Diet and exercise
Certain lifestyle changes can be made to help relieve
the symptoms of menopause. For example, it may be helpful to eat
vegetables that are high in phytoestrogens, such as soy beans
or other soy products. Phytoestrogens may help reduce the intensity
of hot flashes. Women should also avoid foods and beverages that
may increase the severity of hot flashes, such as alcohol, caffeinated
beverages, and spicy foods.
Regular exercise is recommended to help a woman maintain her general
health as well as to improve her circulation. Exercises that relieve
stress, such as yoga, are believed to be very beneficial in reducing
the severity of the symptoms of menopause.
Vitamins
The use of various vitamins can help relieve some of
the symptoms of menopause. Vitamin E, for example, is believed
to help with vaginal dryness and may offer minor relief from hot
flashes.
Herbal supplements
There are a variety of different herbs that are believed
to be beneficial in treating certain discomforts associated with
menopause. These herbs include:
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga
racemosa)
Also known as squaw root, black snake root, and
rattle weed, Black cohosh is a plant found throughout North America.
It has been used by Native American women to ease the pain of
menstrual cramping and other gynecological ailments. Recent studies
have shown that Black cohosh may have the ability to help improve
various symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes,
insomnia, irritability, nervousness, depression, and vaginal dryness.
There are no known side effects associated with
the normal use of Black cohosh, although consuming overly large
doses may cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and stomach pain.
Dong Qui (Angelica sinensis)
Also known as Danggui, Chinese Angelica, and Umbellifrae.
Dong Qui is a member of the celery family and is a plant native
to China and Japan. It has been used for many decades in traditional
Chinese medicine to treat female gynecological ailments such as
uterine bleeding, abnormal menstrual cycles and bleeding, as well
as cramping. It has also been used to help relieve hot flashes
and other symptoms of menopause.
Dong Qui may have some rare side effects such as incresaed sensitivity
to sunlight.
