Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

Looking for effective natural remedies for menopause symptoms? That's good. Because when the signs of menopause begin, menopause natural remedies are important for two reasons:

One, studies show hormone replacement therapy, the medical treatment for menopause symptoms, can significantly increase your risk of breast cancer. So, it's not worth it.

And two, menopause is a natural part of life, so it makes good sense that there's a natural solution. Actually natural remedies for menopause can make you feel happier than ever.

This is true. When signs of menopause first begin during the "change of life," it's an opportunity for you to make healthy lifestyle changes that can lead to a happier, healthier future – naturally.

Early Symptoms of Menopause

Pre menopause symptoms, or perimenopause, can begin anywhere from 5 to 10 years before menopause. Some women actually start having symptoms of menopause in their 20's or 30's. But most women begin getting early menopause symptoms between the ages of 35 and 50.

Technically, menopause starts one year after a woman's last menstrual period.

This normally happens between ages 45 and 55. It marks the end of the reproductive years and the beginning of a woman's second half of life – IF she takes care of herself! And that's a big IF!

The 10 Main Menopause Symptoms are:

Irregular menstrual cycles – heavier, lighter, shorter, longer or missed periods

Mood swings, including anxiety, depression and irritability

Hot flashes – a sudden flush of heat, then a cold clammy feeling

Difficulty sleeping and night sweats

Vaginal dryness and a decrease in sexual desire

Dry, itchy skin, hair loss, increased facial hair

Memory loss or difficulty concentrating

Incontinence – loss of bladder control when coughing or laughing

Accelerated heart-beat or heart-palpitations

Other symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, bleeding gums or headaches

These signs of menopause are subtle and not so subtle warning signals of the "change of life" to come. They remind you this is a great late opportunity to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

Menopause greatly increases a woman's risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer. This is another important reason to start making healthy lifestyle changes as soon as possible.

Exercise regularly. About a half-hour a day can make a huge difference. Exercise contributes to sleep improvement, less hot flashes and fewer mood swings. It can also help you to maintain a healthy weight and protects against osteoporosis and heart disease.

Get rid of bad habits. Smoking and drinking excess alcohol, coffee and sodas, can all increase hot flashes, headaches, wakefulness, fatigue, mood swings, dry skin and memory loss. Now is a good time to start taking care of yourself. If it's not good for you, give it up.

Reduce stress and have more fun. Managing stress and appreciating your life more can help in just about every area on the list above. So find healthy ways to cut down or eliminate pressures. If you have kids and they're now more on their own, start enjoying your freedom.

Avoid triggers. Hot and spicy foods, being in hot places, high calorie meals, caffeine, alcohol and stress can all bring on hot flashes and perspiration. So be smart. Drink ice water, take cold showers, turn on the air conditioning, keep calories low, and dress in layers.

Eat a healthy diet. During the change of life you'll definitely get feedback as to how well you're eating. Your past and current diet are major factors in determining symptom intensity. Stick with pure water and natural unprocessed nutritious vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean protein and omega 3 fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines.

Take whole food supplements. Studies show, no matter how well you eat you can't begin to get enough nutrition from food alone to be healthy and feel really good. So I recommend taking all-natural health supplements and fish oil capsules. This is the easiest way to get fast menopause relief, along with protection from breast cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease.