Menopause: Manage Hot Flashes, Weight Gain, Sleep Problems

Menopause: What is The Best Natural Remedy?

Menopause can be a difficult time for many women. It is often accompanied by physical and emotional changes, as well as an increased risk of health problems. This blog post will explore the symptoms of menopause, its long-term effects, and ways to manage it. We will also look at how to differentiate menopause from other age-related health issues. Finally, I will discuss the importance of talking to your doctor about menopause and the treatments that are available. By the end of this post, readers should have a better understanding of menopause and how to manage it.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural phenomenon and is a stage of life, not an illness or ailment. The menopause or a woman’s change of life is a perfectly normal event which occurs in the mid or late forties. It signifies the end of the female reproductive period of life which commenced at adolescence in the early teens. It is defined as the end of menstruating and fertility, and begins twelve months after your last menstrual period. The body stops producing female hormones, and menstruation ceases. Menopause usually occurs in women between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five, although some woman go through menopause earlier in life. A hysterectomy (the surgical removal of the uterus) can also send a woman into early menopause.

Other Indian Names

Few names include – Rajonivritti (Hindi/Urdu), Rajonivrtti (Marathi), Matavitay (Tamil), Gengnianqi (Chinese), menopausia (Spanish), menopausa (Portuguese), Rajobandha (Bengali), menopauza (Russian). There are several misconceptions about menopause. Many women at this time feel that they are growing old and that they are well past their full physical vigour. Other women feel that the menopause brings a cessation of sexual pleasure. These apprehensions are far from true.

Common Symptoms and Interesting Facts

Menopause may be an end to women’s fertility but certainly not to her virility. It does not decrease a woman’s physical capacity or sexual vigour or enjoyment. In addition to their reproductive and other functions, female hormones are necessary for regulation of bone metabolism. That is why some women may end up with osteoporosis. Hormonal changes occur during menopause that cause many of the common physical symptoms.

Hot flashes, night sweats, retention of water, nervous tension, menstrual disturbances, mood swings, insomnia, diminished interest in sex, irritability and depression are the typical symptoms of menopause.
Other symptoms are chilly feelings, fatigue, palpitation, dizziness, headaches and numbness. Not every women will get these severe reactions. The severity or otherwise of the symptoms depend on a variety of factors such as general health, previous surgery and radiation.
Menopause and its problems are usually over when menstruation stops. Although menopause cannot be avoided, it can be postponed for as long as 10 to 15 years and it can be made a smooth affair when it comes, with a proper nutritional program, special supplements and the right mental attitude. Menopause is a natural process of life, not a medical illness, but along with it come physical and mental symptoms.
Most symptoms that occur during menopause result directly from the estrogen deficiency produced by the failing ovaries.
Interestingly, Japanese women suffer far fewer symptoms of menopause because they eat more plant estrogen like tofu, soya, and miso. Some foods naturally alleviate these symptoms, reducing the need for drug therapy.

