5 Natural Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms

There are many uncomfortable things all women face as they get older; perhaps the most uncomfortable is menopause. 

 Not only do women going through menopause experience annoying and painful physical and emotional symptoms, they’re also at a much higher risk of developing dangerous problems such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. 

If you’re going through this change, you’ve probably seen a doctor and discussed medical treatments, but before you start on hormone replacement therapy or other drastic treatments, why not try treating your menopause the natural way. 

Here are 5 natural supplements that can help you solve your menopause problems:

* Soy.  Soy protein contains chemicals called isoflavones, which act as a mild estrogen and can help with hot flashes and night sweats.  It may also help keep your bones healthy. Just be sure not to take too much, about 50 grams of soy protein per day is enough.  Getting more too much soy may actually be harmful.
* Black Cohosh.  This supplement can be used to alleviate hot flashes, help with mood changes, and even help you sleep better.  While it has been tested and found to be safe, studies have only been conducted on a 6 month trial period.
* Red Clover.  Taking this supplement daily has been shown to not only decrease the number of hot flashes (one study showed a 58% decrease!); it can also help stop some of the long term health problems associated with menopause.  Red clover contains isoflavones and may decrease loss of bone mass, improve cardiovascular health, and may even protect you against certain cancers.
* St John’s Wort.  Along with physical symptoms, many menopausal women also experience symptoms of depression.  St Johns Wort can be taken up to two years to help alleviate mild depression.  Just don’t take it if you’re already on an antidepressant because there can be interactions. 
* Vitamins and Minerals.  You probably already know that you should take a calcium supplement to help decrease bone loss, but did you know you should also take magnesium to help you absorb and use all that extra calcium?  You should also increase your intake of Vitamins E and C to help with estrogen absorption.  You should be able to find a quality multivitamin for older women that will give you these nutrients and more.

There are a few things you should be aware of when using these or any other herbal remedy.  First is that you should consult your doctor before you take anything.  Many people equate the word “natural” with “safe”, but these remedies can have harmful drug interactions and side effects.  You should also take care to get a high quality supplement.  Check ingredients, look for seals (and research what the seals mean), and ask around on health websites or with a medical professional. 

 

How can you help support the fight against breast cancer?

With October recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States, many organizations involved in Breast Cancer research will need a helping hand to promote awareness campaigns.

You can get involved by offering to volunteer, or by starting your own awareness campaign in your community, but you don’t have to wait till October to launch your project.  You can begin planning your event whenever you want with the help of many organizations dedicated to Breast Cancer research and Awareness campaigns.

You can also enlist the help of your local church, PTA, or business organization to make your project successful and get others involved.  For example, you can start by forming a committee to write a brief tip sheet on how women can stay healthy and reduce their risk of breast cancer.  A tip sheet is generally no more than one page and lists important ideas and tips on a particular topic.  The American Cancer Society can send you material you can use as reference tool, if you request it.  You can also approach your local Reference librarian for sources to use to help you write the tip sheet.  Once you have completed the tip sheet, you can mail, or distribute to members of your church, PTA, or business organization along with information on how donations can be made to support breast cancer research.

Another way you can get involved is by contacting The American Cancer Society, or The Susan B. Komen Foundation to learn about events such as Runs, or Walks organized to raise money for Breast Cancer research.  You and your community organization, PTA, or Church can participate in these events and help promote them by distributing flyers and brochures provided by The American Cancer Society, or any organization of your choice dedicated to breast cancer research.

If you are a small business owner, you can also make a donation in honor of some of your preferred customers, or contacts and then follow-up by sending a note thanking them for their patronage and also letting them know you made a donation to honor them.  Even if you are not a business owner, you can still make a donation in honor of a loved one, as a memorial, or in honor of your Pastor, or other leaders of your church, or your community.  By being generous and reaching out like this, you will not only be supporting the fight against Breast cancer, but also letting others know how much you appreciate them.
 

Help hope shine.

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