Treating Menopause: 6 Alternatives You Can Try

Menopause. This period in a woman's life brings about some definite discomfort caused by the symptoms. It is best for a woman to think of therapy that can help treat or alleviate the symptoms of menopause rather than relying exclusively on pharmaceuticals. Doctors most commonly recommended HRT as a treatment option, although there are still other therapies that one can try, and these are just as effective.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been proven to treat menopause over time. This is perhaps why close to 10 million women have tried HRT as well as other chemical-based and natural medications. However, this article gives six alternatives that may be just as effective as and perhaps safer than medications.

1. Use of Pro-G Yam Cream This cream, which needs to be applied daily, can be used to relieve menopause symptoms like: headaches, hot flashes, depression, mood swings, vaginal dryness and menstrual cramps. It contains extracts from wild yam and progesterone (about 5 milligrams). However, there are conflicting studies about the estrogen-content of wild yam.

2. Selenium and Vitamin E Pure Vitamin E is said to be effective for lubricating the vagina which often becomes dry at menopause, treating headaches and balancing hormones. It is best to choose a Vitamin E product that contains the complete eight compounds (consisting of tocopherols and tocotrienols) to get the maximum benefit. Selenium enhances the healing effects of Vitamin E.

3. Sarsaparilla This root-bearing vine is a natural diuretic that balances hormones and stimulates progesterone production. In the past it has been used by various tribes to treat headaches. The various plant steroids present in sarsaparilla (when synthesized) can be a potential source of human steroids like testosterone and estrogen. The most common commercial product containing this herb is root beer.

4. Flax Seeds Flax seeds are excellent for lowering your cholesterol level, because of its fiber and lignan content. It also has phyoestrogens, which are effective in treating mood swings, a common menopause symptom caused by imbalanced in the hormones. Flax seeds are similar in function as HRT, which also has the ability to decrease your cholesterol levels.

5. Licorice Licorice is an estrogenic plant, especially its roots. It is usually available as tea, tablets and candy in your local health store. Take note, however, that licorice should not be taken too often. It also can increase your blood pressure and lower your potassium levels.

6. Red Clover Mix red clover with your favorite salad or take it as a supplement to help treat hot flashes. The herb is rich in isoflavones and is also useful for increasing bone density (which is particularly helpful as women who undergo menopause have more chances of developing osteoporosis. Indeed, red clover is known to have, at the very least, a mild healing effect on hot flashes, although studies remain inconclusive on this matter.

Herbs are great ways of treating menopause. Try to use some of these products in finding relief for the symptoms brought about by menopause. But be sure to ask your doctor before taking anything, as some of the herbs may have contraindications for some other illnesses you may have.