Menopause is a natural process, but for some women, the transition can be difficult physically and emotionally.
When menopause occurs, your ovaries stop producing eggs, which means you can no longer get pregnant naturally.
You’re considered to be in menopause when you haven’t had a period in a year and your periods have permanently stopped.
Women can enter menopause from age 45 to 60, but the average age to reach menopause is 52.
The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, and this process lasts an average of four years and can have a variety of symptoms.
The symptoms occur because as your ovaries prepare to shut down, they make different levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, causing changes throughout your body.
Some women decide to treat their symptoms with herbs and dietary supplements instead of hormone replacement therapy.
The following are natural ways to reduce menopausal symptoms.
- Soy
Do you experience symptom of hot flashes and night sweats?
Soy has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens).
Some studies have observed that soy may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms.
Food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended.
Soy in tablet or powder form is not advised.
- Vitamin E
Do you experience vaginal dryness, hot flashes?
Topical vitamin E oil applied to the vagina helps improve lubrication and may also reduce hot flashes.
- Yoga, Aerobic Exercise, Breathing Exercises
When you experience mood swings and sleep disruptions, exercise and meditation reduce irritability, even hot flashes, in some women.
Yoga combines both exercise and meditation into one activity.
Exercise also helps most people sleep better.
- Cold Drinks
Cold drinks can serve as a great source of relief when you experience hot flashes, night sweats.
Cold drinks help you feel cooler.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics that encourage dehydration and can aggravate hot flashes.
Try cold water or fruit juices with antioxidants.
However, be mindful of too much cold drinks, ensure you drink in moderation.
https://www.webmd.com/
