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getting
through the menopause
the natural way - helpful alternatives
Any
woman over forty years old knows that the menopause is coming sometime in the
near future.
There has
been a lot of publicity about HRT and how, through taking this hormonal replacement,
all your worries are over. The facts, however, are not as clear cut and you might
well want to consider your options. This
article is offering some alternatives to help you through this period of time
because if you go the more natural route once your menopause is over, it's over.
It's important to know
that those who choose HRT, when they finish their treatment, are still facing
symptoms of the menopause! In other words, hormone replacement therapy postpones
the symptoms.
hormone
replacement therapy
Hormone
Replacement Therapy replaces the female hormone oestrogen in normal doses. This
involves daily oral oestrogen tablets or weekly oestrogen patches applied to the
skin, with the addition of the hormone progesterone for some women. long-term
use of HRT
We
are now learning that HRT is not always suitable for long-term use, as it increases
risks of breast cancer, stroke and heart disease (Women's Health Initiative -
WHI study). New clinical guidance recommend that GPs offer HRT in only the worst
cases and for a period of only five years. Even in the early stages of use, 4
out of 5 women find that HRT doesn't agree with them. A
recent survey of 2,000 women revealed that 6 out of 10 women had tried HRT, and
33% had chosen to come off it after less than a year. homeopathy
is an alternative to HRT
Homeopathy
is safe and effective, especially when used alongside changes in your lifestyle
and diet. Homeopathy is very helpful in the treatment of hot flushes, mood-swings,
menopausal headaches and a host of other troublesome symptoms. homeopathic
remedies
Hormonal imbalances
respond very well to homeopathic treatment. A remedy or remedies will be chosen
by your homeopath from a variety of natural sources. The
choice of remedy is highly individual and requires expert help, so it's not advisable
to try and choose your own remedies in a shop, for your menopausal problems. I
have experienced quite a few women trying out various remedies from the chemist
and ending up getting very confused. hot
flushes
One of the
most common symptoms is the hot flush. This can not only become a problem during
the day, especially if you are working, but can cause sleep problems at night
with constant waking up because of flushes of heat. Here
are some pointers to help: Wear
layers so you can manage your temperature.
Wear natural fabrics that breathe.
Try to relax when you're
having a flush. This will help. Carry
moist tissues to freshen up after a flush. Exercise
is good. While short bursts of exercise can trigger a hot flush, regular exercise
will help to reduce the overall number of attacks. Stress
also is known to be a potent trigger. Other triggers of hot flushes include coffee
and alcohol. hormonal
cake
On my site -
www.menopausesupport.co.uk there is an e book on the menopause, called The
Menopause - What Every Woman Needs to Know. There is a recipe for a hormonal cake,
high in soya and seeds, plus help with herbs, supplements, diet, exercise and
the power of female friendships. other
foods to reduce hot flushes
The
two main dietary sources of help with symptoms such as hot flushes are soya foods
and linseeds (also called flaxseeds). The
optimum intake to reduce hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms, is around
a 100gram serving of tofu, soya yoghurt or a large glass of soya milk at least
five times a week. A tablespoon of ground linseeds sprinkled onto cereal or into
yoghurt daily can be effective after about six weeks. Make
sure you also eat wholegrains such as rye bread or crackers, porridge oats and
wholemeal bread. Oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, tuna and salmon are also
beneficial.
water
Drinking
two litres of water a day is definitely beneficial to your general health. During
the menopause, with constant fluid loss from hot flushes and night sweats, it
is very important to make sure you are replenishing your system. Again read more
in the e book - The Menopause
- What Every Woman Needs to Know. relaxation
As
stress can have such a detrimental effect during the menopause it can make a big
difference to your health if you are as relaxed as possible. Obviously in this
day and age we tend to lead busy lives, so try taking some time out each day to
relax. Yoga, meditation, reiki or listening to relaxation music can all help.
Visit:. www.calmtime.co.uk other
articles
I have written
further articles about the menopause. One article helps you to understand just
what the menopause actually is and the various symptoms you might have and another
article is about how much your attitude can help Article
written by Daphne Nancholas
Daphne has been helping
women through the menopause for the past 10 years. |
