Menopause doesn’t have to be as challenging and as scary as it is made out to be. Those who have already walked down that path have provided guidance on the best way to manage symptoms, and a natural approach to menopause comes out tops when it comes to moving through a difficult stage with ease.
What is menopause?
Typically commencing around the age of 45 to 50, menopause is a time where a woman’s body ceases to menstruate. The official definition of being in menopause is going for a year without a period.
While that sounds like good news to most women, the hormonal adjustment is somewhat of a rollercoaster ride, causing them to feel uncomfortable symptoms as they adjust to a new stage in life.
What symptoms do women experience?
Every woman experiences menopause symptoms differently. But the list of symptoms you may endure features some hormonally related issues you may have already experienced. They include the loss of your breast fullness, the thinning of your hair, weight gain around the waist as a result of a low metabolism, issues related to your mood and sleeping patterns, issues with temperature such as the classic hot flashes and night sweats, as well as irregular periods and instances of vaginal dryness.
How can a natural approach assist?
It’s clear to see that a combination of these symptoms plays havoc on a woman’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. Here are the most popular tried and tested methods for achieving true health while managing your menopause symptoms naturally.
Eat proactively
It is vital you deliver quality nutrients to your body. The standard rules of good health apply: drink enough water, eat essential fats daily – such as oily fish and nuts, eat plenty of servings of vegetables rich in fiber, and to manage digestive issues consider eating probiotics, such as yogurt or kimchi. If they don’t appeal, you could simply take supplements.
Some like to include plant-based foods rich in phytoestrogens, which are similar in form to our body’s natural hormones. This can take the form of Natto, a type of sticky fermented soy from Japan (which is quite a strong flavor for some), or simple soy products such as tofu and soy milk.
Avoid triggering foods
It is wise to avoid anything processed during this time, as many women have reported these foods exacerbate their symptoms. This means excluding anything with added salt, which would make stomach issues and bloating worse, and avoiding preservatives, MSG, and an excess of carbohydrates – all ingredients that contribute to the load your body must process, therefore throwing you off balance.
Some women choose to avoid meat, sugar, and processed oils at this time, noting they feel better as a result. It’s up to you how far you go on your quest for a healthy lifestyle, but it is worth experimenting for a month or so to see how your diet affects your experience of menopause.
Get active
With your metabolism slowed down and your waistline widening, it’s important that you get moving for at least an hour a day. A simple walk is all it takes for you to get your stomach moving, which is a good habit that keeps your bowels regular while also helping you fall asleep faster at night. Outdoor exercise is also beneficial for your mood, as sunlight is renowned for not only giving you your daily dose of vitamin D but also keeping depression at bay.
Get enough rest
Menopause is a time where a lot of women report having poor quality sleep. Take charge of your sleeping habits by making sure you get to bed early. Make sure you have a routine that relaxes you before bed, such as a bath or a shower.
It is important for you to ensure your bedding is the right weight if you suffer from night sweats or flashes, as you want to be able to respond to any discomfort instantaneously without having to wake up.
Take natural supplements and herbs
Natural supplements and herbs have been widely credited as being helpful to women in the menopausal stage. Maca root is known for managing and reducing overall symptoms. St. John’s Wort is a natural approach to mood-related disorders. Ginseng, a potent root present in traditional medicine, is credited with assisting with hot flashes as well as vaginal dryness. Red Clover is another good all-rounder, in that it addresses most menopausal symptoms while also assisting those with low bone density. Black Cohosh is renowned for its ability to assist with sleep issues, and finally natural progesterone cream allows you to self-manage the level of hormones your body receives.
Where can I get help?
If you’ve taken all these steps and your symptoms are still bothering you, professionals are ready and willing to assist you with managing this life stage.
Homeopathic Medicine
When carefully and accurately prescribed by a well-trained, homeopathic doctor, homeopathic remedies can provide significant relief from postmenopausal symptoms. Worldwide clinical research has proven the effectiveness of homeopathy for menopause. Find a homeopathic physician near you at https://homeopathyusa.org/member-directory.html
