Alternative Medicine and Supplements - Perimenopause

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><div data-rte-type="old"><p>One of the worst side effects or symptoms of menopause is the dreaded hot flash. Out of nowhere, an instant flash of heat spreads over the body causing sweating and perspiration. It feels like a flame stirs up on the inside from head to toe. Hot flashes are typically treated with hormone replacement therapy, but as is the case with all medications, there is no guarantee it will work all the time. There could be an occasional hot flash slip through now and again, and if you are in menopause, you need to know the best methods to relieve or prevent hot flashes.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Soy</h2>
<p>Soy-based products are said to contain natural estrogen that can help prevent hot flashes or make them less severe. Soy milk, soy protein powder, and soy meat replacements can be added to the diet.</p>
<h2>Herbal remedies</h2>
<p>Black cohosh is the most common herbal remedy for menopause symptoms, but there are also new combinations of herbal remedies containing herbs to treat depression, mood swings, bloating, and sweating.</p>
<h2>Progesterone</h2>
<p>For some women, estrogen is just not enough. Progesterone cream and supplements can be purchased over the counter to help ward off menopause symptoms like hot flashes.</p>
<h2>Moisture-wicking clothing</h2>
<p>When it’s hot outside, a hot flash can feel like an incinerator. To combat the summer heat, wear light clothing made from moisture-wicking material. These materials can actually reduce the temperature of surface skin making women feel cooler.</p>
<h2>Spicy foods</h2>
<p>Cayenne, wasabi, and other spicy foods can cause sweating and trigger a hot flash. Alcohol and caffeine may have the same effect so stay away from these offenders if you find they lead to hot flash symptoms.</p>
<h2>Regular exercise</h2>
<p>Some experts believe daily exercise lasting 30 minutes or more can help prevent hot flashes. Taking a brisk daily walk or a run will help keep hot flashes to a minimum.</p>
<h2>Cool liquids</h2>
<p>Some women who have regular hot flashes in the morning may find that morning coffee causes the flash. Try instead to opt for an iced decaf.</p>
<h2>Keep a fan handy</h2>
<p>At home, sitting in front of a fan can help fight off the heat. Some women choose to have a fan blowing directly on them to stop night sweats (the worst kind of hot flash).</p>
<h2>Eat strawberries</h2>
<p>While there is no scientific evidence revealing why strawberries work, many women report finding relief from night sweats when they eat a few before bed.</p>
<h2>Supplement with vitamin E</h2>
<p>Researchers have studied the effects of Vitamin E on hot flashes with some success relieving the heat. Ask your doctor before you take any supplement or fill up on extra nuts. seeds, and green, leafy vegetables.</p>
<h2>Eat flaxseed</h2>
<p>A study completed by the Mayo Clinic revealed women who ate flaxseed were less likely to suffer from hot flashes. Flaxseed can be incorporated to many recipes or even sprinkled in your morning yogurt or oatmeal.</p>
<h2>Add a little menthol</h2>
<p>Adding menthol to body cream can create a cooling sensation on the skin. Sit in front of a fan to increase the cooling effect.</p>
</div></div></body></html>

One of the worst symptoms is the dreaded hot flash.

