Looking for menopause relief? Aside from taking hormone replacements which may not always be beneficial or recommended for all women, you can also do other things that can bring relief from the most common symptoms of menopause.
Exercise is a good way to promote calcium deposition and improve circulation, two things important for optimum bone and cardiovascular health. The bones and the cardiovascular systems should be given importance during menopause since women at this time are more prone to bone loss and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Exercise has also been proven to relieve stress.
Wearing Clothing in Layers
If you wear clothing in layers you can remove several layers when experiencing hot flashes. You can also wear clothing made of wicker fabric, a type of fabric specially made to keep the body cool by drawing moisture from sweat out into the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate more rapidly.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress reduction techniques can be useful in reducing anxiety, depression and the intensity of hot flashes, all common symptoms of menopause. These include deep breathing exercises, imagery, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation. Alternative therapies such as music therapy, massage therapy and the like may also prove useful. Yoga and acupuncture have also been studied for their beneficial effects on menopause symptoms such as irritability, sleeplessness, mood swings, anxiety and depression with positive outcomes.
Food Selection
Some women may discover that eating certain kinds of food may trigger or lead to worse hot flashes. These foods typically include coffee, alcohol, chocolates, fatty and spicy dishes, and hot beverages. Avoidance of these foods can help relieve the symptoms of menopause, specifically hot flashes and night sweats.
Natural Supplementation
Because hormonal therapy in order to reduce the symptoms of menopause may not be advisable for some women, use of natural supplements such as black cohosh, yams and soy may also prove useful in reducing the intensity of some menopause symptoms. Black cohosh is believed to contain phytoestrogens which bind to the estrogen receptors in the body. Dong quai is another herb that also contains phytoestrogens along with Vitamins A and E. Another important herb is the macca root which is known to reduce the intensity and frequency of menopause symptoms. While the macca root does the contain phytoestrogens like the other two, it is an adaptogen and works by balancing out the levels of different hormones in the body.
