Menopause Relief

As a woman ages, her ovaries gradually stop producing the hormone estrogen, and this corresponds to a gradual shutdown of the female reproductive system. The woman's monthly menstrual cycle comes to a halt, and this process has some unpleasant side effects. Among the most common are depression, anxiety, mood swings, "hot flashes," and vaginal dryness. The average age of menopause is about 50.

Dealing with Menopause

In recent years, hormone replacement therapies have been put forward as a solution to menopause. By replacing the estrogen from the ovaries with artificial estrogen taken in pills, the effects of menopause can be greatly reduced. However, many women resist this process, feeling that menopause is a natural part of aging and should not be artificially held off.

There are some herbal treatments that are recommended to ease the process of menopause. Teas of motherwort, chaste berry, and black cohosh are known to dampen hot flashes. In addition, St. John's wort is recommended as a mood stabilizer, and to help fight some of the depression and anxiety that come with the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Otherwise, doctors suggest that circulation is key to relief from menopause. Vitamin E has been suggested to help the circulation of hormones, and good old fashioned exercise is the surest way to get your blood flowing. Also, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and sugars may restrict circulation or trigger hot flashes--so a healthy diet will phase them out as quickly as possible, while adding in daily recommended dosages of vitamins and minerals to maintain optimum health levels.