There are so many wonderful ways to manage menopause naturally. If you have minor or moderate menopause symptoms there are a number of “natural” options to consider.
1. A healthy lifestyle is so important during the menopause transition to maintain a healthy weight (extra weight acts as insulation resulting in a higher body core temperature and more hot flashes) that can often help manage mild to moderate menopause symptoms.
–Consume lean proteins (chicken, turkey, egg whites, SOY (discuss with your health care provider if you have breast cancer) – tofu, edamame – fish, low fat cottage cheese, low fat string cheese, Fage 2%).
–Eat low to medium glycemic carbs (whole wheat bread, brown rice, yams, veggies, fruits). Managing your glycemic index can make a drastic difference in your menopause symptoms.
— Eat real foods, cut back on processed foods.
–No more than one alcoholic beverage per day (red wine is the best choice).
–Only one cup of coffee per day, enjoy herbal teas.
–Cut back on salt consumption.
–Eat small mini meals every 4 hours to avoid sugar crashes, and food cravings.
–Drink water
–Fiber (apples, oatmeal, blueberries, celery, tomatoes) helps battle against that midsection belly fat and leaves you feeling full longer, as well as keep your blood sugar stable and can help reduce heart disease and diabetes.
–Consume healthy fats (olive oil)
Always eat within an hour of waking, eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day, get plenty of sleep, watch those portion sizes, travel with a snack pack so you are not tempted by fast food, and aim to exercise most days of the week (at least 30 minutes, but up to an hour is great if you have the time).
2. Vitamins and minerals: Taking Omega-3 EPA, flaxseed oil, calcium with vitamin D are supplements you may wish to discuss with your health provider. Many women benefit from a daily multi-vitamin with minerals during perimenopause. B vitamins may help with emotional issues related to menopause such as mood swings, nervousness and insomnia. Magnesium and potassium may help fight fatigue associated with menopause. Discuss all supplement considerations with your practitioner.
3. EXERCISE – good for your heart, bones, mood, self-confidence, and body image. Daily exercise is associated with a decreased number of hot flashes whereas a low level of physical activity is associated with an increased number. However, also note that strenuous exercise has been shown to trigger hot flashes in symptomatic, unconditioned women. Try yoga, pilates, walking, hiking, or swimming.
4. Donât smoke. Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased number and severity of hot flashes.
5. If you are suffering from hot flashes: Remifemin is a popular standardized product that many clinicians recommend for relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It is a reliable, clinically-studied black cohosh extract.
6. If you are suffering from vaginal dryness: Replens (vaginal moisturizer) or Astroglide used during intercourse can provide relief.
7. Recent studies show that acupuncture ma help with stress and hot flash relief.
8. Get a good nights rest – if you are suffering from night sweats and “natural” options are working, discuss other options with your health care provider.
If your symptoms are moderate to severe discuss with your doctor, there are non-hormonal and hormonal remedies available. We all want to go through a natural transition like menopause “naturally,” but many must consider additional support to manage this transition smoothly. We are all different. Fingers crossed your transition can be managed “naturally.” 🙂
It takes making healthy food choices, doing daily exercises and working closely with your practitioner to manage menopause.
Soy of any and all types. Soybeans (dry, roasted, miso soup, tofu, supplements) and stay away from things like HRT (hormone replacement Therapy) they can mess up so much more than they help. Try more natural remedies first and just accept that you will get thru it!
welocme! I am 52 and have been in the thick of it now for about 2 years. Just expect that you will have hot flashes; layer your clothes to peel off later. At night; I have my regular blankets and throws that I put on AFTER I toss off the blankets during a flash. Comfort is a REALLY big thing in making it easier!
It’s not a lifetime event; it goes away eventually. Just laugh and deal. Good luck. Remember; we are here for you!
0 Answers
Staness Jonekos wrote on :
There are so many wonderful ways to manage menopause naturally. If you have minor or moderate menopause symptoms there are a number of “natural” options to consider.
