Menopause (Natural alternatives)

Menopause is a natural transition every woman goes through. Often it brings symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and trouble sleeping, though every woman is affected differently, and at different times. 

One option for treating symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. Because some people are wary of hormone replacement, and it is not recommended for everyone, many women turn to what are known as “natural” remedies to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

Women have reported success with natural health products (NHPs) such as black cohosh, ginseng, sage, and soy, though when these products were subjected to more rigorous testing results were mixed. Remember that just because a product is natural does not mean it can’t also be hazardous to your health, interact adversely with another medication, or negatively impact an existing health condition. Natural health products should be used with caution.

Other practices like acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and tai chi have been shown to have positive effects on the symptoms of menopause with virtually no associated health risks.

Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for menopause symptoms: it’s up to every woman to find the approach that best fits with her values, knowledge, and state of health. No matter what you decide, it’s always worthwhile to consult your health professional.