Natural Menopause Relief Secrets

All women go through it. Before we continue - let that notion sink in. Menopause is not a death sentence or something unnatural, it just feels like it sometimes. It is a part of nature’s great blueprint – for better or worse. The majority of women experience the onset of menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. It can begin before and after – but this range is fairly typical.

Menopause occurs because the female body experiences rapid changes to the chemical composition of the reproductive system. The body no longer produces eggs in the ovaries and the production of progesterone and estrogen naturally diminish. Hormonal changes lead to a variety of symptoms including: increased or decreased appetite, foggy and hazy thinking, hot flashes, anger, sadness, depression, and other emotional changes.

Fortunately, there are a variety of supplements that can help you to control these symptoms. More and more evidence has been uncovered as to the benefits of supplementation for everyone – but during menopause women can reap even greater benefits.

Traditionally, menopause has been treated by modern medicine. The treatment of choice has been hormone replacement therapy (HRT). On the surface this makes a lot of sense. The female body is no longer producing estrogen and progesterone at a normal rate so why not make up for the deficit with pills? Well, recent studies have shown that this form of treatment may be potentially dangerous. In fact, there may be more risk involved for various diseases including cancer.

Supplementation is a low-risk treatment that has provided millions of women with much-needed relief. Women who do not want to take the risks associated with HRT should definitely check out some of these essential supplements.

Promensil has been studied for years and has proven effective in providing relief for sufferers of menopause. This supplement is highly effective in limiting the frequency and magnitude of hot flashes that consistently trouble women suffering from menopause.

Black Cohosh is a plant utilized by Native Americans. The plant itself functions without estrogen. This supplement is a wide-spectrum treatment for those experiencing the anguish of menopause. It has been studied in a variety of clinical trials and has been shown to relieve a number of menopause related symptoms.

Calcium is another important supplement for those undergoing menopause. One of the effects of menopause and aging in general is a loss of bone density. Without enough calcium bones become weak and brittle. Taking calcium supplements also contribute a shotgun of minerals and vitamins that can help maintain and improve health.

Red Clover is another supplement that has been researched extensively. The active ingredient is taken from psytoestrogens-rich plants like red clover or soy. When taken it has been shown to provide some much-needed relief of menopause symptoms as well as contribute to healthy bones.

Estroven is another phytoestrogen-rich multivitamin that has proven effective in combating the severity of menopause symptoms. Studies have shown that the symptoms either alleviated or improved include: hot flashes, insomnia, and libido.

The use of supplements is important in the battle against menopause. Educate yourself on the variety of natural supplements available and get yourself some much needed – and most importantly – natural relief!

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Women tend to experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The female body, no longer needing to maintain the reproductive system shuts it down. For some fortunate women the process is gradual – but for most it is akin to slamming a book shut. The body diminishes the production of progesterone and estrogen.

Some of you reading this may be wondering how this has anything to do with relationships. The reality of the situation is that women experiencing menopause can be subjected to a wide variety of troubling symptoms including: insomnia, loss of libido, changes in appetite, weight gain, depression, anger, mood swings, and hot flashes.

In terms of relationships it is not difficult to understand that some, if not all of these symptoms, can be detrimental to a healthy relationship. One minute you may be feeling fine and the next you might experience a bout of anger.

While it is impossible to fashion a menopause-proof vest, your significant other will most likely have to deal with your fluctuating emotional state. True, they should be understanding, but dealing with mood swings can be difficult. Many women report not feeling like themselves. This can be difficult for your partner to deal with so it is important for there to be consideration on both sides.

In addition, many women go through a period of feeling undesirable, experiencing vaginal dryness, and a lack of sexual libido. This is normal but can also be difficult to deal with. The quality of a couple’s sexual relationship can be threatened.

There are a few ways to cope with the situation. An option is to see a mental health professional such as a counselor. You can either go alone or with your significant other. There are even some group therapy sessions that might be particularly helpful. The most important thing is that you get the help you need.

If you are having difficulty communicating out loud what you are going through with your partner you might want to try writing down what you are feeling. Since there are emotional side effects during menopause, simply writing down what you are feeling can be of tremendous benefit to both you and your partner.

Remember, getting through this tough time should not fall squarely on your shoulders. If you clearly explain what you are going through to your partner you should expect a demonstration of understanding.

