There are many things a woman can do for menopause management, both medical and natural, to help alleviate her symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy is one common remedy, as well as making dietary changes, taking supplements, and getting plenty of exercise. The most important thing to remember is that menopause is a natural process, but it does take a toll on the body. By allowing things to progress naturally while fueling the body with good food, plenty of water, and adequate rest, the process can happen more comfortably.
Many women assume that getting a prescription for hormone replacements is the only way to effectively deal with menopause. Although they can be helpful, there are many other menopause management techniques that offer fewer side effects and more benefits for the body. The first is to make sure to eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables to get the right number of vitamins and minerals. This not only may help with menopause directly, but will also help one feel better all over.
Natural supplements can also be a healthy part of menopause management. Some studies have suggested that certain herbs may help the body to balance hormones naturally, without having to consume synthetic hormonal pills. Blue cohosh, black cohosh, and fenugreek are all herbal remedies which many women claim helps with common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
Another important aspect of menopause management is to get the recommended amount of exercise. Even in their fifties, women should still be getting at least half an hour of exercise three to five days a week. This not only allows women to build or maintain muscle mass, but has also been shown to decrease the rate of bone loss as women age. To increase the impact on bone health, women are also encouraged to eat low-fat, calcium-rich foods and take vitamin D and calcium supplements when needed.
Sometimes, even when doing everything right, there are women who may benefit from taking a prescription hormone replacement. It is generally better to take the lowest dose possible, and to wean off the medication as quickly as is feasible to reduce the risk of side effects. Women who have a history of breast or ovarian cancers in their families may be advised to avoid taking hormonal replacements altogether. Each individual should speak with her doctor to determine the best menopause management system for her body.