Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Kinds of Natural Menopause Treatments?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

The symptoms of menopause can plague many older women, but not everyone wants to take prescribed medications to get rid of them. For women who are leery of putting man-made chemicals in their bodies during this natural stage of life, there are a few common natural menopause treatments available, providing both relief from many symptoms, and some peace of mind. They include herbs, vitamins, and changes in the diet.

There are a few herbal remedies that are commonly taken to relieve menopause symptoms. St. John's Wort can reduce the anxiety and depression that sometimes accompany menopause. Dong quai and maca root are both known for increasing the level of estrogen in the body, which results in fewer hot flashes and mood swings, along with decreased vaginal dryness. Black cohosh is another one of the various natural menopause treatments available. It increases the estrogen level in the body, reducing anxiety, depression, hot flashes, heart palpitations, and night sweats.

Women usually begin to experience symptoms of menopause in their late 40s.
Women usually begin to experience symptoms of menopause in their late 40s.

Some symptoms of menopause show up due to a lack of certain vitamins in the body, so taking supplements may relieve them. Many women choose to take a multivitamin in order to ensure that they are getting the right nutrients, especially if they do not want to change their diet to do so. Vitamins A, E, and C are all supplements that are good to take as natural menopause treatments, as an increase in these can alleviate symptoms.

Drinking soy milk may be useful in combating menopausal symptoms.
Drinking soy milk may be useful in combating menopausal symptoms.

Altering the diet is another way to naturally reduce some symptoms of menopause. It is often as simple as increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, and choosing fresh, lean meats instead of the processed kind. The addition of soy to the diet can also usually result in fewer symptoms, especially hot flashes. Soybeans, tofu, and soy milk are often the best sources of this nutrient, but many cereals and breads also contain added soy. Additionally, this product can be taken in pill form, though adding it to the diet through foods is usually the recommended route.

Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.
Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.

While any of these natural menopause treatments are thought to be safe in general, it is important to ask a doctor about how to alleviate the symptoms first. Certain diets and supplements may not be safe for everyone, especially with other health conditions present. Doctors are often able to give out more than just drug prescriptions, and they can often offer advice regarding certain natural menopause treatments, which means that they can in fact become a useful resource in the quest to eliminate bothersome symptoms.

Discussion Comments

sobeit

The best tip I can offer for all-natural menopause treatment is melatonin with vitamin D cream. You rub it on your chest every night and sleep better and deeper. I get it through my anti-aging doctor who also works with bio identical hormone treatments.

FirstBase

Bioidentical hormones (plant-based creams rubbed on the skin) have been my saving grace during menopause. Hot flashes and difficulty getting a whole night's sleep turned me into a grumpy mama.

After reading Suzanne Somers books on the subject, I found myself an anti-aging doctor who prescribed the natural hormone replacement treatment for me.

Nothing is perfect - I am still aging, but with the help of bio identical hormones, I feel better, more in control, and much more cheerful about getting older in general.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Women usually begin to experience symptoms of menopause in their late 40s.
      By: Yuri Arcurs
      Women usually begin to experience symptoms of menopause in their late 40s.
    • Drinking soy milk may be useful in combating menopausal symptoms.
      By: 3dsguru
      Drinking soy milk may be useful in combating menopausal symptoms.
    • Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Some menopausal women experience no symptoms other than the gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle.
    • Maca root may help decrease hot flashes.
      By: brankatekic
      Maca root may help decrease hot flashes.