Menopause Natural Remedies

Menopause can be a difficult time of life for a woman, especially when it sets in early. Normally, menopause occurs any time after the age of 45, but some women may enter menopause even at the age of 40. However, no matter when it begins, very few women go through the transition without any unpleasant symptoms. The majority of women experience any of a number of menopause symptoms ranging from depression and irritability to hot flushes and insomnia, as well as problems such as vaginal dryness and loss of sexual desire. The symptoms are quite mild in some cases, while in other cases they may be very severe, in which case medical treatment such as hormone replacement therapy may be needed. It is however always better to try natural remedies first, especially if you experience only mild symptoms.

The hot flashes are among the most common and troublesome symptoms of menopause. In order to manage these, it is important to learn to recognize when the episodes are about to begin. You should ideally wear light, cool clothes, or if the weather is cold, wear several layers, of which you can easily remove some in order to quickly cool down. You should also try to wear natural fibers such as cotton as far as possible. Consuming cold drinks also helps, while beverages such as alcohol and coffee should be avoided, as they tend to trigger hot flashes.

Exercise is an important part of handling menopause, as it keeps your body in top shape, as a result of which you are less susceptible to the unpleasant symptoms. Exercise also releases chemicals that make you feel better emotionally and physically, thus reducing irritability and depression. Regular exercise will also help you sleep better, thus tackling the problem of insomnia. You can take up any form of exercise that you enjoy, but many people find yoga particularly beneficial as it provides a good physical workout while simultaneously having a calming effect.

If you have trouble with vaginal dryness only during intercourse, then using lubrication should be enough. However, if dryness is a constant problem, then you can use a moisturizer regularly – remember to use the simplest, plainest moisturizer possible, such as petroleum jelly, as scented lotions and creams may irritate the vagina.

These are of course general recommendations for common menopausal problems – each women may experience different problems, with varying levels of severity. It is therefore always important to discuss your problems with your doctor and friends, and even with support groups, so that you get all the necessary information to handle your specific problems.