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As the body of a woman begins to change, moving into perimenopause and heading towards the state of menopause, a woman will experience a number of symptoms along with physical changes to the chemistry of the body. How these changes are managed has been the source of great debate with many and varied experts offering a host of plans and therapies for a woman to manage the changing of her body. While most women opt of Hormone Replacement Therapies, many in recent years have turned to what some would call “Alternative Approaches”. To combat the Hot Flashes, Insomnia, Mood Swings, Forgetfulness, Fatigue, Headaches, Anxiety and other changes that begin to occur in Perimenopause women and their doctors have been choosing herbal, vitamin and natural remedies to deal with some of these symptoms and side effects.
First we will look at the alternative herbal remedies provided to relieve suffering for women. Herbal substances are naturally occurring chemicals, often roots or plants, which have been harvested and prepared for medical purposes. One of the most important things to remember when considering an herbal regimen is to consider that herbs, just like over the counter and prescription medication, must be managed as there can still be harmful interactions and dangerous side effects. A primary health care provider should always be involved in any decision to implement a menopause management system. To treat the following symptoms, a wide variety of herbs are available so make sure to study each by asking questions of both your doctor and herbal practitioners.
Many recent studies have recommended Cimicfuga Racemosa. A plant found in the forest of America that often goes by the popular name of Black Cohosh but is also known as Black Snake Root, Rattle Weed and Squaw Root. A widely popular drug in Germany, early native American women used the root for many medicinal purposes. There have been no documented toxic side effects and it is considered one of the few herbal options available for the treatment of hot flashes.
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While melatonin has become a popular natural remedy for good sleep there are a wide variety of other herbs which also help promote sleep. Kava Kava, first discovered by Captain James Cook is found to have no known side effects and to be very effective over time in promoting sleep. Valerian root also known as Capon’s Tail is used widely in Europe to help aid with mild sleep disorders and anxiety. It is thought, though, that it is best used for mild and occasional insomnia. Finally, Humulus Lupus, a roadside shrub found in Europe and commonly known as Hops helps to aid menopausal woman suffering from sleeping problems.
The mood swings and irritability that often accompany anxiety can also be treated with Valerian Root and Kava Kava. Furthermore, St Johns’ Wort or Hypericm Perforatum also known as Goats Weed can be used. While St. John’s Wort has grown in popularity recently there are serious precautions to be taken before beginning the use of this herb. St. John’s Wort has been widely used as a mild anti-depressant. Recent stories in the press of suicide remind us all that depression is a serious illness and should be treated professionally. When taking St. John’s Wort you should avoid cheese, alcohol and foods with tyramine. You should also not take St. John’s Wort if you are taking any other prescribes anti-depressants. Passion Flower or Maypop is a climbing vine from the America’s, used widely in Europe for its sedative nature.
While Echinacea has become very popular due to a number of studies on immunity enhancing; bearberry can also be used for chronic bladder infections. The caution with bearberry is that it can have a number of significant side effects if taken in too large of a dose. Vomiting, convulsions and possible collapse have been the most prevalent side effects. Goldenseal, if used with an eye towards menopause management can be taken to effectively reduce the problems of cramps along with the irritation and inflammation of the vagina. |
The important thing to remember about fatigue is to constantly keep in touch with your body awareness. This is why journalizing and reflection are great practices, not only for tracking your emotional health, but also for tracking any varying wellbeing you may be experiencing. Finding out if you are constantly tired, or suffering from a prolonged headache can often be the key to a good diagnosis. Some people are surprised at how long they have been suffering from a particular ailment. Fatigue can often trick the body into a stasis, making the sufferer think that the reduced state suffered while under the effects of fatigue is actually a normal state. So, be honest with yourself. When you’re tired, don’t try to deny it. If you’re tired repeatedly then don’t let that become the norm. Find out why. As far as herbal remedies are concerned, Ginseng, a Chinese drug, has been known not only to ease fatigue suffered during menopause, but also to prevent thinning of the vagina. Its side effects include mild breast tenderness which should be temporary in nature.
Ginko Biloba is the herbal answer for you if you find your memory skills have tapered off a bit. Going back several thousands of years it has properties associated with the relief of breathing difficulties. Forgetfulness, ‘foggy brain’ and lack of concentration are common symptoms in menopausal women for which Ginko Biloba has provided an herbal relief.
You’ll find that Evening Primrose and Flax Seed Oil are good herbal treatments for PMS symptoms.
While Saw Palmetto has been gaining notoriety in studies for men, some believe it has a use in reducing unwanted hair growth for women. Too few studies have been done in this area and results are still tentative.
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