Menopause Symptoms: Natural Solutions

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REMEDY: BLACK COHOSH
SYMPTOM: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Benefit: Black cohosh is derived from a species of buttercup. Studies indicate it is effective in many women but for short-term treatment only. May lower blood pressure as well. In rare cases, hepatitis has been reported.

REMEDY: SOY
SYMPTOM: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Benefit: Soy has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Some studies have shown that soy be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. It also may lower cholesterol. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended. Soy in tablet or powder form is not advised.

REMEDY: FLAXSEED, GROUND OR OIL
SYMPTOM: Night Sweats, Tissue Dryness

Benefit: Flaxseed has omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which act as phytoestrogens. May ease menopause symptoms in some women; not others. Believed good for lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. Avoid whole flaxseed because it is difficult to digest.

REMEDY: VITAMIN E
SYMPTOM: Vaginal Dryness, Hot Flashes

Benefit: Vitamin E oil applied to the vagina helps improve lubrication and may also reduce hot flashes.

REMEDY: YOGA, AEROBIC EXERCISE, DEEP BREATHING
SYMPTOM: Mood Swings, Sleep Disruption

Benefit: Exercise and meditation reduce irritability, even hot flashes, in some women. Yoga combines both. Exercise also helps most people sleep better.

REMEDY: COLD BEVERAGES
SYMPTOM: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Benefit: Cold drinks help you feel cooler. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics that encourage dehydration. Try cold water or fruit juices with antioxidant vitamins.

Reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, March 2005.

SOURCES: Holly Thacker, MD, chief of Women's Health, The Cleveland Clinic. Elaine Magee, MPH, RD. Joan Starker, PhD, MSW. Nancy Fugate Woods, PhD, RN, University of Washington. The Cleveland Clinic. The Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine. Sunil Wimalawansa, MD, PhD, University of Texas.

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