body, thereby reducing the symptoms of menopause to a great extent.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds also contain high amounts of phytoestrogens that help offer relief from menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness etc. Grind a small amount of flax seeds to form a coarse powder. Add 2 tablespoons of this powder to a bowl of yogurt or cereal and have it for breakfast every day for extended relief.
Soy Products
Soy products contain substances called isoflavones which belong to the phytoestrogen family. Consuming a small amount of soy products (like soy sprouts, soy beans etc.) every day can effectively reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other skin related issues.
Estrogenic Fruits, Vegetables and Seeds
Adding fruits, vegetables and seeds containing natural estrogens or estrogenic substances to your regular diet can effectively help increase the estrogen levels in your body and reduce the symptoms of menopause to a great extent.
Excellent examples include beans, cabbage, corn, pumpkin, beets, cucumbers, olives, peas, apples, papaya, yams, sesame seeds, anise seeds, alfalfa, sunflower seeds, wheat and oats etc. These foods also contain other essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins and fiber which are extremely essential for good health as well.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh can effectively reduce hot flashes related to menopause. The herb works by reducing the blood levels of LH (luteinizing hormone) which is responsible for dilating the blood vessels and sending heat throughout the body. This in turn would effectively reduce the intensity and frequency of the hot flashes experienced during menopause.
Black cohosh can also relieve other symptoms of menopause like depression, vaginal dryness, nervousness and mood swings etc. The best way to take the herb would be in a tincture form. All you need to do is consume about 1mL of black cohosh tincture at least 4 times a day (dilute it in water if you want to) for about 6 weeks continuously. Give a gap of 4 weeks before resuming the 6 week routine. Continue the same for extended relief from menopause and it symptoms.
Vitamin E
Opt for vitamin E supplements to deal with menopause and its symptoms. When taken daily, these supplements can effectively deal with and reduce the effects of vaginal dryness, hot flashes and mood swings etc. The standard dosage is about 400mg two times every day.
Note: You need to consult with a doctor before opting for these supplements, especially if you suffer from other medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes or injury prone skin.
Chaste Berries
Chaste berry extract is known to be a very effective home remedy for both menopause and perimenopause (the duration of period before menopause actually sets in). Chaste berries help to balance out the progesterone levels in the body during menopause, which in turn help to control menopausal symptoms like depression, mood swings and hot flashes.
Regular intake of chaste berry extract would also help control perimenopausal symptoms like excessive vaginal bleeding. A tablespoon of chaste berry extract taken first thing in the morning every day would do the trick.
Essential Oils
Menopause can cause vaginal dryness in certain cases. The best way to combat this is to apply a lotion/cream in and around the vagina regularly. You can opt for a homemade lotion consisting of essential oils like almond oil, prime rose oil and geranium essential oil. Mix all three oils together (add equal proportions) and add a Vitamin E capsule to the mixture. Keep it overnight and apply it in and around the vagina at least thrice every day to prevent vaginal dryness.
Beeswax
Beeswax can be used to keep the skin hydrated, healthy and free of infections and disorders during menopause. All you need to do is make a cream that contains beeswax, vegetable oils, vitamin E gel and distilled water. Heat the beeswax and distilled water separately and mix them slowly together in a blender. Add the oils once the wax and water have blended well. Keep blending the mixture until it becomes thick (almost on the verge of solidifying). Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Apply the mixture on the skin at least twice every day for maximum benefits. You can wash off the paste with cold water after about 15 minutes of applying it on the skin.
Calcium and Protein Supplements
Your body would take a beating during menopause. Low levels of estrogen in the body would make you feel physically exhausted and mentally stressed throughout the day. In certain cases, the hormonal imbalance experienced during menopause can lead to osteoporosis (bone loss). Therefore, it is considered imperative for women nearing menopause to take calcium supplements on a daily basis to keep their bones strong and healthy during this period.
You can opt for OTC calcium supplements. On the other hand, you can opt for foods rich in calcium for the same purpose. Dairy products (the low fat variety) can provide your body with the necessary amount of calcium it needs to remain strong during menopause. Be sure to take Vitamin D along with calcium though to make sure your body absorbs the calcium properly.
Protein supplements would also help keep the body fit and healthy during menopause. So opt for OTC protein supplements or consume foods rich in proteins (like fish, poultry and lean meat etc.) on a daily basis for maximum benefits.
