Home Remedies for Menopause Relief

Menopause is a stage in life that affects all women as they age and is caused by a change in the balance of hormones as the ovaries begin to decrease production of estrogen. This process normally begins when a women is in her mid-fifties and can take years until the cycle is complete. Common symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and depression. Menopause can also cause problems with bladder control and bladder infections.

Relief of Hot Flashes

• Hot flashes are the worst side effect of menopause and there are many over-the-counter products available to provide relief, but some of the most basic home remedies provide the same results, are less expensive and have added benefits. Adding 2 tbsp. of ground flax seeds to dairy products, yogurt or other snack products can reduce hot flashes while adding protein to your diet. Including soy products, such as soy milk and tofu, in your diet can minimize and provide temporary relief of hot flashes and reduce cholesterol levels.

Yoga and Meditation for Menopause Relief

• Yoga, meditation and regular exercise, like walking and swimming, will help make menopause easier to deal with. A combination of these will energize the body, help balance hormone levels, which are changing rapidly,and relax all muscles in the body to promote good blood circulation. This combination will also help relieve sleeplessness and ease depression.

Vitamin D

• Including Vitamin D in the diet during menopause will help the body sustain the proper levels of calcium and magnesium, which are lost as part of the menopause process. Green vegetables, fresh fruits and dairy products are great sources of Vitamin D.

Prevent Vaginal Dryness

• The vagina will get dry during and after menopause and can cause pain during intercourse. The best way to keep the vagina lubricated naturally is to drink eight to ten glasses of liquid, such as water or fruit juice daily.

Side Effects of Caffeine and Alcohol

• Because of the changes in your body during menopause, stay away from caffeine drinks which will increase hot flashes and depression. Caffeine produces the same symptoms as menopause, and while you are using other natural remedies to control your menopause symptoms, putting caffeine into your body will override these remedies. Eliminate alcohol from your diet when going through menopause as your hormone and estrogen levels are changing and adding alcohol can lead to heart disease and osteoporosis. If you must have a glass of wine with dinner, do so occasionally, not as a daily routine.