Menopause – Natural Treatment for Night Sweats, Hot Flushes and Weight Gain

For Hot Flashes: Try drinking 1 cup of pomegranate juice with 1 teaspoon rock candy powder or organic sugar and 5 to 10 drops of lime juice. You can drink this 2 or 3 times per day, as needed to relieve hot flashes.
Black Cohosh for Female Complaints: Black Cohosh is useful for many “female complaints.” It contains estrogenic substances that relieve menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes. Native American women knew to use it for childbirth and other gynecological problems. Try 2 parts Chasteberry, 1 part St. John’s Wort and 1 part Life Root. To 5ml of tincture taken three times a day.
Regulate Menstrual Cycle: Most likely to be of value in the year or so before menopause, chaste berry can help to maintain a regular menstrual cycle and control bleeding. It may also be taken, typically with remedies such as black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and sage (Salvia officinalis), to relieve or prevent menopausal symptoms such as headache, hot flashes, and night sweats.
Treat Fatigue and Boost Energy: A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast helps to boost energy, manage stress, and keep the digestive system functioning. Add flaxseed or nuts to a bowl of oatmeal for extra energy. Oats will replenish your energy reserves but also keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, stopping you from overeating, which causes fatigue.
Beet juice is very useful in menopausal disorders. Take in small quantities of 60 to 90 ml at a time thrice a day. It has proved much more permanently helpful than the degenerative effects of drugs or synthetic hormones.
For Vaginal Dryness: To alleviate vaginal dryness, you can pour some sesame oil on a piece of sterile cotton, mold it into a tampon like shape, and insert it into the vagina at night. Use a sanitary pad to catch any leakage of the oil. (Consider tying a clean thread or string to the cotton to help you remove it in the morning.)
Cure Menopausal Tension: Carrot seeds have also been found valuable in menopausal tension. A teaspoonful of the seeds should be boiled in a glassful of cow’s milk for about 10 minutes and taken daily as a medicine in this condition.
Natural Treatment for Sweats and Swelling: Taking fresh aloe vera gel (1 teaspoon 3 times a day) will help prevent and relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Aloe vera cools and cleanses the liver when taken internally, helping with any “hot” symptoms of menopause, including flashes, sweats, and swelling.
Phyto – estrogen Rich Food: Several clinical trials have showed that concentrated soy extracts help relieve menopausal problems such as hot flashes. These phytoestrogen rich extracts are an option when considering natural alternatives for menopause, but are best taken only where other approaches have failed to work. Soy sprouts, beans, and fermented products, as part of a balanced diet, provide a good input of nutrients and phytoestrogens during menopause. Sprouts are preferable to beans, since they are more nutritious, richer in phytoestrogens, and, unlike beans, do not impair absorption of vitamins and minerals, notably iron. Some ways to add soy to your diet include drinking soy milk, stir-frying tofu with vegetables, baking tofu and adding it to salads, or adding soy beans to soups. When buying soy milk, look for a product that is low in sugar and fortified with calcium to help maintain bone density after menopause.
Herbs for Menopausal Symptoms: Alfalfa is a useful food to supplement during menopause. Unlike soya, it does not inhibit the absorption of minerals such as iron and calcium. Alfalfa contains estrogenic isoflavones, which have led to its recent use for menopausal symptoms, especially in combination with sage (Salvia officinalis).
Hormone Therapy Naturally: A rich source of protein and omega-3 oils, linseed also contains high levels of phytoestrogens roughly 10 times more than other seeds, making it a key remedy for menopause. According some research 40 grams per day may be similar to hormone therapy for improving mild menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats.
Ease Home Vitamin Medicine: A useful food at any time, parsley is rich in a number of readily absorbable nutrients, including vitamin C and phytoestrogens, making it a valuable supplement during menopause. Moderately estrogenic, parsley leaf is a nutritious food supplement to take during menopause.
Trusted Indian Ayurveda Formula: It has become commonplace for modern medicine to prescribe hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. Ayurveda has long recognized the value of female rejuvenating herbs at this stage of life, to prevent and/or alleviate menopausal syndrome. However, these herbs, rather than being a synthetic formula, provide your body with natural food precursors of estrogen and progesterone. The herbs shatavari and wild yam (which is similar to the Ayurvedic herb vidari) are most effective. A mixture of the two will be strengthening and healing to your system. Mix together vidari or wild yam 1/2 teaspoon and shatavari 1/2 teaspoon. Take this formula twice a day after lunch and dinner during the entire menopausal stage, with a few sips of warm water or 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice.
Relief with Yoga: Certain yoga asanas are beneficial. Do the Sun Salutation at least 12 cycles per day, as well as postures that will strengthen the lower abdominal area, such as the Lotus, Locust, Bow, Boat, and Spinal Twist. Leg Lifts and the Chest-Knee pose are also helpful.
Chinese Herbalism: Shan Zhu Yu can be used or flooding, with ginseng for heavy sweating and hot flashes. Chinese senega may be useful for irritability, insomnia, and depression. Angelica, peony root, and thorowax root are the ideal herbs to treat the symptoms of menopause, which is believed to be a weakness of the Kidneys, deficient Blood, and an imbalance between Kidney and Liver.

What are the health issues a woman can face after menopause?

