Menopause - it has been the butt of jokes and entertaining fodder for tv sitcoms, but menopause is no laughing matter to women going through it.

Hot flashes, weight gain, sleepless nights,mood swings , thinning hair and dry skin are some of the many symptoms.  Technically, menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycle for at least 12 months. It can happen in your 40's or 50's, but the average age is 51 in the United States. 
Menopause is something that all women will go through. Some women coast right through menopause yet other have severe symptoms. For those that are suffering through this time of life, are some remedies, supplements and lifestyle changes that can reduce the severity of symptoms to hopefully lessen the need for hormone drug therapy. Here are seven natural treatments for menopause symptoms.

 

  • 1

    Eat Foods that Help Treat Menopause Symptoms

    Organic fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, omega-3 fats, probiotic foods and water are some of the best things you can put in your body to help balance hormones and reduce menopause symptoms.

  • 2

    Avoid Foods that Worsen Menopause Symptoms

    Processed/packaged foods, alcohol, sugary foods and beverages, fried foods and farm-raised meat are the things you should avoid when treating menopause symptoms.

  • 3

    Supplements for Menopause Symptom Relief

    Black cohosh, natural progesterone cream, vitex, American ginseng, red clover, St. John’s wort and adaptogen herbs are some of the best supplements you can take for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and hot flashes.

  • 4

    Reduce and Manage Stress

    Since lots of women experience increased stress and anxiety during menopause, the best natural ways to combat these are exercise, meditation, spending time in nature and fostering close relationships.

  • 5

    Essential Oils for Menopause Symptom Relief

    Clary sage oil is the most effective essential oils for balancing hormones. It can help offer relief from menopause symptoms including increased anxiety and hot flashes.

  • 6

    Regular Exercise

    Exercise is very important for managing risk factors of menopause complications such as weight gain, high inflammation, insomnia, bone loss, and chronic stress.

  • 7

    Get Enough Sleep

    It’s best to get 7-9 hours of sleep per day. Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of morning cortisol, decreased immunity, trouble with work performance, and a higher susceptibility to anxiety, weight gain and depression.

     

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