Menopause for many women in different cultures is considered a positive transition to a stage of life free from pregnancy risk, menstrual period and premenstrual psychosomatic symptoms. It is regarded as a new beginning characterised by charm, wisdom and self-realisation. However, today’s woman, especially to Western culture, is a victim of the stress pandemic and is experiencing this transitional phase with suspicion, bias and negativity. The result is both the emotional and physical symptoms are experienced in their most intense form. The health problems mentioned above  associated with menopause are:

• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Mood Disorders
• Vaginal dryness and pain during sex
• Urination symptoms
• Arthralgia
• Headaches
• Feeling of heartbeats
• Osteoporosis
• Weight gain

Hormone replacement therapy

Synthetic hormone replacement therapy is very effective in treating these symptoms but is not devoid of side effects and is also a contraindication to a medical history of breast cancer. It will probably be a treatment option for women who do not respond to other therapies. It may also be useful in such cases as anorexia nervosa, excessive exercise or extreme stress, premature menopause and surgical removal of the ovaries.

Other therapeutic options for menopause

If you feel menopause is coming, it is essential to stay mentally and physically active, to follow a balanced diet and to benefit from the products of nature and holistic treatments that aim at body and mind health.

If you follow some of the next suggested tips, the transition to the more mature and wise phase of your life can be even smoother:

Diet:

• Nutrition rich in vegetables and fruits, cereal grains, legumes, foods that contain phytosterols, which have hormone-regulating properties.
• Japanese people have less menopause discomfort thanks to foods that you can also add to your diet, such as soy, tofu and miso.
• Take 1-2 tablespoons of grated linseed, containing lignans, which regulate estrogen and lower cholesterol, daily with a glass of water.
• Nuts or oils are rich in vitamin E, which is estrogen-regulating.
• Drink a glass of water every two hours while you are awake to restore the balance that has been deregulated by sweating and hot flashes.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they aggravate hot flashes.
• Add omega three fatty acids from salmon, cod, tuna that contribute to your cardiovascular health.

1. Herbs and food supplements:(For the following formulations, the information is based on a few scientific studies, so their efficacy is not yet definitively proven.)
   • Black cohosh for six months relieves hot flashes, mood swings, nervousness, irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and swelling.
   • Vitex agnus castus reduces hot flashes and abnormalities of menstruation in the premenopausal phase.
   • Pueraria Mirifica appears to relieve symptoms of menopause to an extent comparable to synthetic hormone replacement therapy
   • Amerian ginseng (Panax Guinquefolius), supports adrenal function, provides energy, reduces tension and a feeling of heat.
   • Soy protein powder because it treats hot flashes.
   • Ginkgo biloba that increases brain circulation and improves memory, concentration and other brain functions.
   • Hypericumperforatum (Saint John’s wort) during depression.
   • Salvia officinalis (sage) suppresses sweating due to hot flashes.
   • Maca, known for its beneficial effect on decreased libido, appears to be able to act on anxiety and mood.
   • Chamomile tea, mint or passionflower for relaxation and tea or valerian supplement for more intense relaxing action and insomnia. The latter may also act on hot flashes.
   • Vitamin E, containing tocopherols and tocotrienols to treat menopausal symptoms. Avoid taking medicines that reduce blood coagulation,
   • Calcium, vitamin D and magnesium for bone health.

   Other therapies:

   • Acupuncture: Various studies have shown its effectiveness to be 48-66% in the reduction of hot flashes lasting at least 3 months after the end of treatment. At the same time, it may help with insomnia and mood swings.
   • For dryness and pain during sex, a lubricant and/or a product that exerts vaginal hydration and/or lactic acid and lactobacillus formulations that regulate vaginal flora and prevent the development of vaginitis.
   • Holistic treatments that aim at the well-being and overall health of the body.

   Many choices!!!

   So choose which one suits you best and is effective for you!!!