WHY BE AFRAID OF MENOPAUSE ???

What is the medical treatment for menopause?

Women with severe symptoms of menopause can go on hormone replacement therapy, where female sex hormones of estrogen and progrestin are given in a pill form. A recent study, however, suggested that hormone replacement therapy may not reduce the risk of heart attack - a benefit previously thought to be brought on by the therapy. Instead, the study found a higher risk of heart disease and breast cancer in women taking the hormone pills.

What are some natural treatments for menopause?

The following are somethings you can do to help make this natural midlife transition a smoother one:

Diet and exercise 

Certain lifestyle changes can be made to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. For example, it may be helpful to eat vegetables that are high in phytoestrogens, such as soy beans or other soy products. Phytoestrogens may help reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Women should also avoid foods and beverages that may increase the severity of hot flashes, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and spicy foods.

Regular exercise is recommended to help a woman maintain her general health as well as to improve her circulation. Exercises that relieve stress, such as yoga, are believed to be very beneficial in reducing the severity of the symptoms of menopause.

Vitamins

The use of various vitamins can help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. Vitamin E, for example, is believed to help with vaginal dryness and may offer minor relief from hot flashes.

Herbal supplements

There are a variety of different herbs that are believed to be beneficial in treating certain discomforts associated with menopause. These herbs include:

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Also known as squaw root, black snake root, and rattle weed, Black cohosh is a plant found throughout North America. It has been used by Native American women to ease the pain of menstrual cramping and other gynecological ailments. Recent studies have shown that Black cohosh may have the ability to help improve various symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, depression, and vaginal dryness. 

There are no known side effects associated with the normal use of Black cohosh, although consuming overly large doses may cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and stomach pain.

Dong Qui (Angelica sinensis)

Also known as Danggui, Chinese Angelica, and Umbellifrae. Dong Qui is a member of the celery family and is a plant native to China and Japan. It has been used for many decades in traditional Chinese medicine to treat female gynecological ailments such as uterine bleeding, abnormal menstrual cycles and bleeding, as well as cramping. It has also been used to help relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

Dong Qui may have some rare side effects such as incresaed sensitivity to sunlight.

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