How to Get Menopause Symptom Relief

There is not enough evidence to be certain if herbal, natural, or plant-based products provide menopause symptom relief, but these products seem to help some women. On the other hand, other women will decide on prescription drugs such as hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptom relief. Not every woman will suffer from menopausal symptoms but if she does, she should have a clearer understanding of available options. Herbal formula with phytoestrogens, which comes from plant sources, is a safer, all-natural, and effective alternative with minimal side effects, providing relief. In addition, phytoestrogens help by slowing down the aging process.

The most common products are soy, black cohosh, wild yam, dong quai, and valerian root. For soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and soy nuts, some research shows benefit for mild hot flashes. . However, risks of taking soy in pill or powder form are not known and therefore, may not be safe for women with estrogen-dependent breast cancer. Additional studies have shown that taking black cohosh reduces hot flashes and night sweats for some women, while St. John’s Wort and chasteberry helps with depression. Interestingly, there seems to be a long tradition of the use of these herbal remedies in association with menopause. However, herbal products, just like prescription medication, can have harmful side effects or can interact with other drugs.

Since natural remedies for relief have been proven to help some women, this should be a consideration when looking at various treatment options. For example, if a woman were experiencing hot flashes, she should dress in layers and keep a fan in the home or workplace. Additionally, while regular exercise is essential, overexertion can trigger hot flashes, as well as other symptoms. If a woman experiences vaginal dryness, she should try over-the-counter vaginal lubricants, which can make sexual intimacy more comfortable and enjoyable. Then, if she is not able to get a good night’s sleep, she can do several things such as get at least 30 minutes of exercise during the day, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and never eat a large meal before bedtime.

These are just a few suggestions to keep in mind when considering natural remedies for menopause symptom relief. If a woman is not achieving relief from natural remedies, then she should take time to visit with her doctor about antidepressant medicine, which can also provide relief for hot flashes, or prescription estrogen replacement creams for vaginal dryness. Alternatively, a woman may be prescribed medication for bioidentical hormone therapy products, which are made from plant hormones such as those naturally produced in a woman’s body. Each prescription is hand-mixed and the dosage varies from patient to patient. Because there is no proof that plant hormones are safer or better for menopause symptom relief than other forms of hormones, it is important that alternatives be discussed with her doctor before taking them.

Finally, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is another alternative for symptom relief. Although there has been significant controversy over its safety, most experts agree that if taken for a short time and in the smallest amount, it is relatively safe. Hormone replacement therapy is administered by pill, skin patch, cream, gel, with an intrauterine device (IUD), or vaginal ring. While HRT can be beneficial for menopause symptoms, this type of therapy does not prevent heart or bone disease, stroke, memory loss, severe bleeding, weight gain, high blood pressure, increased risks of cancer, gallbladder disease, or an increased risk of heart disease.