Menopause refers to the end of a woman’s reproductive life. The transition from a reproductive phase to a non-reproductive phase is slow and occurs over a period of time. This is a natural aging process that happens to all women over the age of 50. The main reason for this is the decrease in the production of female hormones. The term menopause means the end of menstruation or the monthly menstrual cycles. This means that the ovaries stop releasing the eggs and the hormones responsible for shedding the lining of the uterus. A woman’s fertile phase ends with the onset of menopause.
This condition occurs 12 months after your last menstrual period. This natural biological process triggers many physical and psychological symptoms in women. Some of the symptoms of menopause are irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased fertility, mood swings, hair thinning, increased abdominal fat, and sleep pattern disturbances. These symptoms appear over a period of time and differ from woman to woman. The two stages of menopause are perimenopause and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the stage when one experiences symptoms and this stage can last for a couple of years or more. There are ways to reduce symptoms, one of which is to follow natural remedies for menopause.
The main cause of this condition is the natural decrease in the levels of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that regulate menstruation. Ovulation begins to decline, and as a result, fertility declines. The woman begins to experience irregular periods before they finally stop. Another cause of menopause is total hysterectomy in which the uterus and ovaries are removed. This immediately stops the periods and causes the symptoms to show up. Radiation and chemotherapy can also induce menopause in women.
This biological process is not a disease so there is no cure, but there are natural remedies for menopause that can help alleviate symptoms in a woman. Natural remedies can reduce the intensity of the symptoms and be effective in treating this natural process. Some of the natural remedies for menopause are as follows:
1. Vitamin E: Vitamin E intake can help reduce hot flashes experienced by women during this phase.
2. Estrogen-Rich Foods: Eat foods that naturally contain estrogen. Include soybeans, cucumbers, apples, wheat, cabbage, oats, papaya, sunflower seeds, yams, garlic, beans, and beets in your diet.
3. Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies are a natural way to help alleviate the signs of menopause. Natural herbs such as valerian root are used as a sleep aid. Ginseng is used to reduce stress and anxiety and to boost the immune system. Evening Primrose can help reduce hot flashes, Chasteberry is effective in improving mood swings and headaches, Black Cohosh is used to treat hot flashes, and Saint John’s Wort is useful in treating depression in women.
4. Magnesium and Calcium: Include these two in your diet to prevent osteoporosis and increase energy levels.
5. Diet: Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals for the overall health of the body.
6. Exercises: Exercising regularly helps keep the body fit and increases stamina and energy levels. Practice meditation and yoga to relax your mind and body.
Use these natural remedies for menopause to reduce symptoms.