Menopause Symptoms and Alternative Treatment

Menopause symptoms can be helped naturally.

And that's really good news. Because hormone replacement therapy, the medical treatment for menopause symptoms, has been shown to lead to breast cancer.

Technically, menopause happens one year after a woman's last period – usually between the ages of 45 and 55. This marks the end of her reproductive years and increases her risk of both osteoporosis and heart disease.

Pre menopause symptoms, or perimenopause, can begin anywhere from 5 to 10 years before menopause. Some women actually start having early menopause symptoms in their 20's or 30's.

And for those who have hysterectomies, removing one or both ovaries, symptoms generally start immediately after surgery.

Here are the major symptoms:

• 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

How can I help reduce or eliminate menopause symptoms?

A healthy lifestyle helps to make the "change of life" an agreeable experience – naturally.

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 also helps 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, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, dry skin and wakefulness. 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. This helps in just about every single area on the list above. So find ways to cut down or eliminate pressures. If you have kids and they're now somewhat on their own, start enjoying your freedom.

Avoid triggers. Hot and spicy foods, high calorie meals, caffeine, alcohol, being in a hot place and stress can all bring on hot flashes. Dressing in layers, keeping calories low, drinking ice water, cold showers, air conditioning and fans can all help reduce hot flashes and perspiration.

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 or sardines.

Take whole food supplements. Studies show, no matter how well you eat you can't enough nutrition from food alone. I recommend an all natural health supplements that include omega 3 benefits. This is the fastest way to get menopause relief along with protection from breast cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease.

To check out my recommendations go to Omega-3 and Natural Health Supplements.

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