If you are the significant other of a woman going through menopause and reading this know that you can help the situation by suggesting new ideas to take your relationship forward – sexually and otherwise. Maintaining a relationship through menopause can be a challenge. It takes dedication, love, support, trust, and honesty to allow the relationship to survive.

Menopause is a condition that all women must experience. The real decision you have to make is whether you are going to let the symptoms of menopause significantly change your life or are you going to work around them. Trust your partner to support you, and together, there is nothing the both of you can not do.

Resources:

Take a look at Menozac, which provides a natural alternative for mediate Menopause Symptoms Relief from symptoms including vaginal dryness.

Menopause is a condition that all women face. It is a normal part of nature’s cycle and is something that is inescapable. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen and progesterone production is decreased dramatically. It is important to remember that you are not alone.

Every woman, to some extent, will experience what you are going through. True, not everyone has the same level of severity when it comes to menopause and there are a variety of symptoms involved. Besides the common symptoms of hot flashes, anger, depression, foggy thinking – a woman’s body is going through so many rapid changes that nearly every system is affected in some way.

One of the common, but little known, symptoms of menopause is change in appetite. This change in appetite can work in two ways. Women can push food away and lose the desire to eat properly or they can experience a dramatic increase in appetite. Both situations can be potentially unhealthy. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with appetite changes due to menopause.

Menopause is essentially a change in a your chemical composition. It is a completely natural process. Researchers have proven that in addition to many of the symptoms previously mentioned, many women experience dramatic changes in appetite. Most commonly, women experiencing menopause experience a gain in appetite. This can lead to unhealthy eating practices and weight gain.

To cope with appetite changes you must be proactive: as with anything else, waiting around for something to get better means not a lot is likely to happen, meanwhile the pounds creep ever upwards. The bodily changes that occur during menopause do not allow your body to burn calories at the rate it used to. This means you have to make up for not only an increase in appetite, but a sluggish metabolism!

So, how can you overcome this? The answers may seem simple on the outset, but the struggle to maintain your weight is not easy. First, it is important to increase your activity level. Weight and resistance training are good bets to improve your health and metabolic functioning. As women age there is a natural decrease in activity – this is true for men as well. However, women experiencing menopause have to fight a more uphill battle.

In addition to exercise, nutrition is an important consideration. Eat healthy meals, lots of fruit and foods high in fiber. Monitor intake of high-fat foods and try to stay away from fast food and fried foods. Start each meal being conscious of keeping portion size down to a minimum – your body most likely does not need everything on the plate. Fill up on healthy, low in saturated fats foods before considering higher calorie options.

Although it does happen, it is less common for women going through the menopause to experience a reduction in appetite. While on the surface this may seem like a great way to shed a few pounds, it can lead to a lack of proper nutrition.

Should you find your appetite has diminished, make sure that you take vitamins and minerals that will allow you to keep your body functioning as well as it can. Menopause wreaks havoc on your body, so you have to counterbalance what is happening. Try to have a few small meals or healthy snacks throughout the day. If sitting down for a big meal isn’t working for you, this may be the way to go!

Menopause and appetite go hand in hand. It is important for you to recognize that you are going through a natural process that only seems unnatural. Take the proper steps to control your appetite consciously and you will be better able to cope with whatever the menopause throws at you.

For more resources and lots of information about controlling and treating menopause symptoms please visit Natural Menopause Relief Secrets or have a browse through the rest of the blog.

Menopause. The mere mentioning of this completely natural and unavoidable condition strikes fear into the hearts of many women. Don’t be afraid – menopause is part of nature’s grand scheme and should be approached from this perspective. The bulk of women experience the onset of menopause between the age of 45 and 55. It does not mean menopause cannot begin earlier or later, but the condition usually manifests within this range. When the female body enters menopause it heralds an end to the reproductive cycle.

Menopause occurs because the female body no longer produces progesterone and estrogen at the same rate. The production of these important reproductive hormones decreases dramatically leading to a variety of changes. Women know that it won’t be long before they never have to endure the symptoms of PMS or their menstruation cycle again. This may sound like a great event – but there are other symptoms that occur including leading up to this point: fluctuations in appetite, insomnia, hot flashes, hazy or foggy thinking, depression, anger, emotional problems, and mood swings.

Perhaps the most difficult of the symptoms to deal with are emotional in nature. Many women report feeling not like themselves. Depression, anger, and mood swings are common and can present many problems.

