Alternative medicine: natural ways to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes

Perimenopause and menopause typically begin for women in their early to late forties and early fifties. As a woman’s egg supply diminishes, her body begins going through hormonal and physical changes. Because of the harmful side effects that have been associated with hormone replacement therapy, many women are searching for natural methods to treat the symptoms of menopause.

One of the major and most uncomfortable symptoms of menopause is hot flashes. Hot flashes can occur at any time of the day, and they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Of course, there are prescriptions available to help women cope with all of the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, but more women are searching for alternative medicines and treatments.

There are several natural methods available to help women cope with hot flashes and other symptoms, such as night sweats. Researchers have discovered that soy may aid in reducing, if not diminishing, hot flashes. Most dieticians and doctors, however, caution women against turning to soy supplements. In most cases, a woman can add additional soy into her diet by simply eating foods such as tofu and soybeans, and buying soy based products, such as soy milk and soy powder.

Another alternative treatment for menopause symptoms is progesterone cream. Natural progesterone cream is now available for purchase as an over the counter treatment. You could also ask your doctor for a prescription strength cream. Natural progesterone has been shown to provide partial relief to some women suffering from menopausal symptoms.

Monitoring your diet can have a great effect on various menopause symptoms. Studies have shown that excessive ingestion of caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can exacerbate symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Try to limit your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, and/or spicy foods. You might want to keep a log of your daily intake of certain foods and track how often and when your hot flashes and night sweats occur. Once you find a correlation between your diet and your symptoms, you may be able to better control some of these symptoms.

Exercise appears to help control some occurrences of hot flashes and night sweats. You need to exercise at least twenty to thirty minutes daily, but try not to exercise too close to bedtime. Exercising too closely to bedtime could increase an occurrence of night sweats.

Stress can magnify many of your menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation may help to control the onslaught of hot flashes and night sweats. Try to find some time during the day, even if it is only for a few moments, so that you can relax. Take deep breaths and concentrate on feeling each part of your body become loose and soft. Focus on a pleasant vision in your head, and try to put the worries of the day out of your mind. It may take some practice, but eventually you should be able to signal your body to relax for a few moments every day.

Try to avoid places and conditions that you know will raise your body temperature. These might include saunas, hot tubs, and hot baths and showers. If you can, avoid going outside in the hottest part of the day. If you are going to be outside in the heat, try to dress in cool fabrics, such as cotton. It is a good idea to get in the habit of dressing in layers so that you can take off or add clothing depending on your body temperature and your environment. If night sweats are a problem, you might want to take a cool shower immediately before going to bed.

Alternative herbal remedies have been known to provide some relief at times. Natural estrogen can be found in various plants including spearmint, ginseng, red raspberry, and black cohosh. Some of these herbs can be found in herbal teas. You will want to consult your doctor, however, before using any herbal supplements. There are also some women who have found relief through acupuncture.

Menopause is virtually unavoidable, and most women will experience at least some discomfort as their body goes through all of the hormonal changes. However, you can find some relief naturally.