As we get older many women will begin to experience the symptoms that come with going through menopause. Menopause is the time when a woman stops menstruating. Though thought of as an older woman’s transition with the average age starting around 45-50, it can come on as early as 36 or 37 in some. It may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, irregular or missed periods, emotional swings, hair thinning, and even changes in sexual response. These are all very off-putting symptoms that can disturb your daily life. All you want is to feel normal or back to your old self again. But how? The ads on the television would have you believe that your only saving grace will come through hormone replacement therapy. This is simply not true.
There are many things you can do that can lessen if not alleviate symptoms. It may not be reasonable to expect to avoid hot flashes all together but there are certain triggers that may bring them on more frequently or cause them to be more severe.
Some triggers include an overly warm environment, hot hair dryers, hot food or drinks, exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol, sugary foods, and eating spicy foods as well of course as hormone variance.
A few ways to combat hot flashes: wear lightweight, absorbent cotton clothing, and pajamas at night. Grab a cold drink when you start to overheat, turn on a fan or go into a cooler room, try to relax with meditation or deep breathing if you feel nervous or anxious, dress in layers so you can remove them as you start to feel warm.
Along with these ideas, proper nutritional support is key as well and can actually do the most good toward keeping your body in balance. There are certain plants and herbs that can ease the transitional symptoms.
They include:
Dong Quai
Don’t Quai is a good herb for women supporting their monthly health issues. It nourishes the reproductive organs and is great for the blood. It also supports relaxation. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy. Should not be used by diabetics, or persons who are light-sensitive.
Black Cohosh
Though beneficial for both men and women in supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, Black Cohosh is an excellent herb for women. It supports relief from women related issues. Supports a healthy respiratory system. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy or in the presence of chronic illness.
Wild Yam
Contains progesterone-like substance that helps support women health issues. Also supports healthy joints. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy.
Kudzu
Kudzu is rich in isoflavones and supports increased bone strength.
Red Clover
Red Clover supports healthy lungs. Helps strengthen the immune system. Phytoestrogens contained in Red Clover support healthy bones in women during menopause. It is also good for skin disorders.
Licorice
Wonderful for the stomach and digestive system. CAUTION: SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THOSE WITH DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SEVERE MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS OR HISTORY OF STROKE.
Chaste Tree
An excellent herb for women, Chaste Tree supports healthy hormone levels and is beneficial for women’s health issues. CAUTION: Should not be used by children or pregnant women.
Damiana
Damiana supports the delivery and flow of oxygen to the genital area; this benefits both men and women. Also supports overall energy level. CAUTION: Can interfere with Iron absorption when used internally.
When combined they offer relief for menopausal symptoms. While the list of side effects/risks from pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies range from stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, gallstones, ovarian cancer, dementia, headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, fluid retention, weight gain, breast tenderness, spotting on your skin, and even in rare cases, uterine fibroids or endometriosis – These natural alternatives are safe and in many cases effective.
For more information on nutrition and supplementation visit the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. in Fort Myers, Florida.
Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.