Written by Mark Williams - January 16, 2023
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life, and while it can be difficult to manage the often-debilitating symptoms, there are ways to control menopause without resorting to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many women try alternative remedies first, including lifestyle changes and natural treatments, before they decide to try HRT.
Before attempting to control menopause without HRT, it’s important to understand what menopause is and why you may be experiencing some of its associated symptoms. Menopause is a stage in life when a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs, meaning she no longer has menstrual periods or can become pregnant. It usually begins around the age of 50 but can start as soon as 40. The time leading up to it is called perimenopause, during which time many women experience physical and emotional symptoms such as:
Menopause itself is not a disease but rather an unstoppable process that typically lasts 4-5 years and ends when your periods have stopped for one year. After this point you are considered post-menopausal.
Making lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to control menopausal symptoms without taking medications or hormones. This includes exercising regularly (which helps with mood swings), getting plenty of restful sleep (which stimulates hormonal balance), eating a healthy diet (which promotes well-being), cutting back on alcohol and caffeine (which are known triggers) and quitting smoking (which has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease). Stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation can also help reduce hot flashes and other related symptoms.
For those looking for more targeted relief from certain symptoms there are several natural remedies that have been said to work effectively in controlling menopausal symptoms without resorting to medication or HRT. Black cohosh extract has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an effective treatment for hot flashes due to its ability to regulate estrogen levels in the body. Evening primrose oil has also been reported by many users as helping reduce vaginal dryness due to its high content of fatty acids which promote lubrication in sensitive tissues. Licorice root extract has anti-inflammatory properties which help alleviate night sweats caused by low levels of progesterone during menopause. Finally, dong quai root extract is believed by some researchers to reduce mood swings brought on by hormonal fluctuations due to its estrogenic effects on the body.
When To Seek Medical Help
While lifestyle changes and natural treatments may be enough for some cases, others may require additional medical attention in order for their symptoms of menopause to be resolved properly. If your condition persists despite trying all non-medical options it’s probably best that you visit your doctor who will prescribe appropriate medications or recommend HRT depending on your condition and needs.
If you're looking for added support during the transition period we recommend Hormone Treatment Center where they specialize in helping patients with hormone imbalances using holistic methods specifically tailored towards them and their individual needs!