Menopause - Herbs Can Help
Black cohosh, vitex, dong quai, and other herbs to help ease menopausal symptoms.
January/February 2003
By Beth Baugh
Recently, a large hormone replacement therapy (HRT) study was abruptly halted because researchers found that women who took estrogen and progestin for more than four years had a higher risk of developing breast cancer and cardiovascular problems. This has caused many women to rethink their strategies for dealing with the physical changes that occur during menopause. Personally, the study has invoked in me a renewed gratitude for the herbal menopause formula that I take every morning, because it has made this physical transition for me virtually symptom-free.
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There are currently an estimated 40 million women in the United States experiencing menopause, a natural part of a woman’s life and a significant milestone marking the end of the reproductive stage. Historically, the average age of this change of life has been around fifty years old. Because life expectancies have lengthened, the modern woman can expect to live a substantial portion of her life after menopause. This makes finding natural ways to mitigate potential symptoms all the more important.
An array of symptoms can accompany this natural change in a woman’s body. The symptoms may include hot flashes, decreased elasticity in the skin, vaginal dryness and irritation, loss of muscle tone, insomnia, and thinning hair. It is estimated that more than half of the women in the United States experience hot flashes during menopause, with 10 percent to 20 percent reporting “extreme” discomfort. Estrogen replacement therapy prevents hot flashes initially but usually only delays their occurrence. Additionally, some women also experience irritability, depression, lethargy, fatigue, and memory problems. Increased joint and muscle pain often add to the discomfort. There is further concern about the heart and bones after menopause, which causes some women to consider HRT for protection.
The good news is that with the diminishing supply of estrogen, some estrogen-related problems, such as uterine fibroids, fibroid breast cysts, and endometriosis, start to disappear. Painful cramps, menstrual headaches, and other symptoms of menstruation also eventually dissipate as menstruation ceases.
Fortunately, there are positive, natural steps such as exercise, diet, and herbs that women can take to help ease menopausal symptoms. You can try experimenting with available alternatives to find what works best for you.
RECIPES
Fragrant Menopause Oil Recipe
Menopause Tincture Recipe
Stress Relief Tea Recipe
Cooling Tea (To Prevent Hot Flashes) Recipe
Vaginal Dryness Oil Recipe
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