Osteoporosis: Loss of bone density can lead to brittle bones, increased risk of fractures, and a hunched posture.
Heart Disease: Estrogen levels drop during menopause and can increase the risk of heart disease.
Urinary Incontinence: With age, the muscles of the bladder and urethra can weaken, leading to a loss of bladder control.
Vaginal Dryness: The decrease in estrogen can cause the lining of the vagina to become thin and dry.
Weight Gain: Due to hormonal changes, menopause can cause an increase in appetite and fat stores.
Mood Swings: The hormonal changes can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances.
Sleep Problems: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue.

Tips for Happy and Healthy Menopause

The following recommendations will help you move through this natural stage of your life gracefully and comfortably.

Practice portion control. eating smaller meals throughout the day means taking in fewer calories and helps prevent the weight gain that often accompanies menopause and contributes to frequency of hot flashes.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Studies show that both can affect hot flashes.
The biggest long-term risks of menopause are osteoporosis and heart disease. Staying in motion fights both. Walk, jog, dance, cycle, rake leaves, jump rope, or dance. You’re aiming for moderate aerobic exercise, which means you have enough breath to talk but not sing. The goal is 30 to 60 minutes a day of physical activity, though you can break the exercise into 10-minute chunks.
Many women find this time of life liberating and exhilarating. You’ve accomplished much. Accept and celebrate your status as a Wise Woman. Spending dedicated time to recognize and record your accomplishments reinforces your self-respect and joy and helps you look toward the future. The menopause can be made a pleasant affair by building bodily health and a sane mental outlook. From puberty to menopause, a woman has been somewhat of a slave to her female glands. At specified intervals you were inconvenienced by menstrual periods. You bore children, enduring the pain and discomfort of pregnancy. Menopause relieves you of this bondage to your femininity. You can now experience some of the happiest days of a woman’s life. A whole new life is given to you, if you are wise enough to prepare for it and accept it as such.

FAQs

Q. What is the average menopause age for women? At what age do periods stop?
Menopause typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. The average age for menopause onset in women is 51. However, it is important to note that the age of menopause onset can vary greatly from woman to woman, with some women experiencing menopause as early as their 30s and others not until their 60s. Menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstruation, so periods usually stop around the same time.

Q. How early can women go through menopause?
Women can go through menopause as early as age 30, though the average age is 51.

How long does menopause last?
The duration of menopause varies from woman to woman. Generally, menopausal symptoms last anywhere from four to eight years. However, some women may experience symptoms for much longer.

What happens when a woman gets menopause?
Menopause is the transition in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycle stops and she can no longer become pregnant. This transition usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During menopause, a woman’s body stops producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, decreased libido, and difficulty sleeping. Some women may also experience fatigue, weight gain, and changes in their hair and skin. In addition, menopause can increase a woman’s risk for certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

Q. What natural remedies can reduce menopausal symptoms?
Very common questions about menopausal are – How can I get rid of my menopause belly? How would a women in menopause lose weight? How can I not put on weight during menopause? For all questions here are some answers:

Eating a nutritious diet: Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help reduce menopausal symptoms. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and aim for a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy.
Exercise: Exercise can help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.
Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies such as black cohosh, red clover, and dong quai have been used to reduce menopausal symptoms. However, there is limited evidence to support their use. Talk to your doctor before trying any herbal remedies.
Keep portion sizes in check. Eating smaller portions can help you avoid overeating and gaining weight.
Eat slowly and mindfully.
Cut back on processed, high-fat and high-sugar foods. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. These can be high in calories and low in nutritional value.
Drink plenty of water.
Vitamin D supplementation: Taking a vitamin D supplement may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Get adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased hunger, cravings, and weight gain.
Consider working with a dietitian or other health professional with experience in menopause nutrition and weight loss.
Manage stress. Stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. Make sure to take time for yourself and practice stress-relieving activities.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and manage menopausal symptoms.

Q. What should be the diet to stay healthy after menopause? What type of diet is required at the age of menopause?
The best diet to stay healthy after menopause is one that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Make sure to include plenty of fiber-rich foods such as beans, legumes, and whole grains. Eating healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados, can also help to reduce cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight. Aim to consume a variety of plant-based proteins, including tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Choose low-fat dairy products, and limit or avoid processed meats and foods high in saturated fat and added sugars. Lastly, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages. It is also important to limit intake of foods high in saturated fat and added sugars, as well as processed foods and refined grains. It is also recommended to include foods or supplements that are high in calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health.

