Alternative Remedies For Menopause

Hot flashes are episodes of sudden feelings of heat that usually starts at the neck or head area that usually lasts for a few minutes. These are usually accompanied by excessive sweating and sometimes a rapid beating of the heart.

After the flash, chills may be experienced as the body's natural defenses correct the imbalance. Hot flashes may be experienced several times a day and even at night leading to night sweating and sleep disturbances.

For many years, hormone replacement therapy has been treatment of choice to alleviate symptoms of menopause including hot flashes. But in recent years, studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy may do more harm than good and posing health risks to the patient. More notable of these is an increase in the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer and the chance for heart attacks.

Because of these findings, alternative methods are being resorted to by women to ease the symptoms of menopause. Alternatives found in natural supplements and lifestyle changes have been resorted to by women who do not subscribe to hormone replacement therapy. These alternatives are deemed safer and involve less risk for the menopausal woman.

One of the alternatives recommended is the use of soy protein. Soy protein contains hormone-like chemicals that have an estrogen-like effect on the body. Other herbs that are commonly used to ease the symptoms of hot flashes are black cohort, ginseng, and chickweed.

Black cohosh has been approved in Germany as treatment for hot flashes while its efficacy is still being studied in the United States. Taking of vitamin B, C and E has also been found to be effective in alleviating hot flashes and has shown no adverse effects when taken at the correct dosage.

While these natural supplements have proven effective for some women, and since different people react differently to certain medications, it is best to consult a physician or a professional to make sure that these are suitable to your particular condition.

Other alternative approaches include yoga. Yoga has been established to provide stress relief and overall relaxation and serenity. Yoga can relieve the stress that hot flashes bring and enable women to better manage its unpleasant effects.

Other, simpler ways, such as wearing clothes made of light material and avoiding foods and drinks that may add to body heat like alcohol and spicy foods can be done to help ease the unpleasant effects of hot flashes.