If menopause is dragging you down, the good news is there are things you can do to help yourself. Here are some of the natural alternatives women have used to good effect:
Simple rest and stress reduction
Stress and fatigue can worsen symptoms, so change your lifestyle as much as possible to knock these two bogeys out of the picture.
Change your diet
Hormone production is tied in with your weight. If you know you are carrying too much weight, try and reduce down.
Women need more Calcium and Vitamin D (the one you can get from sunlight) post-menopause so 'up' the volume of dark green leafy vegetables, oily fish like salmon, sardines and tuna and low fat dairy (milk, yoghurt, cheese).
Cut down the volume of fats and sugar and limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.
Weight-bearing exercise
All exercise is good, but weight-bearing is even better post-menopause as it strengthens bones. Make it regular – walking, dancing, golf, tennis, anything that has you on your feet in sustained activity.
Vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal and homeopathic remedies
Some of the reputable vitamin and mineral brands have specific formulations to help assist women through menopause. Their ingredients can include Vitamins B, C, D and E, fish oils, Evening Primrose and flaxseed oils, black cohosh, ginkgo bilboa, ginseng, garlic, camomile and St. Johns Wort. Have a good look at the labels to pick the right one for you.
Natural hormones (soy-based phyto-oestrogens)
Some people swear by them. Read up what people have to say online and talk to your GP before giving them a go especially if you are already taking the pill or other hormone-based medication.
Acupuncture, massage and reflexology
Physical treatments have also proved effective for some women. It is really a matter of trying things out to find what helps you.
Janine - 8 years ago
Women can get a free Vitamin D supplement from their GP. This is to protect bones from breaking as we age.