A woman’s body goes through a plethora of changes over the course of her lifetime, and one of them is menopause. This is when a woman reaches the end of her reproductive lifespan and periods stop completely.
Now, this isn’t an abrupt change but rather a gradual one. This transitional period is referred to as perimenopause, and brings with it a plethora of symptoms. These symptoms can be rather uncomfortable at times, but there are safe and natural ways to make this transition easier to bear. Below, five useful tips on how to manage perimenopause symptoms using natural remedies.
Enrich your diet with herbal supplements
Dietary supplements aren’t just there to help fill any nutritional gap you may have. While their main purpose is to address vitamin deficiencies, supplements have shown to be quite effective in helping women manage perimenopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems, and urinary incontinence. Still, it is important that you consult with a healthcare provider prior to taking any herbal supplements. Using certain supplements may result in adverse side effects, including headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, stomach pain, skin rash, and diarrhea.
Some of the herbal supplements you should keep in mind include:
- black cohosh
- red clover
- pollen extract
- wild yam
- ginseng
- kava
- maca
- sage leaf
- ginkgo biloba
- evening primrose oil
Give dong quai a try
A herb native to Asian regions, dong quai is a popular medicine that’s been traditionally used for treating women issues such as PMS and menopause symptoms while also supporting their overall health. Often referred to as female ginseng, dong quai was found to be quite effective in addressing perimenopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. It can also help with easing migraines as well as menstrual cramps.
According to two studies, when dong quai is used alongside other herb supplements such as chamomile, black cohosh, and red clover, it can be quite effective in reducing the aforementioned symptoms. It comes in the form of a herbal supplement, although some women prefer taking dong quai in the form of tea.
Ease unpleasant symptoms with natural treatment methods
Physical symptoms are the hallmark of menopause. From vaginal dryness and weight gain to hair thinning and dry skin, there’s no doubt that they can be quite unpleasant. Some women may notice their metabolism has slowed down, while others may experience urinary incontinence.
Hormone imbalance is the underlying cause of all these issues. Depending on your symptoms and their severity, your doctor may recommend a treatment for menopause that feels most appropriate for your particular case. Low-dose antidepressants can help stabilize mood and ease hot flashes, while hormone replacement therapy can prevent bone loss. To strengthen the bones, they may recommend osteoporosis medications and supplements, while vaginal estrogen (in the form of a cream or tablet) may be the best solution for women experiencing painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and urinary symptoms.
Address psychological symptoms with aromatherapy massage
Aside from physical symptoms, perimenopause also brings multiple psychological symptoms. You may experience mood swings on a regular basis, and notice that you feel quite irritated at times. You may also find it more difficult to get that much-needed rest at night. This is usually due to hot flashes that perimenopausal women experience, often resulting in frequent sleep disruptions. All of this can interfere with how you function on the daily.
One way to address these unpleasant symptoms is through aromatherapy massage. Essential oils have long been praised for their relaxing effects. When paired with a relaxing massage, they can help women manage perimenopause symptoms more easily and make them much more bearable.
Make yoga a part of your daily routine
Physical activity in general can help ease perimenopause symptoms. But not everyone enjoys the same activities, nor are they suitable for every woman’s lifestyle. Resistance training is regarded as one of the most beneficial types of training for menopausal women as it focuses on maintaining muscle and bone mass. It works exceptionally well when paired with other activities such as balance workouts and aerobics.
Still, there’s one activity that doesn’t involve strenuous exercises or sweating. Yoga, an ancient practice that combines spiritual, physical, and mental disciplines, could be just what you need to ease perimenopause symptoms such as mood swings and sleep problems. It is an effective alternative that also doubles as a relaxation technique since it focuses on breathing and posture. And thanks to a variety of YouTube channels and internet tutorials, you don’t even have to leave the house to reap all the different benefits of yoga.
Wrapping up
There’s no doubt that perimenopause symptoms can be quite unpleasant. The good news is that it’s possible to address these issues by relying on natural remedies.
Make the necessary changes, adapt to your new lifestyle, and try out different treatment options. Find what works for you, and you’ll be able to navigate this transitional period with ease.