1. A healthy lifestyle is so important during the menopause transition to maintain a healthy weight (extra weight acts as insulation resulting in a higher body core temperature and more hot flashes) that can often help manage mild to moderate menopause symptoms.
–Consume lean proteins (chicken, turkey, egg whites, SOY (discuss with your health care provider if you have breast cancer) – tofu, edamame – fish, low fat cottage cheese, low fat string cheese, Fage 2%).
–Eat low to medium glycemic carbs (whole wheat bread, brown rice, yams, veggies, fruits). Managing your glycemic index can make a drastic difference in your menopause symptoms.
— Eat real foods, cut back on processed foods.
–No more than one alcoholic beverage per day (red wine is the best choice).
–Only one cup of coffee per day, enjoy herbal teas.
–Cut back on salt consumption.
–Eat small mini meals every 4 hours to avoid sugar crashes, and food cravings.
–Drink water
–Fiber (apples, oatmeal, blueberries, celery, tomatoes) helps battle against that midsection belly fat and leaves you feeling full longer, as well as keep your blood sugar stable and can help reduce heart disease and diabetes.
–Consume healthy fats (olive oil)
Always eat within an hour of waking, eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day, get plenty of sleep, watch those portion sizes, travel with a snack pack so you are not tempted by fast food, and aim to exercise most days of the week (at least 30 minutes, but up to an hour is great if you have the time).
2. Vitamins and minerals: Taking Omega-3 EPA, flaxseed oil, calcium with vitamin D are supplements you may wish to discuss with your health provider. Many women benefit from a daily multi-vitamin with minerals during perimenopause. B vitamins may help with emotional issues related to menopause such as mood swings, nervousness and insomnia. Magnesium and potassium may help fight fatigue associated with menopause. Discuss all supplement considerations with your practitioner.
3. EXERCISE – good for your heart, bones, mood, self-confidence, and body image. Daily exercise is associated with a decreased number of hot flashes whereas a low level of physical activity is associated with an increased number. However, also note that strenuous exercise has been shown to trigger hot flashes in symptomatic, unconditioned women. Try yoga, pilates, walking, hiking, or swimming.
4. Donât smoke. Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased number and severity of hot flashes.
5. If you are suffering from hot flashes: Remifemin is a popular standardized product that many clinicians recommend for relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It is a reliable, clinically-studied black cohosh extract.
6. If you are suffering from vaginal dryness: Replens (vaginal moisturizer) or Astroglide used during intercourse can provide relief.
7. Recent studies show that acupuncture ma help with stress and hot flash relief.
8. Get a good nights rest – if you are suffering from night sweats and “natural” options are working, discuss other options with your health care provider.
9. Herbal remedies, click here: http://www.menopause.org/hotflashes.aspx
10. Make time for YOU. Me-No-pause!
If your symptoms are moderate to severe discuss with your doctor, there are non-hormonal and hormonal remedies available. We all want to go through a natural transition like menopause “naturally,” but many must consider additional support to manage this transition smoothly. We are all different. Fingers crossed your transition can be managed “naturally.” 🙂
It takes making healthy food choices, doing daily exercises and working closely with your practitioner to manage menopause.
Barbara Phelps wrote on :
Soy of any and all types. Soybeans (dry, roasted, miso soup, tofu, supplements) and stay away from things like HRT (hormone replacement Therapy) they can mess up so much more than they help. Try more natural remedies first and just accept that you will get thru it!
Aracy Gurgel wrote on :
Thank you so much. I will follow your advice
Barbara Phelps wrote on :
welocme! I am 52 and have been in the thick of it now for about 2 years. Just expect that you will have hot flashes; layer your clothes to peel off later. At night; I have my regular blankets and throws that I put on AFTER I toss off the blankets during a flash. Comfort is a REALLY big thing in making it easier!
It’s not a lifetime event; it goes away eventually. Just laugh and deal. Good luck. Remember; we are here for you!