12 Ways to Relieve Hot Flashes During Menopause

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><p>Suffering from the hot flashes and/or night sweats associated with menopause but don't want to take estrogen? Hot flashes can be one of the most annoying and frustrating <a href="https://babymed.com/menopause/perimenopause-symptoms-and-diagnosis" target="_self">symptoms of menopause</a> but there are simple lifestyle modifications you can make to help alleviate their occurrence. Here are some non-estrogen options:</p>
<h2><strong style="font-size: 1.5em;">Behavioral interventions</strong></h2>
<p>Wear layered cotton clothing. Avoid coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and stress! Sip cool drinks or use ice packs. Relaxation and deep, abdominal breathing (6-8 breaths per minute) have been shown to reduce hot flashes by about 40% when practiced as minimally as twice per day. Eliminate hot baths or showers before bedtime.</p>
<h2><strong>Vitamin E</strong></h2>
<p>Some women experience a reduction in hot flashes when taking Vitamin E. However, a placebo-controlled, randomized study evaluated vitamin E supplements (800 IU/day for four weeks) for 120 breast cancer survivors with hot flashes and found that vitamin E only marginally decreased hot flashes.</p>
<h2><strong>Soy</strong></h2>
<p>The results of the research on soy are inconclusive and contradictory. Some studies have found that soy has a positive effect on hot flashes, whereas others suggest that there isn't any beneficial effect. Dr. Christiane Northup, in her book <em>The Wisdom of Menopause</em>, cites research that indicates that women who ate 60 grams of soy protein per day in the form of a powdered drink mix had a 45% reduction in hot flashes after 12 weeks. The following servings contain about 35-50 mg of soy isoflavones: one cup soy milk, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/2 tempeh,1/2 cup green soybeans (edamame), and three handfuls of roasted soy nuts.</p>
<h2><strong>Natural progesterone cream</strong></h2>
<p>A study published in the journal <em>Obstetrics and Gynecology</em> in 1999 found that natural progesterone cream significantly reduced hot flashes compared to the placebo group. In <em>The Wisdom of Menopause</em>, Northrup says that a 2% progesterone skin cream works in about 85% of perimenopausal women. As little as 1/4 tsp once per day can ease hot flashes. Make sure that you read the labels of natural progesterone cream products carefully as there is great variability of progesterone content. Some creams contain less than 5 mg progesterone per ounce, whereas others contain more than 400 mg progesterone per ounce. This can be obtained over the counter or by prescription.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Related: <a href="https://babymed.com/menopause/12-ways-relieve-hot-flashes-during-menopause" target="_self">12 Ways to Relieve Hot Flashes During Menopause!</a></em></p>
<h2><strong>Herbs</strong></h2>
<p>An isoflavone or plant estrogen derived from red clover, Promensil, was found to significantly reduce the number and intensity of hot flashes in a study conducted in 1998-99. However, an article by Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD (The National Health) Network News, July/August 2002) states that trials of red clover were not effective over placebo for hot flash reduction.</p>
<p>Probably the most common herbal remedy for hot flashes is black cohosh. However, the results of the trials have been mixed. Three randomized, controlled trials found that black cohosh was as effective as pharmaceutical estrogen in relieving hot flashes. However, a placebo-controlled, randomized trial, involving 85 women with a breast cancer history, found that black cohosh and placebo similarly decreased the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. However, the authors did note that black cohosh was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing excessive sweating. Side effects are rare but may include gastric discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. It can, however, lower blood pressure. The general recommendation is to use black cohosh for up to six months continuously.</p>
<p>According to Northrup, the usual dose of Remifemin (a standardized extract of black cohosh distributed by GlaxoSmithKline) is two tablets (60 or 120 mg per tablet) twice per day. A woman can also take black cohosh in any of the following forms, three times per day: powdered root or as a tea, 1-2 g; solid, dry 4:1 powdered extract, 250-500 mg; fluid extract, 1:1 tincture, 4 mg (1 tsp, or about 5 ml).  Dong quai acts like an estrogen and can ease hot flashes for some women. However, Lila Nachtigall, MD, in her book <em>Estrogen</em> states that it is not recommended because it contains psoralen, a known carcinogen.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Related:&nbsp;<a href="https://babymed.com/meditation-magic-wand-against-stress" target="_self">Meditation: A Magic Wand Against Stress</a></em></p>
<h2><strong>Other prescription drugs</strong></h2>
<p>Low doses of antidepressants such as Effexor or Paxil have been effective in reducing hot flashes. Clonidine, (Catapres), a drug normally used to treat hypertension, can sometimes help relieve hot flashes. However, it may lower normal blood pressure. A drug that has been used in other countries and is undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. is tibolone (marketed as Liviol). It has estrogen-like effects on hot flashes but does not result in hyperplasia. As a result, this drug may be a promising remedy. Megestrol acetate (Megace) is the only type of progesterone that is FDA approved for women who have had breast cancer and can help diminish the frequency and severity of flashes. An article in <em>Neurology</em> reported on six women taking gabapentin (Neurontin) for seizures or migraines who had decreased hot flash frequency and needs to be studied more extensively.</p>
<h2><strong>Acupuncture and yoga</strong></h2>
<p>The <a href="https://babymed.com/the-benfits-of-acupuncture-on-fertility" target="_self">benefits of acupuncture</a> and yoga for menopause symptoms haven't been carefully studied. Many women, however, say they help. One Swedish study found that women who had acupuncture experienced relief from hot flashes. The benefits lasted several months. Also, women are increasingly turning to yoga to alleviate menopause symptoms. Suza Francina in her book <em>The New Yoga for People Over 50</em> describes specific yoga postures to alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and depression. Some yoga studios are now offering special yoga classes for the menopausal woman.  </p>
<h2><strong>Exercise, exercise, exercise!</strong></h2>
<p>Research shows that exercise alone can alleviate hot flashes. In one study, aerobic exercise reduced the severity of hot flashes in 55% of postmenopausal women. For many women choosing not to take HRT, regular weight-bearing exercise and strength training can also help maintain strong bones.</p>
</div></body></html>