Fortunately, there is a way to cope with these problems. You are not alone in your struggle. There are millions upon millions of other women experiencing menopause. In fact, statistics state out that each day more than 4,000 women in the United States alone experience the onset of menopause.

This being said, the options for you to seek help are extensive. If the emotional symptoms you are experiencing are severe or last for a long time it is probably a good idea to seek some help. Emotional disturbances due to menopause do not mean you are crazy: it is a natural process that hits some women harder than others. Counselling can help you get in touch with your feelings. Do not try to battle menopause without some sort of support network.

Relaxation may also be key in your battle against emotional difficulties. Try treating yourself to an afternoon at a local day spa or a relaxing massage. It sounds trite but can really make the difference to your overall mood. If you have access to a Jacuzzi the warm water and the jets can put you into a relaxed state. Sound therapy, light therapy, hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, acupuncture, and acupressure can also provide relief – both emotional and physical. Hypnosis has a good track record in helping women manage emotional stress due to menopause.

It is very important that you enlist the support of your friends – many of whom are most likely going through what you are, and also your partner and close family members. Explain to them how you are feeling. Once they understand why you’re being snappy, angry or rude they are more likely to be understanding and help you through what can be a challenging time. In addition, there are support groups available where you can get things off your chest and experience a feeling of solidarity.

Besides more traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) there is a wide selection of natural supplements on the market which can provide both physical and emotional relief from menopause.

Make sure you take care of yourself. If you do not take the first step in learning to cope with the emotional side-effects of menopause, nobody will take it for you.

Resources:

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• Anxiety.
• Palpitations.
• Depression.

Discover why more women are turning to Menozac for Natural Menopause Relief.

Menopause. The word is a scourge to many women. It is the shifting of one stage of life to another – from being a creator of life to a point where that is no longer possible. There are many changes which take place on the biological level which can lead to alterations in mood.

In addition to common symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, many women develop rapid mood changes, anger, and depression. These mood swings are the result of hormonal changes brought on by menopause. While there is no ‘cure’ for menopause as it is an entirely natural process, hormone therapy is recommended by some doctors. Even with available treatments to ease this potentially troubling period of time, it is necessary for women to learn to cope with the emotional fluctuations associated with menopause.

When a person is angry or depressed for an extended amount of time, and the menopause can last a number of years, it can lead to negative changes in body chemistry. To gain insight into your anger or depression, it is probably a good idea to get a journal or notebook and keep a running list of things that you believe are causing you to feel this way. By externalising what you are feeling, you can give your emotions a more concrete display and you can examine them.

One way to cope with menopause is to join a support group. Since every woman will one day endure menopause, there are plenty of groups available where women can share their experiences with others like them. Not all women experience significant mood changes, however, many do. It is important to speak to others who may be going through the same trials and tribulations as you are.

In addition, it is a good idea to explore methods of keeping yourself at ease and reducing stress and anxiety. Think about heading to a day spa, getting a massage, floating in a pool, meditation, purchasing a relaxation tape, taking a warm bath, learning breathing exercises, and taking up yoga.

If you have never heard of the Bach remedies, it may be a good idea to check them out. When you take Larch, Wild Rose, Gorse and Gentian together, it may help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. There are many holistic remedies available that have provided excellent results.

You can also look into aromatherapy and acupuncture, which not only can provide relief from symptoms of menopause – they can also help you feel better all around. Hypnosis is also an interesting avenue to explore. Through hypnosis you may be able to eliminate some of the behaviors that are troubling you. Hydrotherapy, light therapy, and sound therapy are also treatments that may help you feel better and give you the peace of mind to combat the emotional symptoms of menopause.

If you are depressed for an extended period of time it is suggested that you contact a mental health professional such as a psychologist. Just a few sessions of counselling may help you get in touch with your feelings and realize that they are essentially a reaction to hormonal fluctuations. While it may be difficult to control at all times, encountering your issues up close and personally may give you the strength to overcome them.

Anger and depression are common symptoms of menopause. With help, knowledge, and support you can overcome them. There is no reason that you have to remain feeling angry and depressed for an extended period of time. You owe it to yourself to take control of your situation by seeking the help that you need or implementing coping strategies. Waiting around for things to get better won’t change a thing and will probably make your life and the lives of those around you more difficult.

