Many women suffering from menopausal symptoms are interested in alternative treatments. There are quite a few complementary therapies and alternative therapies available to women beginning menopause. Some of the treatments that are considered “alternative” by the medical world include massage, herbal supplementation, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, homeopathy, biofeedback, healthy eating, exercise, and more.

Treatments that are considered to be complementary are usually used in combination with other treatment options, which might include surgery or even drugs. Alternative treatments are usually used on their own. Some women find that by including botanical phytoestrogens in their diet they are able to relieve some of their menopausal symptoms. Other supplements that may help include flaxseed and cohosh.

Botanicals are plant derived medicines and have been used for hundreds of years. Botanicals are not really “alternative” in the sense that they are not mainstream simply because more than half of today’s prescription drugs use some form of botanical medicine. Many alternative therapies are made up of nutritional supplements and herbs.

Many women wonder if their menopausal symptoms can truly be relieved from botanicals. The answer is “yes” in some cases, such as those who take phytoestrogens. The reason phytoestrogens may help relieve menopausal symptoms is due to the fact that they have a very low estrogen like effect. In some cases women taking phytoestrogens experience lower instances of night sweats and hot flashes while others find their cholesterol levels are lowered. Isoflavones are a good example of a plant estrogen and these are found in foods like soybeans, tofu, and soymilk.

Other women choose to incorporate black cohosh into their diet. Remifemin is a popular brand of this supplement. In general, it is not recommended to take this supplement for more than six months because safety has not been determined past this period of time. However, for a short term method of treatment it does appear to help relieve vaginal dryness, night sweats, and hot flashes. There are some minor side effects, like gastrointestinal upset, that some women experience. In general, though, the benefits significantly outweigh the potential side effects of these natural alternatives.

Posted in Menopause

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