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The Menopause and Alternative Therapies |
By Mercedes Aspland
 If you are going through the menopause you will be all too aware of the difficulties it can bring. At one time the solution was hormone replacement therapy however over recent years there have been a number of concerns raised over this type of therapy. For that reason many women may want to look for alternative treatments and this article will look at some possibilities you can consider.
Some of the symptoms associated with the menopause include hot flushes, night sweats, sleeping problems and insomnia, mood swings and vaginal dryness. If you are looking to fight these symptoms through natural methods then there are a number of things you can try. However as with anything there are also risks associated with all treatments. For that reason we have put together a list of possible treatments you can try as well as the risks that you need to consider:
1. Phytoestrogens - these are basically estrogens that occur naturally in food. The best way to take these on is by changing your diet to incorporate foods like soybeans, chickpeas, legumes, flaxseed, grains and fruit
and vegetables. However some of the risks can be similar to other oestrogen based products especially related to breast cancer so caution should be taken.
2. Red Clover - this is a herbal remedy that can help to reduce the symptoms of the menopause however it is also believed to cause damage to hormone sensitive tissue such as the breasts and uterus.
3. Vitamin E - this can provide valuable relief from the hot flushes you suffer from however it is important to follow guidelines when taking vitamin E as large doses can be dangerous.
4. Black Cohosh - this is one of the most widely used herbs for treating hot flushes and has been shown to be relatively safe. The main concern is that it could contribute to liver damage and so it is important to be careful when taking it.
5. Dong Quai Root - this herb can be used to help reduce the hot flushes you suffer from. It is important to note that this is a blood thinner and so should not be taken if you are already taking blood thinning medication.
6. Ginseng - this can be a great herb to take for treating your mood swings, sleep problems and for improving your overall sense of well being. However it is unlikely that it will do anything to help your hot flushes.
7. Kava - many women going through the menopause can suffer from anxiety and this herb can be very beneficial for helping with that symptom although it may not help hot flushes. It should also be taken with caution as it can be associated with liver disease.
8. Soy - this can be valuable for treating your hot flushes however caution should be applied as it can be associated with thickening of the uterus lining.
The above is a list of options for you however it is a good idea to do a full research before starting any treatment. Remember that every woman is different and so different treatments will be effective for each person. Also it is important to assess all the risks and benefits and it is worth discussing with your doctor to see if the remedies will interact with any medication you are taking. Making a full informed decision should be any persons aim before beginning any treatment.
This article has been supplied by alternative therapies directory. You can also find more information on this condition please visit our Menopause page.
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