Natural Remedies For Menopause

There are several different herbal remedies for menopause symptoms. Some will help you stay balanced emotionally, while others may help relieve hot flashes or insomnia.

Herbal Supplements for Menapause

• St Johns' Wort. This herbal supplement helps lift your spirits and can alleviate mild symptoms of depression. If you're feeling 'blue' or your moods tend to swing from one extreme to the other, this popular herbal remedies for menopause can help you maintain a healthy emotional balance. Gentle and non habit-forming.
• Black Cohosh. This is one of the natural remedies for menopause that can help re-balance your hormone levels. During menopause hormone levels often rise and fall erratically, causing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia and more.

  Black Cohosh has been used for many years to help restore normal hormone function and it's particularly effective in relieving night sweats/hot flashes. For women who aren't yet menopausal it may also help relieve symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).

• Dong Quai. Dong Quai is a Chinese herb. It's used to relieve the symptoms of menopause such as erratic hormone levels and hot flashes. It's also used to treat some symptoms of PMS. It can thin the blood, and is a mild laxative.


• Valerian Root. Valerian Root is a mild sedative, and this is one of the natural remedies for menopause that targets the symptom of insomnia. It has a tranquilizing effect and is used as a natural sleep aid. Valerian may also help with the cramps associated with menstruation, and is sometimes used as an anti-anxiety treatment.

For menopause related insomnia (and for insomnia, in general), Melatonin may help you fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer.

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by your pineal gland, but some health conditions, aging, and other problems can decrease production to the point where your sleep is affected. Click here to learn more about Melatonin and sleep.

It's important to remember that natural remedies for menopause (and other conditions) can have side effects or interact with other herbs or medications. They aren't suitable for everyone.

Some natural remedies for menopause shouldn't be taken by people with certain health conditions, who are pregnant, or who are already taking other types of treatment. Always check with your doctor before taking any natural remedies or herbs. As noted, side effects or interactions can occur, and they can be serious. Just because something is labeled "herbal" or "natural" doesn't mean it's risk-free.

Menopause Vitamins

If you're looking at natural remedies for menopause, don't forget the humble vitamin. There are many vitamins that can help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause, such as anxiety and mood swings.

• Vitamin B-6. This B vitamin helps to promote a positive mood, prevent depression and bolster energy. It also supports your immune system. Very beneficial for women who are on hormone replacement therapy.

• Vitamin B-12. This is another energy-boosting vitamin that helps you to maintain a healthy nervous system. It also plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and tissue growth.

• Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and studies show that it may chemical attributes that work in a similar way to natural estrogen. In fact, it has been used as an estrogen supplement at times and has been found to reduce hot flashes/night sweats and insomnia.
  

• Vitamin D. Although not used to treat hot flashes, insomnia, or mood swings, all menopausal women should make have an adequate intake of this vitamin for strong and healthy bones. As we get older and our hormone levels change, Vitamin D helps present the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition to the herbs and vitamins listed above, another of the natural remedies for menopause are bioflavanoids, which can help reduce the severity and frequency of those irritating hot flashes.

Bioflavanoids are a type of phytochemicals (meaning chemical compounds found in plants) and are found in citrus fruits. They strengthen the small blood vessels and this action can help control hot flashes and also reduce anxiety. In menstruating women, the effect can be to reduce monthly blood loss.

Just as with the herbs for menopause, you shouldn't take vitamins for menopause without consulting your doctor. Some vitamins can be toxic or damaging if taken in the wrong dosage, and can interact with herbal remedies or existing medications.

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