We've talked about all the various 35 menopausal symptoms that you may
experience, as well as the health implications of various treatments. Having
said that, let's face it: Most women don't need to know about
treating each and every possible symptom, they want to know how to treat the
symptoms they are experiencing RIGHT NOW. You may want to simply know how to get
a good night's sleep. You may need those irritating hot flashes to simply be
gone by the time you get on that plane for your vacation. Or, you might need a
solution for that incessant vaginal dryness before you go to that convention.
Either way, your most urgent need is probably to simply treat the handful of
menopause symptoms that are screwing up your days, right? Fair enough. Today,
let's discuss find the approach to relieving some of those symptoms that's right
for YOU.
Options for Treating Your Menopause Symptoms : Three Different Approaches
One of the best strategies (in my opinion) of approaching the treatment of
the menopause symptoms you are experiencing is to simply start with the least
risky approaches, and go on to riskier treatment methods only if necessary.
Unless you're in a truly desperate situation (i.e. your symptoms have so
overwhelmed you that even functioning day-to-day is becoming nearly impossible),
it's much more prudent to try the lowest level, safest possible approach first,
moving up to the net level only if that fails. The levels of treatment (as we're
discussing here) are:
1. Lifestyle Changes
2. Alternative Therapies
3. Drugs & Surgical Procedures
Changing your Lifestyle
For many women, overcoming menopausal symptoms is simply a matter of making
changes to the way they eat, exercise, or go about life. This approach involves
the least amount of risk, as most of the lifestyle changes are simply common
sense. If hot flashes are ruining your day, try dressing in layers. In addition,
eating say (such as tofu, etc.) can decrease the frequency and severity of hot
flashes. There is a plethora of information out there regarding the effect
changes in your diet can have on your menopause symptoms.
The good news is that you CAN take many steps to reduce your symptoms without
taking hormones:
- Dress lightly and in layers
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
- Practice slow, deep breathing whenever a hot flash starts to come on
(try taking six breaths per minute)
- See an acupuncturist
- Use relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi, or meditation
- Eat soy foods
- Remain sexually active to preserve elasticity of your vagina
- Perform Kegel exercises daily to strengthen the muscles of your vagina
and pelvis
- Use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse
Alternative Therapies
When the natural (and safest) approaches don't work, then it might be time to
take it up a notch. This second level approach to treating your menopause
symptoms involves using herbs and other dietary supplements to help alleviate
your symptoms, and even a possible visit to an acupuncturist (don't fret ladies
- even my dog has had acupuncture - it works wonders!)
While this approach still involves very little risk when taken carefully, you
still need to approach as an educated consumer. A few of the herbs to consider:
Black cohosh ( cimicifuga racemosa) This is a good estrogenic
herb that acts specifically on the uterus to reduce cramps and congestion.
It is also good for relieving hot flashes. It may also help to reduce
cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Chaste tree ( Vilex agnus- castus) This herb is a hormone
balancer that is used to alleviate depression at menopause.
Damiana ( Turnera diffuse) Damiana is a pituitary regulator
and antidepressant. It is also an aphrodisiac and is of benefit for sexual
difficulties. Not be taken too frequently!
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Dandelion is a wonderful
herb for the liver.
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) High in natural plant estrogens
called phytosterols and helps to reduce the symptoms of estrogen deficiency.
False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum) An estrogen regulator.
It has a direct action on the uterus and ovaries and is considered to be a
corrective herb for women.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) This herb improves brain function,
circulation, and oxygenation of all body cells. It is helpful for symptoms
of fatigue, memory problems, and depression.
are dozens available.
Drugs & Surgery - the Last Choice
While the importance of lifestyle and natural treatments have gained much
ground over the past two decades, there are still some women whose symptoms are
so severe that they simply feel they MUST go to this third (and most risky)
level of treatment. this approach to treatment involves drugs (hormones and
other types of pharmacological therapies) and both major and minor surgical
procedures. Unfortunately, side effects are unavoidable with this approach, and
they can range from only mildly irritating to devastating to your lifestyle.
having said that, if your symptoms are sever enough, or you simply do not trust
(or have time for) a more natural approach, then the side effects may be well
worth it to you. Keep in mind that while the side effects and risk may be well
worth it toy you, you simply must educate yourself exactly what using these
synthetic approaches to treatment can do to your future health.
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