Q. What is the best vitamin for menopausal symptoms?
The best vitamins for menopausal symptoms vary from person to person. Some common vitamins used to help alleviate symptoms include vitamin E, vitamin B complex, and vitamin D. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids and various herbs, such as black cohosh, can be beneficial. It is best to consult with your doctor to determine the best vitamins and supplements for you.

Q. What is a safe remedy for menopause symptoms?
There are many safe remedies for menopause symptoms, including lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. Herbal remedies, such as Black Cohosh, Ginkgo biloba, and Sage, may also help to reduce symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy is also an option for some women. It is important to consult a doctor before trying any of these remedies.

Q. How does menopause affect weight? Why do ladies gain weight during menopause?
Menopause can affect one’s weight in a variety of ways. In some cases, women may experience weight gain due to decreased metabolism or hormonal changes associated with menopause. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as less physical activity, health issues like thyroid problems, and changes in eating habits can also contribute to weight gain during menopause.

Q. How common is menopause in 30s?
Menopause in your 30s is uncommon, but not unheard of. It is estimated that around 1 in 1,000 women experience menopause before the age of 40, with the average age of menopause being 51. Menopause in your 30s is sometimes caused by medical conditions, such as premature ovarian failure, or by treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Q. What are the ways to stop hair loss after menopause?

Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet is essential for maintaining overall health, including hair health. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals can help to prevent hair loss. Foods such as lean meats, dark leafy greens, nuts, and eggs are all great sources of important nutrients that can help to support hair growth and health.
Minimize Stress: Stress is one of the primary causes of hair loss, so reducing and managing stress levels is essential for preventing further hair loss. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to help keep stress levels under control.
Avoid Harsh Styling Products: Over-styling and using harsh products on the hair can cause damage and breakage, which can lead to hair loss. Avoid using products such as hair gels, sprays, and mousses, and opt for gentler styling options like air-drying or using a heat-protectant spray before styling.
Use Hair Growth Products: There are many products on the market that are designed to help promote hair growth. Look for products that contain biotin, saw palmetto, and other ingredients that are thought to help support hair growth.
Try Natural Remedies: Natural remedies such as essential oils, herbs, and supplements can help to support healthy hair growth. Research natural hair growth remedies such as rosemary essential oil, saw palmetto, and biotin, and talk to your doctor about using any of these remedies.

Q. Do women return to normal after menopause?
Yes, women return to a normal lifestyle after menopause. Menopause is a natural part of aging and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While menopause can cause some physical and emotional changes, most women can adjust to their new lifestyle and live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Q. Why do hot flashes accompany menopause?
Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause and occur when a woman’s body is adjusting to the hormonal changes associated with menopause. During menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body begin to decrease. This decrease in hormones causes an imbalance in the body’s thermoregulation system, which is responsible for regulating body temperature. As a result, the body experiences a sudden and intense feeling of heat, resulting in a hot flash.

Q. Can a woman in menopause get pregnant by IVF?
Yes, a woman in menopause can get pregnant through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) if she uses donor eggs. This is because IVF bypasses the need for the woman’s own eggs to be viable, meaning that menopause does not prevent pregnancy.

Q. Is it possible for a woman in menopause or peri-menopause to get pregnant? What are some techniques?
Yes, it is possible for a woman in menopause or peri-menopause to get pregnant, although it is much less likely than during her reproductive years. There are several techniques that can be used to increase the chances of pregnancy, including IVF (in vitro fertilization) or donor eggs. Additionally, hormone therapies, such as estrogen or progesterone replacement therapy, may help to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and smoking may also help to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Q. What can I as a husband expect and do to help my wife through menopause?
As a husband, there are many ways you can help your wife through menopause. First and foremost, it is important to be supportive and understanding. Listen to her concerns and be willing to discuss any changes she may be experiencing. Provide emotional support, and be patient and reassuring. Make sure she is getting adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition. Offer to help with daily tasks or errands to reduce her stress. Seek professional help if she is having difficulty managing her symptoms. Finally, be open to seeking counseling or other forms of therapy if needed.

Menopause: Manage Hot Flashes, Mood Swings, Weight Gain, Sleep Problems, Hair Loss