| Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings are just a few of the symptoms women in their 40's and 50's have suffered from menopause. New techniques like hormone replacement therapy have emerged as common remedies. But there are other natural remedies besides HRT (hormone replacement therapy) that can help control these symptoms.
A 2007 Mayo study showed that 21 women who consumed 40 grams of ground flaxseed daily had a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of their hot flashes. High in phytoestrogens (especially lignans), flaxseed can help minimize symptoms like hot flashes and prevent heavy bleeding. It's also high in omega-3 acids, so it may help ease symptoms like breast tenderness, cramping, and other PMS-type discomforts.
Recent studies have found that soy can also help reduce hot flashes, as well as night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms. Rich in phytoestrogens, especially isoflavones, as well as omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, iron, and other vitamins and minerals, soy offers a variety of health benefits for early menopause. Soy can help lower cholesterol -- which tends to rise when you enter premature menopause.
Some studies have shown that taking vitamin E and citrus bioflavonoids in the morning and again before bedtime may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. One cautionary note: If you have rheumatic heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or if you take digitalis drugs, vitamin E can be harmful. Studies have also shown that bioflavonoids may help relieve anxiety, irritability, and other emotional side effects associated with menopause.
To help maintain tissues, skin, mucous membranes, and to reduce vaginal dryness, you might try vitamin A or beta-carotene. B vitamins can boost your energy levels, support your liver function, prevent vaginal dryness, and build up your resistance to infection. B vitamins also help your body cope with stress--ideal for all those emotional symptoms of premature menopause--like mood swings, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.
Widely praised as a natural tranquilizer, St. John's Wort helps relieve irritability, depression and fatigue. Over 23 different studies have found that it's effective in fighting depression, especially when hormone levels drop after surgical menopause.
For more information on natural treatments for menopause, please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu
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