Imagine waking up in the middle of the night sweating heavily. Scary isn’t it? Though, if you are a woman in your mid 40’s, this visual is probably not a new one for you. The majority of women will experience symptoms during their 40s and 50s due to hormone fluctuations as a result of perimenopause and menopause. These hormonal changes can result in irregular periods, hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, night sweats and more. Subsequently, most women tend to seek natural relief from these symptoms of menopause.
In this article we take a look at natural remedies to help you cope with the ever growing list of symptoms.
Does menopause affect long term health?
It’s easy to think that menopause only results in symptoms and doesn’t take a toll on your wider health, but it affects the body in many hidden ways:
- Weakened bones
- Slowed metabolism
- Accelerated hair loss
- Disrupted sleep cycle
- Increased risk of heart ailments
Many doctors provide supplements to treat these symptoms, aiming to achieve a smoother transition. However, many medications have side effects.
How can I treat menopause symptoms naturally?
For many women going through perimenopause, treatment for the symptoms will come as nothing short of a blessing. There are numerous natural remedies to help these symptoms. We have listed below some natural treatment for menopause symptoms that could help you:
1. Hydrate
This tip may seem like a no-brainer but has some scientific reasoning to it. Studies show that as the body’s level of oestrogen decreases during perimenopause, women are more likely to become less sensitive to thirst, which may lead to dehydration in some cases. Being dehydrated can trigger some menopausal symptoms like forgetfulness, brain fog and headaches.
2. A healthy diet
What you eat plays a surprisingly big role in maintaining body weight. A diet rich in irons, proteins, vitamins and minerals can go a long way in supporting your body through the menopausal journey. Studies have shown that a diet rich in iron and protein is linked to lower body fat percentage. Foods like oats, nuts and vegetables help reduce the high cholesterol levels, resulting in lower risk of heart disease. Another thing to note is to avoid foods like alcohol, chillies or caffeine as they may trigger hot flashes.
3. Exercise regularly
We all know that exercise is beneficial, but for perimenopausal women, it becomes even more so. Exercise helps lower risk of heart disease, mood swings, hot flushes, insomnia and more.
4. Quit smoking
Easier said than done, this tip is one of the most important. Research studies have proven that smoking has been directly linked to increased hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. By quitting (or at the very least cutting down) you can dramatically improve your quality of life.
5. Focus on sleep quality
Sleep is an important part of our lives. It helps our memory and body recover from the daily stresses of life. Quality sleep has shown to lead to better energy levels throughout the day. Going to bed at a reasonable time and winding down can contribute to a restful night’s sleep . Avoiding alcohol and caffeine a few hours before your sleep will also help. Our tips for a better night’s sleep include: ensuring the room is 18c, reading before bed, meditating, and having a relaxing bath or shower.
Bonus tip for managing symptoms of menopause
Some natural supplements are known to help with menopause. You may find the likes of black cohosh, red clover, green tea, and ginseng, effective for alleviating some of the most common symptoms of menopause like hot flushes, low mood, and low sex drive. However, we recommend speaking with your GP or menopause doctor before taking any supplements.
The next step
Other Articles
Pets and mental health: The mood-boosting benefits of pets
Vaginismus and Botox: Say no to painful sex
