Natural Treatments For Menopause Symptoms

Did you know that you don't have to suffer from menopause symptoms? Natural remedies for menopause have been around for centuries. Many people, including women -sadly- talk lightly about the emotional upheavals and physical changes that take place in our bodies during the change of life. They often refer to these symptoms as being simply annoying and uncomfortable. But you and I, know that menopause symptoms, particularly the emotional ones can severely disrupt one's life and strain relationships. Because of this, different cultures and communities around the world have had to find and develop ways to manage menopausal symptoms. What Happens During Menopause? Menopause is a natural consequence of aging. For us women, it means that the ovaries start producing less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This reduction in hormone levels does not happen abruptly, nor is the decline in production a smooth downwards curve. Rather, hormone levels keep fluctuating, and can be higher or lower than the pre-menopause days or the same. It is this erratic fluctuation of hormones responsible for the unpleasant symptoms that we experience during this time. How Do Menopause Treatments Work? There are two types of menopause treatments: Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT Natural Remedies For Menopause The idea behind both types of treatment is not so much to cure as to alleviate menopause symptoms. They are intended to provide relief from the effects of menopause, by stabilizing the fluctuating hormone levels in your body. In this way you can maintain your life on a more or less even keel until the peri-menopausal phase is past. Remember it can last up to 6 years or more. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Hormone replacement therapy or HRT as the name suggests, involves replacing the hormones the body has lost due to reduced production by the ovaries. HRT alleviates the symptoms of hot flashes and vaginal dryness among others. It's other benefits include reducing the risk to bone loss or osteoporosis and heart disease, which women at the menopausal stage are so prone to. Despite it's benefits however, studies have shown a strong link between HRT and breast cancer in women of this and post menopausal age. As such HRT is not recommended unless taken under strict medical supervision and after thorough consultations with a qualified physician. Natural Remedies For Menopause They are also referred to as alternative remedies, alternative therapy, herbal menopause treatments and similar names. These types of menopause treatments are so called because they offer a botanical alternative for relief from menopause symptoms. There are different approaches to natural remedies for menopause and they include: Bio-identical hormone therapy. Also referred to as natural hormone therapy, this is a treatment based on laboratory manufactured hormones. These manufactured hormones are identical to those which our bodies make. They are available on prescription from your doctor at drug stores and pharmacies. Herbs for menopause. Herbs for menopause originated in different parts of the world. They are now widely accepted as a treatment for menopause symptoms and are readily available without a prescription. Herbal supplements for menopause. These are menopause treatments based on herbs and natural foods such as soy and yam. Available as pills, capsules, tinctures and so on, these formulations often incorporate multivitamins and minerals to offer a wide range of benefits to women in midlife, in addition to easing the symptoms of menopause. Many women, have reported taking herbal supplements to alleviate the symptoms of menopause with much success. Traditional treatments. These are natural remedies for menopause that have been in use by ancient cultures worldwide, to provide relief from the effects of menopause. Among these are Ayurveda and Homeopathy, which are traditional Indian medicine, Chinese Traditional Medicine and practices such as yoga. Hmmm... You must be wondering by now, just which of these menopause treatments would be most suitable for you. Well, different treatments work for different people. There is no one size fits all. Visit your doctor to find out if HRT is good for you. Alternatively, you may wish to try any one of the herbal menopause supplements available over the counter in drug stores. A prescription is generally not required since taken correctly, they are not harmful. And, you just may find something that works for you.