Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life as she ages; however, the symptoms of menopause feel anything but natural when you’re experiencing them for the first time.
Doctors are often quick to write prescriptions for estrogen drugs for menopausal women. However, these drugs come with their own fair share of side effects and have even been linked to breast cancer and endometrial carcinoma in medical studies. Hormone-replacement therapy has also been associated with increased risks of venous thrombosis and dementia in older women.
Fortunately, there are some safe and natural ways to find relief. Let’s look at some of the most common symptoms that menopausal women experience and how natural treatments can address these needs.
Symptoms of Menopause
- Hot flashes & night sweats
- Bloating & cramps
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Anxiety, irritability, and depression
- Diarrhea & constipation
- Stiff, aching joints
- Weight gain
- Loss of interest in your partner
- Food cravings
- Hair loss
One look at that list of symptoms and you’ll agree that menopause is a lot to handle. Here are some natural approaches to try for yourself if you’re going through the change.
Revamp Your Diet
Good nutrition goes a long way in preventing menopause symptoms, but it’s something that many women take for granted. Your body needs a healthy balance of good fats, fruits & vegetables, protein, and complex carbs now more than ever. Plan to eat 5-6 small meals per day to regulate your blood sugar and reduce your intake of refined and processed carbs and sugars.
Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is especially important in menopausal women’s diets. These are some folate-rich foods to incorporate into your meals:
- Lentils
- Beans (pinto, garbanzo, navy, black, kidney)
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Turnip greens
- Pomegranate
- Mango
Herbal Remedies for Menopause
Herbs may not look like much to the naked eye, but they’re incredibly powerful, especially for menopausal women.
These are some of the herbs that have been used to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh can control hot flashes and night sweats, for example, while vitamin E can help with mood swings and vaginal dryness. Discuss these herbs with your doctor before starting an herbal remedy approach.
- Black cohosh
- Chasteberry
- Soy
- Wild yam
- Passionflower
- Ashwagandha
Treat Irritations Naturally
For vaginal irritations, including itching, swelling, discharge, odor and redness, try our all-natural Olive Vaginal Spray. This is no place for harsh chemicals, and our gentle formula is suitable for both internal and external irritations. We recommend applying 2-3 sprays per use before going to bed and when you wake up in the morning for up to 10 days as needed.
Exercise and De-Stress
You might not feel much like working out when you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms, but it can actually do a lot to keep those symptoms at bay and prevent unwanted bodily changes. Exercise at least a little bit every day to help prevent weight gain around the mid-section by walking, cycling, swimming, doing yoga, or keeping active in any way you enjoy.
With hormones in high flux, try to reduce stress as much as possible so that you don’t become overwhelmed with feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression. Now is the time to focus on your emotional well-being and the things that truly bring joy to your life just as much as the physical effects of menopause.
Going through menopause can feel like an isolating ordeal, but it’s important to remember that millions of women are experiencing what you are at this very moment. Talk with your trusted friends, relatives, and medical professionals about what you’re going through and try these natural approaches before dabbling in risky medications that may do more harm than good.