Resources:

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Like all major turning points in women’s lives, reaching menopause can be challenging and even a little frightening. Like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause carries with it a whole host of natural, but nonetheless challenging and sometimes uncomfortable, physical changes. Moreover, it also carries with it a plethora of normal emotional and spiritual reactions, ranging from denial, confusion and even grief.

After all, menopause marks a completely new phase in a woman’s life. It heralds the end of our childbearing bearing years and ushers in a different phase of deep female maturity. And, since unfortunately we still live in a culture that equates femininity with sexual fertility, it’s no wonder that many women regard menopause as a negative thing. Sadly some regard it as a nullification of their worth as women, something that couldn’t be further from the truth. Menopause also reminds us we are getting older and our are bodies are naturally aging. That fact in itself can be a difficult to accept.

But what is menopause exactly? Menopause is an intermediary stage that takes place when a woman’s reproductive organs fail to produce eggs, causing her menstrual cycle to stop. Typically menopause begins after or around the age of 50, however there are exceptions with some women commencing menopause earlier or later in life. And, more often than not the symptoms of menopause begin some time before onset.

There are a whole host of symptoms that can accompany menopause. Some of the more common signs are hot or cold flushes; weight gain; mood swings and irritability; emotionality; decrease in libido; muscle and joint soreness; depression; rapid or irregular heart rate; disordered sleeping patterns and irregular periods as well as lighter or heavier menstrual bleeding. In fact, the symptoms of menopause are so many and so individual that it is almost a case of “expect the unexpected”. Some women even say they feel as if their skin is crawling!

The truth is that menopause should not be feared. Instead we should embrace and celebrate it as a normal stage in our cycle of health and wellness. That said, the symptoms and signs of menopause can be difficult to live with, and women should not face it alone. Think about it this way. If men had to go through menopause, just imagine the level of support, public awareness and caring workplace practices that would be established to help them through it! As it is, women have to muddle through menopause as best they can, dealing with it day-by-day, with their friends and sense of humor as their best allies.

Like all health matters, being well-informed about the sorts of symptoms you might experience allows you to physically and mentally prepare. Indeed, some women do not even realize they are going through menopause because they simply lack the information to explain what they are feeling! It’s not until they research and explore the signs that they make the connection. And it’s no wonder, given that the list of potential symptoms is so long and diverse.

There are also many more resources and lots of information about controlling and treating Menopause symptoms in my e-book, Natural Menopause Relief Secrets.

There is little doubt that menopause is a momentous and life-changing episode in a woman’s life. After all, menopause marks the end of menstruation, and in turn, the conclusion of our child-bearing years. In fact the word ‘menopause’ says it all, breaking up into two Greek terms, namely ‘mens’ (meaning monthly) and ‘pausis’ (meaning cessation). Although menopause has been demonized over the years, in fact it is really just another natural stage in a woman’s life cycle. And although it can present challenges such as new and sometimes unpleasant physical symptoms, as well as emotional upheavals, it is something that should be embraced with positivity, understanding and humor.

There is some confusion though between what constitutes menopause proper and what is ‘peri-menopause’. Menopause is the single day when a pre-menopausal woman has failed to have a period for more than twelve months. Confused? Don’t be! It’s actually really simple. You see, leading up to menopause a woman’s ovaries stop producing the regular amounts of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. When levels of both these hormones drop, menstruation ceases and hence a woman’s fertility ends. Officially a woman is said to have gone through menopause if she has failed to menstruate for an entire year. So from a medical point of view menopause takes place on the day when a pre-menopausal woman has missed 12 periods running. .

What many women do not realize is that there is a stage leading up to those twelve months in which her period becomes absent. This phase is known as “peri-menopause” (also known as “pre-menopause”) and it can begin many years before menopause take s place. It is the period in which women undergo most of the symptoms of menopause. So in fact, when a woman says ‘I am going through menopause”, generally what she really means is that she is going through peri-menopause.

Technically speaking, peri-menopause starts when a woman’s body begins to produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Once this process starts, a woman’s general fertility begins to diminish, and her ability to fall pregnant is affected. Ultimately this culminates in her final period, which is the complete end of her reproductive years. Peri-menopause can start as early as age 35 sometimes even younger, but typically it begins several years or some months before menopause. Given that most women go through menopause between the ages of 50 and 52, typically peri-menopause will start during a woman’s 40’s.

