Certainly, a great deal has been written about remedies for menopause symptoms. Before trying hormone replacement therapy or other medical treatments, it is certainly worthwhile to try natural, home remedies for menopause. Here, we list a number of suggestions that may help to reduce your symptoms without any medical intervention. It’s certainly worth a try before going the medical route!
Cool Yourself Off
Hot flashes are one major symptom of menopause that plagues most women at this time. While they aren’t medically risky or dangerous, they are certainly annoying. Exercise can help to reduce hot flashes, as can dressing in layers. Try to pinpoint what brings on your hot flashes. Is it worse when you sit in the sun? When you take a hot bath? When you sweat too much? If you are able to pinpoint the source, you may be able to reduce their frequency. Common triggers include hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, hot weather and warm rooms.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is often an issue when you experience menopause. The combination of hormone changes, hot flashes and general discomfort does not make for a good night’s sleep. Make sure to avoid caffeine as much as possible and to get plenty of exercise each day. Don’t exercise, however, right before bedtime. Use relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, guided imagery, and muscle relaxation. If hot flashes are keeping you from sleeping, consider what you drink before you go to bed, and think about using either a fan or air conditioning in the bedroom to help you to sleep.
Help Your Pelvic Floor
Urinary incontinence can be one result of menopause. This is often embarrassing to women and frustrating. One way to help this symptom is to do pelvic floor muscle exercises. These are called Kegel exercises. They are recommended for pregnant women and post-natal women who need to strengthen their pelvic muscles. They can certainly also be used by women who are menopausal to strengthen this muscle and to help with urinary incontinence. These exercises can be done unobtrusively and easily while driving, sitting, watching television, etc.
Stay Sexually Active
Isn’t it nice to be encouraged to continue having sex? Many women complain of vaginal discomfort during menopause. While it seems counter-intuitive, staying sexually active can actually help you to stay moist. You may also want to use some over-the-counter vaginal lubricants including Astroglide and K-Y. Try moisturizers such as Replens and Vagisil as well.
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
Your diet really can make a difference during menopause. Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and few oils, saturated fats and sugars. Try to get between 1200 and 1500 milligrams of calcium and 800 units of vitamin D each day. Ask your doctor for other advice and tell him about any symptoms that arise.
Goodbye to Cigarettes and Hello to Exercise
Cigarettes are certainly not a good combination with menopause. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, cancer and many other health problems. It may also make hot flashes worse and bring on earlier menopause. Exercise, on the other hand, protects against heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other conditions due to aging. Exercise can help reduce stress and can help you to lose weight.
Consider implementing at least some of these suggestions for an easier time with your menopause. Many of these suggestions will help you to feel healthier, even if they don’t actively help with your menopause symptoms. They are certainly worth a try as you experience these changes in your life!
