Does Every Woman Have Menopausal Symptoms?

The most common menopausal symptoms are hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood swings, fuzzy thinking, and loss of libido.

Studies have found that some women only experience one or two symptoms that they can easily live with. However, most women have symptoms that they feel require treatment. But even when women do have symptoms, they don't have all symptoms all of the time. Some symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and fuzzy thinking are the result of the pendulum swinging between high estrogen and low progesterone, a scenario common during the perimenopause years. All symptoms come and go like acne, breast pain, and heavy bleeding. Though symptoms like vaginal dryness and decreased libido can happen at anytime for a multitude of reasons like medications, medical treatments, or after child birth, they are usually more noticeable after hormones settle in the post menopause years.

Fluctuating Hormone Levels

The phase menopausal symptoms refers to the body's reaction to fluctuating hormone levels.But the symptoms of menopause are not caused by the lack of estrogen but by the fluctuations in hormone levels. Symptoms resolve as hormones rebalance, it can take as little as a few months or for many women a few years for the body to settle into its new comfort zone. Nonetheless, with a little non drug intervention you can feel more like yourself during the rough spots of transition.

Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): What the Evidence Shows

Menopausal hormone replacement therapy has proven not to be the wonder drug that many thought it would be. We now know without doubt that menopausal hormones:

• Increases the risk for invasive breast cancer.


• Increases the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.


• Increases incontinence and uterine prolapse.


• Does not prevent heart disease.


• Does not prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Alternatives to HRT

Acupuncture

As an alternative to drug therapy, acupuncture influences the body's flow of energy along the body's pathways called meridians. The hair fine needles used during an acupuncture session stimulate points along the meridians to correct health concerns or imbalances. The theory of Acupuncture is that it treats the root cause of the health problem instead of just the symptom to produce a healing effect.

Herbs for Symptom Relief

How do you choose?

Today, a stated 85% of the world's population use herbs as their first step solution to what ails them. Menopause symptoms are no different. Below is a list of ingredients known to treat the multifaceted problems of hormonal balance. It is the combinations of ingredients that produce the desired state of wellness. Don't try this at home! Either work with an herbalist or purchase a product that is specially designed and clinically tested to support your body during hormonal imbalances.

Bayberry: Traditionally used for intestinal upset, inflammation of the throat, and discharge due to vaginal irritation.

Black Cohosh: Used in Europe for over 40 years, and known worldwide as an alternative to estrogen therapy for symptoms of menopause. Efficacy and safety are confirmed by long-term clinical experience, controlled clinical studies and toxicity studies which substantiate its safety.

Capsicum: The fruit of the plant is authorized in the German Pharmacopeia and the Commission E monographs for the relief of muscle spasms. In the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary, capsicum is used as a carminative and stimulant, and recognized by the U.S. FDA for use in over the counter products for arthritis and neuropathic pain.

Damiana Leaf: Traditionally used to ease feelings of sadness, low energy, hot flashes, low libido, and classic symptoms of PMS.

Ginger Root: Anti-nauseant, anti-motion sickness and an aid for digestive upset are the classical uses of ginger. Ginger is valued the world over, as a culinary herb, home remedy, and medicinal agent. Ginger extracts have been extensively studied for a broad range of biological activities including antibacterial, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antiulcer, gastric antisecretory, antitumor, antifungal, antispasmodic, antiallergenic, and other activities.

Kudzu Root: High in isoflavones, such as daidzein, as well as isoflavone glycosides. Known for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine under the name "ge-gen" and used to treat thirst, muscle aches and pains, allergies and migraine headaches. The historical application of Kudzu for alcohol abuse is a major focal point of modern medical research.

Licorice Root: The German Commission E approved licorice root for inflammations of the upper respiratory tract and for stomach ulcers. Today, Licorice is one of the most extensively researched medicinal plants. Dietary consumption of licorice root extract may also help to lower cholesterol and act as an antioxidant.

Red Clover: Shown in clinical studies to relive menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. Studies also indicate that the isoflavones in red clover may decrease bone loss and have a protective effect on the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women. Red clover isoflavones have been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure in certain populations.

Red Raspberry: Historically red raspberry has been used to strengthen the uterus and ease uterine cramping, help strengthen women's wombs in preparation for childbirth and aid with morning sickness.

Sage: The German Commission E approved sage for upset stomach and excessive perspiration (such as that may occur with hot flashes and night sweats) and for inflammation of the nose and throat. Traditionally sage was used to increase fertility, stop bleeding, and to promote regularity in a woman's menstrual cycle. Also used to heal minor skin wounds, treat hoarseness or cough, and improve memory function. In India, sage was used to treat intestinal gas, upset stomach, and infections.

Valerian Root: The German Commission E has approved Valerian for restlessness and sleeping disorders and recognized for its benefits in the national pharmacopeias of Austria, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Russia, and the United States, among others. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy notes that Valerian is used for tenseness, restlessness, and irritability, with difficulty in falling asleep.