Educate yourself about alternative medical treatments available for specific diseases and conditions. This site is presented to help you research alternative medical treatments, natural and herbal remedies and different ways of thinking about how to solve specific medical problems.  Please read our disclaimer.

Alternative Treatments for Menopause

Alternative treatments for menopause have been used by people in other cultures for many years.  Some treatments are very effective for some people.  Others may only work because the patient believes they will work, much like the way placebos sometimes work in medical experiments.  However, we believe that the more you know about the options, the more you will be able to make intelligent, informed decisions about the medical treatment, which may be right for you and your particular medical conditions.  Please read our disclaimer.

About Menopause

Menopause is the process a female’s body undergoes as their reproductive system ceases to function. Most often, but not necessarily, menopause is the result of the natural aging process and occurs between the ages of 45 to 55. The onset of menopause is usually caused by altered activity in the ovaries as they shut down. The ovaries are very important in hormone production and the varying and changing levels of hormones within a female’s body cause many of the symptoms associated with and defining menopause. The severity of symptoms varies greatly between females and typically includes hot flashes, resultant sleeping difficulties, bladder problems and mood changes. For very severe menopause transitions Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is sometimes used. However, it has dangerous side-effects and alternative methods are always emphasized as the first and best methods for treating menopause symptoms.

• Dietary changes are believed to help relieve those going through menopause from the severity of hot flashes. Food and drinks to limit include those that contain alcohol or caffeine. Food and drinks that are naturally hot should also be avoided when possible
   
• Hot settings can trigger hot flashes in addition and should be avoided when possible. Hot saunas and hot tubs, for example, may be best to pass up. In addition, cool places should always be sought when possible, whether it’s staying inside with air conditioning or staying in the shade, away from the sun.
   
• Pay attention to small signals that hot flashes may be about to occur. Many women report that they have specific, minor symptoms to alert them a hot flash is about to occur. These have been listed as things such as nausea, tingling, weakness in the knees or dizziness. Such signals could potentially alert you that a hot flash will momentarily occur and allow you to adjust accordingly.
   
• As with many occasional symptoms, one of the best defenses is to be prepared. When dressing it is best to dress in layers that can be easily removed to allow for relief during a hot flash. Natural fabrics such as cotton and wool allow your body to breathe and for heat to radiate away from your body.
   
• At night to help lessen the effects of night sweats, it is always best to fall asleep feeling cool rather than warm. Some women find that it is best to use separate blankets than their sleeping partner. In addition, a washcloth can also be left in cool water by one’s bedside table.
   
• Vitamin E is a common herbal remedy to help reduce the number of hot flashes during menopause. Daily dosages vary from 400 to 800 IUs (international units) or about 250 to 500 mg. Consult with your doctor, before beginning a regimen of Vitamin E, as it can sometimes complicate with heart, blood pressure and diabetic conditions and medications.
   
• Foods and drinks that contain soy products may be very beneficial in minimizing the occurrence and effects of hot flashes. In Japan and other Asian countries, women report far fewer hot flashes and most scientists have linked this to dietary origins. Soy beans, particularly, have been shown to stimulate estrogen production levels.
   
• While not proven helpful in relieving hot flashes as is commonly thought, ginseng has proven effective in relieving other menopausal symptoms such as sleep disturbances and mood shifts.
  
   
• The herb, black cohosh, has proven relatively successful in helping to relieve hot flash symptoms. It is generally taken in daily amounts of 2 mg.
  
  
  

Have questions about Alternative Treatments?

We recommend that you review the information about physical therapy on this website, look at the alternative medical treatments on the appropriate websites, do your own independent research, talk with your doctor or other medical professional and learn as much as you can before making the decision that is right for you.  We are not qualified to answer medical, behavioral or health related questions, so please do not ask.