During peri-menopause, the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone will become inconsistent and gradually diminish, causing disruption to the usual menstrual cycle. Many women report having irregular periods during peri-menopause, something that is a direct reflection of their changing hormone levels. In addition, some women find their periods will be shorter or longer, and that bleeding may be either heavier or lighter. Likewise it is during the peri-menopausal stage that women will tend to experience the other symptoms which include amongst other things, hot flushes, mood swings, weight gain, depression, migraines, unclear thinking patterns, lethargy and decreased libido.

Like the symptoms of menopause, women have very different and individualized experiences of peri-menopause. What is crucial to remember is that irrespective of the symptom, peri-menopause is a perfectly normal process that simply reflects our natural aging as women.

You can also get access to further support and information in my ebook Natural Menopause Relief Secrets. Don’t forget to read through the rest of the blog for more resources on menopause.

Overall, medical professionals agree that there are at least 37 indicators of menopause, ranging from the mild and easy-to-overlook, to the more dramatic and potentially disruptive to your lifestyle. While the average age of onset for menopause is between 50 and 52, bear in mind that most women start experiencing the symptoms several years beforehand. Here is brief information about the more common symptoms, followed by a list of the remaining ones. When you read this, don’t be worried. Every one is merely a sign that your body is functioning like a normal woman’s body should!

1. Hot or cold flushes:
Many women report having hot of cold flushes, as well as feelings of associated clamminess or sweatiness. Indeed the hot flush has become one of the more ‘stereotypical’ signs of menopause. Both hot and cold flushes reflect a change in your body’s internal thermostat, a factor that is regulated by the hypothalamus. During menopause, less estrogen is produced by the ovaries. The hypothalamus detects this drop in estrogen levels, and responds by altering your body’s temperature hence causing these otherwise unexplained feelings of hotness or coldness.

2. Periods of rapid or irregular heart rate:
This is one of the lesser-known and more frightening symptoms of menopause. In fact, some women say they feel as if they are having heart failure, palpitations, or a panic attack. Despite research into this matter, the medical community has no clear answer as to why heart arrhythmia occurs in some menopausal women. It often begins during the lead-up to menopause proper (during the “peri-menopause” phase) and naturally it causes concern. It is important to report this symptom to your physician to eliminate other, potentially more serious causes.

3. Moodiness, ill temper and feelings of irritability:
See-sawing emotions can make menopausal women feel as if they are on a rollercoaster they can’t control. Like pre-menstrual-syndrome, feelings of irritability or moodiness during menopause are very common and easily explained. They are caused by natural hormonal fluctuations. Most women learn to cope with mood swings by doing regular exercise, or performing relaxation techniques such as meditation, and yoga.

4. Becoming easily upset and teary:
Because their hormones are changing so dramatically, menopausal women can also find they become teary and emotional at the drop of a hat, and sometimes for no reason at all. Again, dealing with unpredictable mood swings isn’t easy but by learning coping mechanisms, such as breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, you can start to lessen the impact.

5. Disrupted or disordered sleeping patterns:
For various reasons, menopausal women can often develop calcium deficiencies. Because calcium acts as a sedative on the human body, this deficiency can lead to restlessness, an inability to fall to sleep, as well as poor sleeping patterns throughout the night. Naturally, this can be extremely frustrating and tiring for women. Not surprising, a lack of quality sleep can also compound other problems such as feeling emotional or experiencing moodiness. The answer for many women is a calcium supplement, as well as engaging in gentle relaxation exercises to help them better sleep.

6. Unusual or irregular menstrual cycles, including lighter or heavier bleeding:
Since menopause is the cessation of menstruation, it seems self-evident that women would experience changes to their menstrual cycle, finally culminating in a failure to menstruate at all. What women might not know is that disturbances to their periods can occur well before menopause begins. Indeed some women report unusually long or short periods, different bleeding patterns, as well as skipped periods well before menopause takes place.

7. Decrease or loss of libido:
With menopause comes a decrease in hormonal levels, including a drop in estrogen levels. This can cause a reduction in libido or lowered interest in sex. That said, some research points out that although many menopausal women report having a lower libido, their level of sexual activity nevertheless remains steady, suggesting the relationship between normal menopausal hormonal changes and libido is a complex one.

8. Vaginal dryness:
As mentioned earlier, menopause involves a reduction in estrogen. Estrogen is the so-called “female” hormone, which amongst other things, is responsible for maintaining healthy, supple vaginal tissue and lubrication. When estrogen drops, as it does during menopause, this leads to vaginal dryness. An unfortunate consequence can be painful sexual intercourse.

9. Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating:
Many women aren’t aware that balanced hormones help keep their gastrointestinal tract functioning normally. Indeed, it’s not until there is an imbalance (such as there is during menopause) that they come to realize how important hormones are to digestion. For instance, estrogen is a stimulant for the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore the drop in estrogen levels can cause any number of symptoms, such as gas, constipation, diarrhea and indigestion. Likewise changes to progesterone levels during menopause can cause disruptions to your usual bowel patterns. Menopause also places pressure on your liver, leaving it less energy to do its usual cleansing duties.

Other symptoms of menopause include:
10. Anxiety
11. Morbid thoughts and feelings of dread and apprehension
12. Mental vagueness and inability to concentrate
13. Memory loss
14. Incontinence and “frequency” of urination
15. Unusual sensation on one’s skin, such as phantom itches, and crawling skin
16. Sore joints
17. Muscle tension and soreness
18. Tender breasts and hypersensitive nipples
19. Headaches and migraines
21. Feeling bloated
22. Depression
23. Changes to, or worsening of, existing health problems
24. Exacerbation of allergies
25. Weight gain and metabolic imbalances
26. Thinning or loss of hair on the head
27. Increase in facial hair
28. Giddiness, loss of balance and light-headedness
29. Strange or unpleasant body odors
30. Increased perspiration
31. Poor circulation, tingling sensation in limbs and extremities
32. Sensitive and/or bleeding gums
33. Gingivitis
34. “Burning Mouth Syndrome” or the sensation of one’s tongue, or mouth burning as well as strange taste in the mouth
35. Osteoporosis
36. Tinnitus (ie. Ringing or strange noises in the ears)
37. Lethargy

Not all women will experience everything on this list or may go through a combination of several. The secret to getting through menopause is to remember that each symptom is normal and will eventually pass.

You can also get access to further support and information in my ebook, Natural Menopause Relief Secrets. Don’t forget to read through the rest of the blog for more resources on menopause.

Coping with menopause can be a real challenge. There are just so many different feelings and symptoms that women can experience. In fact, like puberty and childbirth, most women find menopause to be one of the most life-altering periods of their life. And it’s no mystery why. As well as the many physical symptoms women can go through, there is an emotional side to menopause that can easily be overlooked. It is, after all, the transitional phase in which a woman’s reproductive life comes to an end. And for many women this can be deeply upsetting. It brings to an end their propensity to bear children, and reminds women of the inevitable passing of time.

What many women don’t know is that you can manage, and in some cases minimise, the symptoms of menopause through diet and proper eating. The golden rule to diet during menopause is to make every meal an opportunity to eat healthy, fresh foods that will really nourish your body. Ideally your diet should already be a balanced and diverse one that incorporates plenty of whole grains, low-fat proteins and unlimited amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. If your eating patterns are poor or lacking, menopause is the time to revamp them. Use this moment in your life to usher in a new phase of nutrition and conscientious self-care. Not only will it help your body weather the unexpected and sometimes unpleasant symptoms of menopause, it will stand your health in good stead for the rest of your life.

Since many women report weight gain during menopause, do not be tempted to go on a restrictive or radical calorie reduced diet to combat this problem. It will only deplete your energy reserves, slow your metabolic rate and potentially cause dietary deficiencies. Instead, make sure you eat three regular and wholesome meals a day, as well as a few nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit or raw vegetables, yoghurt, seeds or nuts. Eating regular smaller meals helps boost your metabolic rate, which in turn will help fight any natural metabolic slowing during menopause.

Drinking plenty of water (ideally 8 glasses or more per day) and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks will help you manage hot and cold flashes. Avoiding spicy foods can also help minimise the impact of hot flashes.

Many women say they feel like they are on an emotional rollercoaster during menopause, and indeed some even experience more serious problems such as depression. Again, a focus on a healthy balanced diet can alleviate these symptoms. For example, it is well established that regular moderate exercise helps people cope with depression. Moreover, when people are depressed, serotonin levels in the brain tend to drop. Foods that are high in carbohydrates can help lift serotonin levels, thereby helping to reverse this trend. If you are experiencing depression or mood swings make sure to include foods that are high in complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, cereals and brown rice in your diet.