Alternative Treatment for Menopause

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><p>At the end of a woman's reproductive life, there is menopause. By the time women enter their menopause years, most are finished having children and many have grandchildren running around. Natural menopause gradually reduces estrogen, progesterone, and other female hormone levels in the body. During perimenopause, women can suffer from common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, dry skin, and weight gain. After menopause, treatment options to protect the body from these symptoms and more severe symptoms like bone loss are available by prescription. Hormone replacement therapy and estrogen replacement therapy are only advised for women with severe menopause symptoms – the rest may wish to choose alternative treatments to reduce risks associated with HRT and ERT.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Eating Right to Reduce Menopause Symptoms</strong><br>Certain foods can trigger menopausal symptoms by increasing heart rate and elevating body temperature. Spicy foods, for instance, are enough to trigger hot flashes and night sweats for some women. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D are also crucial during menopause to help prevent bone loss common during menopause.</p>
<p><strong>Herbal Supplements for Menopause Relief</strong><br>Black cohosh is touted as the most effective herb for menopause relief. Red clover, however, is gaining popularity. According to a research study performed by the Journal of the British Menopause Society, red clover can reduce bone loss with regular use. Hot flashes are also reduced when women take red clover supplements. In the mentioned study, participants averaged a 58% reduction in hot flashes when using red clover.</p>
<p><strong>Eat More Good Bacteria</strong><br>Have you ever seen the commercial for Activia with actress Jamie Lee Curtis? As a menopausal women, she recommends Activia for regularity (bowel movements). Little does she know that the same yogurt and other sources of good bacteria can also help fight menopause symptoms. Good bacteria work in the intestines to improve digestion of foods, herbal supplements, and medications. Estrogen may be better absorbed if good bacteria thrives in the intestine.</p>
<p><strong>Take Your Daily Vitamin</strong><br>Daily multivitamins contain vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. These are all associated with relief from menopause symptoms. Suggested dosages may be off a bit requiring further supplementation for full effect. Suggested intake of menopause vitamins are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Vitamin E – 400 to 800 IU once per day.</li>
<li>Calcium – 1500 MG per day in divided doses.</li>
<li>Magnesium – 500 to 750 MG per day in divided doses.</li>
<li>Vitamin C – 1,000 to 2,000 MG per day.</li>
<li>Taking additional vitamin C can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, and bloating. To curb this effect, women should start out with smaller doses and work up to 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day.</li>
</ul></div></body></html>

At the end of a woman's reproductive life, there is menopause. By the time women enter their menopause years, most are finished having children and many have grandchildren running around. Natural menopause gradually reduces estrogen, progesterone, and other female hormone levels in the body.