Alternative Practices to help Menopause

We’ve seen all the memes about “crazy menopausal women”, read all the articles about what to expect with hot flashes, mood swings (like PMS wasn’t enough), insomnia, spotting for years, vaginal dryness, night sweats and more – but still, when menopause hits, a lot of women can be caught off-guard by the severity of the symptoms. OTC medicines, support groups, talking to friends and family all help to a certain extent, but there are several other ways that help to make the path to menopause easier than it usually is. If you don’t want to try HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or allopathic medication, here are 5 methods to turn to when the monthly period is on its way out for good…

Many herbs and natural ingredients help to alleviate or ease certain menopause symptoms, while others are helpful in just helping to relax and stay as calm as one can. Flax seeds, being nutrient-dense boost one’s intake of fibre, while their chemical structure being similar to the estrogen hormone sometimes help to ease symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss. Herbs such as black cohosh, hops and red clover have also been used to combat night sweats and hot flashes effectively, while teas such as ginseng and chamomile help to reduce stress and tension in the body, in turn helping with better sleep. Many herbal remedies definitely need to be studied more for their effectiveness, but they’re sure to ease any women’s menopausal journey even a bit.

Due to the drastic hormonal changes taking place in a woman’s body during menopause, it can come with a host of other unpleasant symptoms like urinary incontinence, vaginal pain, general discomfort in the pelvic area, or even serious effects like uterine prolapse. Regularly doing pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the pelvis and help to control these effects as well. Practicing Kegels can have huge benefits as you approach menopause, as this will keep the pelvic area strong and help the organs function smoothly. A simple Google search or talking to your gynaecologist or physical trainer will help you learn about pelvic exercises you can do on your own and at anytime – but remember never to do it too much, as that can make the muscles too tight!

A treatment where fine needles are inserted at various, specific points in the body to relieve specific symptoms of chronic pain, acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that many people who have tried swear by. A few years ago, a study conducted by the University of Southern Denmark reached the conclusion that five weeks of dedicated acupuncture conducted on menopausal women reduced symptoms like emotional upheavals, hot flashes or night sweats, and even disturbed sleep. Many women who have tried this method also claim that acupuncture helped reduce bloating and anxiety, and some studies have shown that it can help to increase bone density (the loss of which is another common effect post-menopause). Whether people believe in its effects or not, there are no side-effects to acupuncture and it has been known to help millions of people with their pain, so is always worth a try.

Did you know that listening to soothing music of around 60 beats per minute can cause brainwaves that instantly help to you relax and reach a state of calm? Incorporating sound therapy, or any kind of calming music really, is a great way to beat the stressors of the day – and your menopausal body – and bring your mind and body into a peaceful state. Happy tunes can change your mood in an instant, while calming instrumental music can even help you fall asleep easier. Actively practicing mindfulness, or practicing simple relaxation techniques like deep or rhythmic breathing, yoga, getting a massage, aromatherapy, or even just 15 minutes of self-care are bound to help you beat the menopausal blues as smoothly as possible.

Samuel Hahnemann created this alternative medicine practice in the late 18th century, but people argue about the efficacy of homoeopathy till today. However, those who are consistent with the medication continue to swear by it due to it having absolutely no side-effects, using it for all small and big ailments and aches from acne and muscle cramps to insomnia and depression. Some homoeopathic medicines have also been known to control and reduce many symptoms of menopause. The doctor takes a look at the patient’s overall health and prescribes a medicine or a mix of them depending on what symptoms have to be tackled. While homoeopathic medicines like Pulsatilla or Ignatia can be considered for rapid mood swings and emotional upheavals, Sepia is prescribed for hot flashes, fatigue and more. Just like other natural remedies, there’s no harm trying a method which causes no known harm to the body.

While every woman’s journey through and after menopause is different, it’s important to remember that with the right kinds of support, treatment and care, the effects of this huge change in both the mind and body can be made easier. Happy menopause!