Another common complaints for menopausal women are headaches and migraines. If these are a problem for you, avoid caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, chocolate and peanuts since these are all known ‘trigger’ foods for migraines.

All menopausal women should try to include soy products and fish oils into their diets since they both have fantastic health properties. Soy in particular contains qualities that are similar to female hormones that can potentially help balance the normal hormonal changes that occur during menopause. A good multivitamin is also a sensible idea to supplement your diet. But remember, no multivitamin is a substitute for nourishing, wholesome eating habits!

Don’t let menopause rule your life. By adopting a healthy and balanced diet, you can control the signs of menopause and reinvigorate yourself for the next phase of wellness. So use food as your medicine during menopause – you’ll reap the benefits both through menopause and beyond! 

For more information on the benefits of soy during menopause have a look at the following link: 

RevivalSoy.com

There is little doubt that menopause is a taxing time both physically and emotionally. For busy women trying to live normal, active and fulfilling lives, it can be extremely frustrating to deal with the many symptoms of menopause, all of which can be exhausting, upsetting and sometimes unpleasant. Nevertheless, similar to menstruation and pregnancy, women are expected to solider on and keep smiling! And by and large that is precisely what the vast majority of women do when they go through menopause – they just keep on smiling and go on working and living with grace and good humor.  That said, there are ways of managing the symptoms of menopause to minimise their intrusion on your lifestyle.

If you are going through menopause the old adage “forewarned is forearmed” is one of the best pieces of advice you can get. Knowing about the sorts of things you might feel during menopause allows you to be mentally prepared. And since there are so many symptoms of menopause, you need to be ready for almost anything, not least of all heart rate irregularities, migraines, weight gain, sleep problems, mood swings, depression, muscular and joint pains. There are lesser known symptoms as well.

Ask any menopausal woman though and she will tell you that one of the more unsettling symptoms of menopause are hot flashes. While they are not life-threatening or dangerous, hot flashes can be unexpected, uncomfortable and distracting. And when you have never experienced them before, hot flashes can even be frightening!

Actually, there are both hot and cold flashes, and they are quite simple to explain. Hot and cold flashes are simply changes to your internal thermal stability that can be traced back to your hypothalamus. Just imagine your body has an internal thermostat. This internal thermostat is regulated mostly by your hypothalamus, which is an area situated at the base of your brain, just above your pituitary gland. Certain functions of the hypothalamus are affected by changes to the level of estrogen being produced in the body. Since women’s ovaries naturally begin to produce less estrogen during menopause, these hormonal fluctuations upset the hypothalamus causing it to quickly alter the body temperature in response. The result? A hot or cold flash!

Although hot or cold flashes can be unpleasant, the good news is that there are some strategies you can adopt to lessen their impact. The first option you may wish to explore is estrogen replacement therapy, a potential course of action you will need to discuss with your physician. There are plenty of diet and lifetsyle changes you can implement as well however that are simple and cost you next to nothing. For example, avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods as well as sugary drinks, since these are all known to be ‘trigger’ foods that cause flashes.

Other no-no’s to rule out are highly-processed foods, like white rice, breads and flours, as well as sweets, cakes and cookies, which tend to use white sugar, white flours and corn syrup. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and include plenty of fruit, vegetables and legumes in your diet, especially those that contain high levels of phytoestrogens, such as apples, carrots, beans, green leafy vegetables and seaweed . Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant-based estrogens that connect with estrogen receptors in your body. Not only will that help you combat hot and cold flashes, but by consuming phytoestrogens you will also help reduce the impact of other menopause symptoms.

As far as lifestyle is concerned, many women say that doing regular exercise and relaxation practices such as yoga, meditation or Tai Chi helps them to deal with flashes because they have a better overall frame of mind. Alternative health remedies such as acupuncture and herbal supplements are also worth exploring as they offer a natural method for bringing your symptoms under control.

Don’t let hot and cold flashes get in the way of a normal, happy life. By knowing the reasons behind them you can see they are a normal response to the hormonal changes in your body. And by implementing dietary and lifestyle changes, you can start to take control again!

Here are a couple of natural alternatives to prescription drugs that you might like to review:

A natural remedy for menopause.

Menozac - Discover why more women are turning to Menozac for Natural Menopause Relief.

There are also many more resources and lots of information about controlling and treating Menopause symptoms in my e-book,  Natural Menopause Relief Secrets.