Many women are wary of menopause. They even see it as a medical disorder, emergency, or disaster. On the contrary, menopause is a normal, natural transition that occurs as women age.
It usually comes with symptoms like vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, labile moods, decreased sex drive, bone loss, anxiety, headaches, depression, irregular periods, and weight gain.
Menopause is a natural process, and treatments mainly focus on managing the symptoms. Different pharmaceutical drugs are used, but the adverse effects of these drugs have led many women to opt for alternative therapies.
Make sure you consult a doctor before you embark on the journey of using herbs and supplements for your menopausal symptoms.
The supplements
According to studies, more women use alternative medicine to treat their menopausal symptoms. Some of the supplements used are;
1. Melatonin
This is a natural hormone by the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. One of the significant menopause symptoms is insomnia, and melatonin may help to improve sleep.
2. Vitamin D and Calcium
During perimenopause, decreasing levels of oestrogen can harm bone health. Therefore, eating adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D is vital to protect your bones.
Calcium can be obtained from foods and supplements. In foods, it is found in soy and dairy products, fish (e.g., sardines), green leafy vegetables, and fortified beverages.
Your calcium source (either from supplements or foods) doesn’t matter. It would be best to get enough vitamin D to support calcium absorption. You can get your vitamin D from sunlight!
Herbs
Lots of women have used traditional herbal remedies to manage menopause for centuries. Herbal remedies can treat insomnia, anxiety, depression, and so on.
Some popular herbs used to reduce anxiety and promote sleep are; passionflower, chamomile, lavender, and valerian. They can be taken as tinctures or teas. Some are known to be incorporated into soups, stews, and smoothies.
You should consider that herbal medicines can be powerful, so it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare specialist about what you are about to take. Read about the effects of herbs HERE. Some of the herbs that can be effective in managing symptoms of menopause are;
1. Black cohosh
Black cohosh is one of the most popular and widely used herbs for treating menopause. The plant contains chemical compounds that impact the nervous and immune systems. It may also help to modulate oestrogen.
2. St. John’s Wort
This wild plant has been used for many years to boost mental health. It can be used for managing depression and is also sold as a dietary supplement.
3. Wild yam
Wild yam is a natural alternative to oestrogen therapy for symptoms of menopause. It is a tuber used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat symptoms related to menopause.
Good to note:
You need to understand that each woman will experience menopause differently. Some will find it easy, while others might struggle with it. Whatever you might be facing, be gentle with yourself and practice self-care.
