Taking Drugs While Pregnant

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life that is often referred to as “the change of life.” It is the time when a woman’s body decreases its output of female hormones, which leads to the end of her menstrual cycle. Menopause usually begins between the ages of 40 and 50 and ends around the age of 60. It can also be kick-started by a radical hysterectomy at any age, or a round of chemotherapy that destroys the function of the ovaries.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the first of three stages of menopause. It usually occurs between the ages of 40 to 50 and is when a woman’s body begins to produce a decreased level of the female hormones progesterone and estrogen. It can last for a period of two to ten years.

Menopause

Menopause is a time when a women’s body cuts back the production of female hormones to the point where her ovaries cease to release eggs. This is the time when menstruation ceases or is very infrequent until it stops completely. The length of menopause is different in each individual.

Postmenopause

This is the time in a woman’s life after menopause is complete. During this time there is absolutely no menstruation.

Symptoms of Menopause

Every woman has the same symptoms of menopause, though they vary from mild to extremely severe in each individual. Symptoms include anxiety, hot flashes, heart palpitations, bladder problems, dizziness or vertigo, night sweats, insomnia and vaginal dryness. Lack of sexual libido is experienced in some cases.

Herbal Supplements

There are a variety of herbal supplements that can be taken to ease the symptoms of menopause drastically.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh eases hot flashes and cramps during the menstrual period of perimenopausal women.

Angelica

Angelica is a natural uterine relaxant. It can be taken to ease all symptoms of menopause.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is also known as natural Prozac. It relieves anxiety, insomnia and depression that are caused by menopause. It cannot be taken with HIV drugs of any kind.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek contains high levels of isoflavones, which are similar to the female hormone estrogen.

Licorice

In times gone by women used licorice for many ailments. It affects the female body in a similar way to the hormone estrogen. Some women find that taking licorice root capsules, or even ingesting black licorice eases menopausal symptoms.

Sage

This herb is another plant that has been used by people for centuries as a medicinal supplement. Some women find that sage eases the symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings when ingested on a daily basis.

Vitamins

Vitamin C and E

Both of these vitamins provide protection from antioxidants and reduce intensity of hot flashes and night sweats brought on by menopause.

Vitamin A and B

These vitamins give menopausal women a boost by aiding and improving the function of the circulatory system.

Hersperidin

This herbal supplement will reduce the symptoms of menopause because of its bioflavonoid qualities.

Lecithin

When used in conjunction with Vitamin E and Evening Primrose oil, Lecithin will help menopausal women produce estrogen. This will reduce hot flashes, irritability, mood swings and night sweats.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil will help menopausal women by easing all symptoms of menopause with the exception of heart palpitations. Some women may find that when they take evening primrose oil other symptoms ease while heart palpitations seem to become stronger. Heart palpitations will not harm menopausal women, but can cause some discomfort.

Soy Products

All soy products contain estrogenic isoflavones, which is very similar to the hormone estrogen. Soy products help to ease overall symptoms of menopause in women.

Minerals

Calcium and Magnesium

Minerals are essential for women who are menopausal. Calcium and magnesium cause the nervous system to calm and reduce irritability, mood swings and nervousness. If you are taking calcium, it is imperative to take Vitamin D to ensure your body absorbs it.

Potassium

Potassium helps women replace electrolytes that they lose through perspiration and night sweats during menopause. Women can replace electrolytes by eating foods that are high in potassium including bananas and kiwi, or taking a potassium supplement such as pedialytes.

Zinc

Zinc is beneficial to menopausal women because it reduces overall symptoms of menopause and protects against the onset of osteoporosis.

Conclusion

If you are nearing the age of 40, or are in the perimenopause stage of your life, start taking a daily regime of the herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements mentioned in this article. They will ease the menopausal transition and you will feel less great. Remember, menopause is a natural aging of our bodies and if you take natural supplements you will get through it with ease.

Related posts:

1. Two Types of Herbs for Menopause Symptoms
2. The Bright Side of Menopause
3. Essential Oils for Menopause
4. 5 essential supplements for aging well
5. Herbs for Women

Comments are closed.