Natural Approach To Menopause
Menopause will start at an average age of 51, although many women will go through menopause a lot earlier than this. Gradual reduction in healthy follicles in the ovaries will cause fertility to decline from an average age of 35. Symptoms are varied, with some woman never experiencing any. Some of the more common symptoms may include.
Loss of sex drive
Painful sexual intercourse
Hot flushes
Fibromyalgia
Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Bladder irritation
Mood changes/swings
Depression
Anxiety
Memory loss, poor concentration
Irritability
Hair loss
Insomnia
There is a whole array of different natural herbs and supplements which can assist women during the life changing transition.
Black Cohosh
The herbs active ingredient 27-deoxyatein possesses oestrogen –like activity. The herb also has the ability to selectively reduce serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone to even further enhance its oestrogenic effect. These two factors are primarily responsible for the clinically proven relief of symptoms such as, hot flushes, depression, vaginal dryness and mood swings. Studies are also ongoing, about the effectiveness of using Black Cohosh in combination with bone building nutrients for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Dong Quai
This herb has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for decades. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogenic components which possess an activity that is approximately 1/400 of that of human oestrogen. Dong Quai plays an important role in the regulation of oestrogen levels in the body. If levels of oestrogen are too high, the herb’s comparatively weak phytoestrogens can occupy receptors that otherwise could have been occupied by the much stronger hormone. If the oestrogenic activity is too low, phytoestrogens can exert a mild positive oestrogenic effect. The herb has also been used as an effective analgesic effect. This makes the herb beneficial for use if suffering from menstrual cramps.
Evening Primrose Oil
The hormone modulating effects of prostaglandins derived from essential fatty acids makes the particularly important if optimal hormonal health is to be achieved.
Red Clover
Red Clover is known as a source of phytoestrogenic isoflavones, which are frequently employed to modify oestrogenic activity in the body due to their weak activity compared to human oetrogen and their ability to bind to oestrogen receptor cells.
Sage
This age old herb, known for its culinary use, helps to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes. Sage contains tannins, flavonoids, and volatile oil which is rich in terpenes. Due to its astringent effect, makes the herb extremely useful in cases of excessive perspiration, which explain the commercial use of Sage as a remedy against Hot Flushes.
Calcium/Magnesium
Supplementing with these two minerals are extremely important for the prevention of osteoporosis, which increases as bone density lowers during menopause. Combining these two with supplements such as Vitamin D, Boron, Zinc, all assist in absorption of calcium. Always try and buy the best Calcium supplement one can afford, with cheaper forms like Calcium Carbonate has a very low absorption rate. Rather look out for chelated, citrate of malate versions.
There are various other recommendations that one should consider to try and assist the body coping with the life change.
Try and eat a diet consisting mainly of raw foods
Avoid alcohol, sugar, and caffeine at all costs
Regular moderate exercise is a must
Try and avoid stressful situation
Consume plenty of water
Also consider adding a multivitamin to you supplementation, in particular one with a high concentration of B Vitamins
Category: HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS
