Not Your Mother's Menopause: Tips to Manage your Menopause Naturally

September 13 , 2007
by Editor
EVLiving.com

September is National Menopause Awareness Month.  Women’s health expert, Dr. Donnica L. Moore, health contributor for NBC’s “Later Today” and a frequent guest on NBC’s “Weekend  Today Show,” is well known for her engaging and entertaining style which she refers to as “Medicine Lite”: using humor as the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down and has contributed this article. 

By Donnica L. Moore, MD

Women no longer whisper about “the change.” Today, women take the initiative to learn about managing menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings,

irritability, night sweats, forgetfulness, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms differ for every woman and range in severity from barely noticeable to severe. With so many women concerned about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) news flashes that vary as much as hot flashes, there is a great demand for “natural”, non-prescription treatment options. The good news is that there are many alternate management options, including dietary changes, herbal supplements, and lifestyle changes. For those women whose symptoms continue to be disruptive despite trying these tips, it is time to consult your healthcare provider.

Managing your Moods:

Mood swings may be the most dreaded menopausal symptom...by others! Mood swings can be unpredictable and stressful for you as well as your relatives, friends, and colleagues. If you are a woman of a certain age (the average age of menopause is 51, but women may begin having symptoms years earlier), and the slightest request results in an unpleasant response, it may be an early sign of menopause. There are many factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal fluctuations that contribute to behavioral changes during this time. Simple methods to alleviate emotional symptoms include regular, aerobic exercise; practicing relaxation techniques; stretching exercises, yoga or tai chi; a hot bath or massage; or just simply talking to friends and family. Find out what works for you...and what doesn’t.

Beat the Heat: 

Hot flashes are the most popular menopausal symptom and one of the most common complaints of menopausal women. There’s no mistaking it: an intense feeling of heat in the upper body followed by hot sweats and sometimes even palpitations. While there is no one remedy to eliminate hot flashes, several may ease the symptoms. Common hot flash triggers include alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and smoking; eliminate them. While these contribute to stress, you also need to practice stress-reduction techniques. Herbal supplements containing black cohosh, such as Estroven (a natural herbal supplement made with natural plant estrogens from soy and other plants plus black cohosh, combined with calcium, folic acid and B-vitamins), may also reduce hot flashes.

Estroven PM may be helpful for women who also suffer from night sweats and sleep disturbances.

Feeling sexy again: 

While menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle, it is not the end of her sexuality or femininity! To soothe the vaginal dryness and itching that comes with menopause, women can use a vaginal moisturizer or an intimate lubricant during intercourse. In addition, communication is one of the most important factors in keeping your sex life alive. While your body may be going through some changes, you will never outgrow your need for affection, intimacy, and emotional closeness.  Speaking openly and honestly with your partner is key to bringing back that loving feeling.

Menopause is not a disease or a disorder, but a transitional stage in a woman’s life. While menopausal symptoms can create confusion for some women and disrupt the activities of daily living for others, the good news is that there is now a wide range of menopausal treatment options available, from Estroven to estrogen. Making dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes may also be helpful. When your self-remedies aren’t enough, however, please consult your healthcare provider.

About Donnica L. Moore, M.D.:

Dr. Donnica Moore has been active in organized medicine for over  15 years. For 7 years she served on the Board of Directors of the American  Medical Women’s Association. She has also been a member of the Boards of  Directors of the Society for Women's Health Research, the Friends of the  National Institute of Nursing Research, and the National Council on Women's Health.

For more information on menopause, go to www.DrDonnica.com.

Originally appeared on EVLiving.com.

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