You probably had irregular periods and menopause symptoms before this, but now you have reached a stage of the aging process where menopause starts. You need to assure yourself that menopause is not a disease. It is something that happens naturally and will cause changes in your body. These changes could include unpleasant physical symptoms and emotional problems.
Just because you are in menopause, it doesn’t mean the end to intimacy, romance, or your femininity. In fact, many women discover a new found freedom in not having to deal with pregnancy issues and their period. So, depending on how you look at it, you might consider yourself in a fortunate circumstance. On the other hand, you might be experiencing some uncomfortable menopause systems. The good news is, there are many different methods available to deal with this situation, and a few of the methods are completely natural. If you don’t like the idea of such dramatic things as hormone replacement therapy, a few simple lifestyle changes may give you the help you need.
What Causes Menopause
As your body gets older, your ovaries start to produce less hormones. These hormones are estrogen and progesterone, and they regulate menstruation and fertility. The process of ovulation will become irregular, and therefore, your periods might become erratic. Eventually, your ovaries will cease the ovulation process entirely and menstruation will come to an end. In your situation, you might find that you have normal menstrual cycles and then all of a sudden have them come to a complete stop. Or, you might start to menstruate less frequently, perhaps skipping weeks or even months, until everything stops completely. There is no one outcome, and if you find yourself in the latter category, like most women, it may take many months to get through it.
Once menopause kicks in, the symptoms you will experience will vary, and may include vaginal dryness, hair thinning, hot flashes, and mood swings. Most of these are caused by changes in your hormone levels, and now, many doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy for women undergoing menopause. However, this type of therapy has been linked to increases in heart disease and cancer, so if you can try something more natural, you’ll probably be better off.
Natural Treatments
Here are some things you can do that don’t require doctor visits or prescriptions and are completely natural.
If you are suffering from hot flashes, try dressing in layers, so you can remove a layer of clothing if and when you feel the need. Soy products have been known to help with this, as they are a natural source of estrogen, which is why soy-based formulas are not recommended for infants anymore.
Deal with tiredness with good sleep. If you can, try to get a decent amount of sleep at night. Also, get some form of regular exercise. Be wary not to exercise too close to when you go to bed, and this can prevent the increase of your melatonin levels. Melatonin can naturally help you fall asleep at night. Eat as best you can. Wholesome foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will do well for you. Also, a good source of calcium may help, as your bone structure tends to get more fragile as you age.
If you are a smoker, this is probably the best time for you to quit. Smoking has been proven to bring on hot flashes, and it already linked to heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, you might find relief from over the counter lubricants. You can also try aloe gel and calendula. For problems with intimacy, you can try sarsaparilla and damiana. These two herbs help to increase libido and also assist with hot flashes.
You don’t have to resort to drugs in order to combat problems associated with menopause. There are a wide variety of natural options available. You owe it to yourself to learn all you can about these options so the decisions you make are informed.
For more information, visit Menopause Treatment