A Natural Alternative - Menopause Supplements
Many women experiencing severe symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, depression or hair loss, just to name a few opt for HRT (hormone replacement therapy). It can not only relieve the symptoms effectively but can decrease the risk of breast cancer or heart diseases, as research has shown, however, on a long-term basis HRT can be quite risky. Thus many women coping with the symptoms of menopause or perimenopause nowadays seem to prefer natural menopause supplements. The effectiveness of these menopause supplements is not yet as widely recognized as that of HRT for example, however they are obviously a more natural and thus less risky alternative.
Vitamins
Women going through menopause should pay even more attention to a healthy diet from their 40s than before. Many vitamins, to be found in healthy foods can play a role as natural menopause supplements or they can even be taken alongside a balanced diet . Vitamin C has a generally positive effect on the immune system, it can help to prevent the development of further illnesses (the risk of which is increased as a result of going through this transition period), reduce hot flushes, moreover it gives elasticity to the skin, helping the prevention of vaginal dryness or incontinence, as it helps to maintain the elasticity of the urinary tract. Vitamin B can be beneficial in times of increased stress levels, and so if you feel anxiety or stress during menopause, Vitamin B can be quite useful. Vitamin E can also play an important role at the time of menopause, research has shown that it can reduce hot flushes, vaginal dryness (it can even be used internally, inside the vagina), moreover, numerous studies have shown that vitamin E significantly decreases the risk of heart attacks.
Phytoestrogens
One major cause of the symptoms of menopause is the decrease in estrogen levels in the body, HRT can effectively help this, however, research has shown that Japanese women for example experience menopausal symptoms much less severely. This could be the result of their diet being much more soy-rich, than the diet of European or American women. Soy contains phytoestrogen, which functions similarly to estrogens. So, a soy-rich diet could function as an effective menopause supplement, helping to maintain bodily hormone functions at a former level when more estrogen was produced by the ovaries.
Herbs as Menopause Supplements
Herbal menopause supplements are also used to prevent many of the symptoms. Black cohosh is believed to contain phytoestrogens and thus can be used to maintain a natural balance of hormones in the body, it can be used to prevent vaginal dryness, hot flashes and can strengthen the bones as well. Dong Quai is also believed to be an effective supplement during menopause, relieving many symptoms. It contains phytoestrogens and Vitamins A, E and B12, it can prevent mood swings, vaginal dryness and hot flashes for example.
