Menopause is a normal phase in the life of a women just like the onset of her menses, it is the time when she stops ovulating which lessens the amount of hormones like estrogen and progesterone which were produced in high levels by the Graffian follicle and the Corpus luteum.
Women, approximately above the age of 45 start this phase. These hormonal imbalances prohibit the normal functioning of the body. The signs and symptoms of menopause can range from emotional problems, skin problems to more severe hot flushes or vaginal dryness.
Women who have to undergo surgeries to remove their ovary also experience the same symptoms post operation. Each of the problems has to be tackled individually.
How To Treat Menopause
Plants And Vegetables
A very important female hormone is estrogen. The ovulating eggs of a female produce high levels of estrogen but in menopausal women these are not produced in such levels. Though many non reproductive organs contain some amount of estrogen it isn’t enough to carry on proper bodily functions.
It is advisable that you take foods that are rich in estrogen like soy bean, garlic, flaxseed, pumpkin, olive oil, papaya, oats etc. These foods can help decrease hot flushes also.
Herbs
Hot flushes are one of the most noticeable outcomes of menopause and it leaves you drenched in sweat and are really discomforting. Root tinctures of herbs like cohosh, licorice, chaste tree, don quai, gin seng and sarsaparilla must be taken 3-4 times daily. For best results mix equal proportions of all the tinctures.
Diet
Have a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, omega3 oils, whole grains and nutrients. At this time calcium must be a staple and you can try calcium supplements to replenish calcium to your body.
Nutrients
Vitamin C, beta carotene, magnesium and calcium needed to be taken in large amount to help your body keep up with menopause signs. Carrots, grapes, lemons, berries, green vegetable and dairy products must be consumed. These nutrients help to keep the elasticity of the sin intact and also help in vaginal dryness.
Essential Oils
Mix together some essential oils of almond and geranium. You may add few drops of aloe vera gel and contents of a Vitamin E capsule. Massage this in and outside the vagina to get rid of vaginal dryness and itching that most menopausal women go through.
You may purchase over the counter lubricants and moisturizer for the same purpose. Essential like chamomile and sandalwood may be used for the body to treat dry skin that is a common problem arising due to the menopause phase.
Aloe Vera
Menopause symptoms include dry, damaged or wrinkled skin and vaginal dryness. You may use aloe vera to treat all forms of dryness. You can add some Vitamin E to your aloe vera to increase the positive effects on dry skin.
Cut Caffeine
Caffeine stimulates and aggravates the symptoms of menopause especially hot flushes. Stay away from drinks or food that contains caffeine. Coffee and chocolates have the highest content of caffeine and must be avoided for better health. You may opt for decaf coffee or other healthy alternatives to these caffeine laden choices.
Sexual Activity
Stimulation of the sexual organs has some good effects on the body by releasing some chemical factors. You may stay sexually active not only to get rid of vaginal dryness but also benefit in emotional, sleep or joint ache problems.
Control The Heat
During the menopausal state the body of the women loses adaptability and becomes sensitive to minor changes in temperature and too much of warm temperature is detrimental. Hot flushes are most common when the temperature rises.
You should always stay under the fan or in an air conditioned or an airy room. Avoid stuffy and uncomfortable places especially when you’re outside. Shower regularly to fight the heat and keep hot flushed at bay.
Clothes
Clothes in a way control the heat of your body which is very essential to beat hot flushes. Always opt for fabrics that are light and breathable. Never wear too tight clothes as this will only agitate your body more. You may choose cotton clothes to keep it light.
You may wear cotton fabric during the might because cotton can absorb the night sweats. Night sweats are a side effect of menopause and a complete nuisance and should be well avoided. You may also sleep directly under a fan to curb night sweating.
Quit Smoking
We are all aware as to the number of negative effects smoking has on our health and on our lives. It has been seen that women who smoke suffer more during menopause as compared to women who do not smoke. Cigarettes and other smoking agents have high nicotine content.
Nicotine is a stimulant and enhanced the symptoms of menopause. If you have the nasty habit of smoking it is advisable that you quit at once. In case you cannot quit or fail to do so for some reason or the other atleast cut down or limit the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Relaxation Therapy
Hormones play a great role in our emotional balance too and when during this menopausal phase our body loses some hormones we suffer emotionally too. Women tend to suffer from frequent bouts of mood swings, anxiety and depression so it becomes essential to practice relaxation therapy.
Deep breathing can help focus the mind and relax without any disruption from worries. You should always stay positive and happy. A therapy that had really helped my own mom was to pursue a passion.
My mother loves singing so she started taking singing lessons and practices that around the clock this not only keeps her pre occupied but also keep her emotionally stable. Try to pursue your own passion like gardening, writing or cooking.
Regular Exercise
Aches, pains and bladder problems are very common among women during menopause. The body loses many nutrients and the ability to absorb nutrients and thus becomes susceptible to diseases like osteoporosis.
Spare atleast 30 minutes daily to for physical activities like jogging or brisk walking to keep away from cardiovascular problems or other health conditions.
At this time bladder problems like aching bladder and frequent urination is seen. Do regular pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic region and muscles. Exercise helps to lower the frequency of hot flushes.
Rest
You need to increase the duration of your sleep in order to get ample rest for the body. Doctors recommend atleast 10 hours of night sleep to prevent the body from getting fatigues.
Women above the age of50 have reported increased cases of fatigue and restlessness due to lack of sleep so a good nap is absolutely necessary.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.