Supplements during Menopause

Most all women are concerned with making it gracefully though perimenopause and menopause when childbearing years begin to diminish. Some simple beginning suggestions are:

• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Vitamin B-Complex to support the adrenals
• Plenty of spring water daily (60-80 ounces minimum)
• Whole Food Vitamins & Minerals including Vitamin D3
• Corn Silk for Bladder weaknesses as well as Kegal exercises daily
• Flaxseed or Cod Liver Oil
• Eliminate ALL Soy (Soy is estrogen!) unless you are certain you are low in estrogen
• Keep good exercise programs with some weight bearing exercise daily.

Keep in mind that there are many more specific supplements to consider. Here are just a few:

• WILD YAM EXTRACT (Dioscorea villosa root) relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation, contains compounds similar to the hormone progesterone and this makes it very valuable in helping premenstrual and menopause related symptoms.
•  DON QUAI ROOT (Angelica sinensis) is a natural hormone stimulator increasing body's own. Specific for hot flashes and vaginal dryness and post and premenstrual problems.
• LICORICE ROOT 4:1 extract - (Glycyrrhiza glaba) - Safe level for daily use. Licorice Root has many benefits - main activities similar to cortisone and to a lesser extent estrogen. Natural demulcent. Caution with high blood pressure issues
• RED RASPBERRY (Rubus ideaus L) - Helps to decrease menstrual bleeding, relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms, and strengthens uterine walls. Indicated for hot flashes and menstrual cramps. Often used in pregnancy to help morning sickness and uterine tone.
• KAVA KAVA ROOT (piper methysticum) helps physical and mental relaxation without causing drowsiness. Helps anxiety, depression, insomnia and all stress related problems.
• BLACK COHOSH EXTRACT (Cimicifuga racemosa) helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Helps cardiovascular and circulation. Aids in relief of back pains from menstrual cramps. Helps hot flashes and arthritic symptoms.
• CHASTE BERRY (Vitex agnus-cactus) helps with hot flashes, night sweats, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings and hormonal imbalances.
• GINGER ROOT (Zingiber officinale) - Strong antioxidant - Helps to normalize blood pressure, promotes circulation and helps to reduce cholesterol. Tonic for entire body and is also a gentle blood purifier.
• RED CLOVER TOPS (Trifolium pratense) helps the lymphatic system. Natural antibiotic action. High in isoflavanoids which help most feminine problems.
• GINKGO BILOBA - Standardized to 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides - 6% terpene lactones - helps improve circulation and brain function. Helps with depression, headaches and memory loss.

All natural supplements and remedies take time to work. Patience is the key to have success with natural medicine. Healing and balancing the body can only go as fast as your body will do the work. If you feel uncomfortable with your progress or need help with your choices, call your local Herbalist, Naturopath, Homeopath or Osteopath before consulting a physician that is not holistic.

 Good reading on this subject:

• “Menopausal Years; the Wise Woman Way, Alternatives for Women 30-90”
  by Susun Weed

Good Websites are:

·        www.drlark.com - Note: She promotes Soy – which I do not.

·        www.WomentoWomen.com interesting site with ideas and questions to make you think. Promotes “pharmaceutical grade” nutrients where I prefer Whole Food Nutrition.

·        www.mercola.com - over 200 articles on HRT – very well presented.

Do your research and carefully weigh out the options that will best suit you. Remember, menopause, perimenopause and aging are natural events that the body is programmed to do. Supporting your body during these events is very important. Nutrition is key!

— Joan    © 2010  Joan Goodman

Joan Goodman, CTN, MH
1950 Eldridge Parkway, Suite #5101
Houston, TX  77077

281-493-9473 

All articles are copyrighted by Joan Goodman. They may only be reprinted with her express permission.

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