Natural Home Remedy for Menopausal Night Sweats

Night sweats along-with hot flushes are highly unpredictable. While it can either be the single ailment being experienced or can be one of a host of other menopause symptoms. Besides, the frequency is also variable and can be accompanied by hot flushes.

What causes night sweats?
During menopause, the levels of oestrogen, also known as estrogen falls, thereby hampering the regular functioning of the body’s thermostat. This drop in oestrogen alters the hypothalamus or body’s thermostat, thereby leading to body’s overheating. Here are the top 10 home remedies for night sweats during menopause -

1. Sage
Sage, a member of the mint family, has been used as a medicinal herb since time immemorial. While ancient Egyptians used it for fertility; Greeks used it to clean ulcers and stop bleeding from wounds. This versatile medicinal leaf, also known as Rishi Patta in Hindi, help elderly women cope with night sweats. Apart from preventing sweating, sage also helps in offering relaxation, relieving tension and providing estrogen.

2. Dong Quai
Dong Quai, commonly known as Chinese angelica, is a root plant that has been used in Asian countries like China for hundreds of years. This dried root plant is related to celery, parsley and also carrots. Dong Quai helps in balancing hormonal levels of progesterone and estrogen. Moreover, the Chinese angelica also regulates blood flow by stabilizing blood vessels.

3. Soy
Add more soy to your diet, which is enriched with fatty acids and its micro-nutrients help in balancing the hormones. We suggest you to take soy along-with tofu, salmon and edamame to make the process more effective.

4. Motherwort
Motherwort, a part of mint family, is another top 10 home remedies for night sweats during menopause. Its active ingredients help balance the hormonal system in the body. Apart from balancing hormones, it stabilizes circulatory system and blood vessels as well. The mother wort also helps elderly women get relieved from menopause anxiety and heart palpitations. Some women experience rapid heartbeat, which also gets calm down with mother wort.

5 Add Vitamin E and Vitamin B to your food
Vitamins that make up the B complex play a key role in stabilizing adrenal glands and nervous system. Also the Vitamins B & E help in conversion of carbohydrates into the glucose, which is highly required for women experiencing menopause.Vitamin B keeps the mucous membranes of the vagina healthy, thereby managing smooth discharge during period without any pain.

While Vitamin B2 releases and activates of a variety of hormones, including estrogen, Vitamin B12 reduces depression, anxiety and helps decrease in mood swings and eliminates fatigue.Vitamin E consists of small amounts of estrogen and helps in treating menopause ailments including night sweats and hot flashes. Vitamin E also helps in fighting vaginal dryness.Add Vitamin E & B around 800 mg per day to your diet so as to help fight night sweats during menopause.

6. Exercise on a regular basis
As every woman experiences menopause differently, considering lifestyle changes can help cope with menopause ailments occurring in the body. A balanced fitness program such as mobility, flexibility, agility and strength training not only wards off postmenopausal health risks, but also helps fights with night sweats and hot flashes. Consider methods of stress relief such as meditation, yoga, and visualization.

7. Wear breathable, natural fibers
Since women experience severe night sweats, it’s ideal to sleep in removable layers of clothing to avoid being drenched from sweating while sleeping. And do not forget to avoid wear constrictive clothing, which can make you even more stressful.

8. Reduce consumption of warm beverages
Intake of warm beverages increases the risk of even more profuse night sweating. Therefore, women during menopause should avoid warm beverages like tea and coffee. Even they should reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.

9. Turn down the thermostat
As I have already suggested you to stay away from hot beverages, you should also turn down the thermostat so as not to augment the body temperature during menopause. It is also suggested to apply a cold wet compress to cool down.

10. Avoid chocolate, refined or spicy foods
Sugar and refined carbohydrates in the chocolate trigger night sweats and hot flashes. Also avoid refined or spicy foods.

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Home Remedies for Menopausal Headache Relief

Headaches will plague a women at any time in her life, however throughout perimenopause, she is more susceptible to regular and continual aches, typically felt within the temples or at the bottom of the skull. This is primarily owing to the secretion changes that occur in an exceedingly adult body as she approaches menopause; fluctuations in sex hormone and progestogen levels can cause blood vessels to expand and contract, and within the brain, this generally blocks nerve pathways and causes headaches to occur. Finding headache relief will be robust, however these home remedies might facilitate.

Consume Phytoestrogens
As a phytoestrogenic herb, rattle-top will greatly contribute to revive sex hormone levels, and so relieve hormones headaches throughout biological time. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic sex hormone activity within the body, therefore strive drinking black cohosh tea for this purpose. The herb is anti-inflammatory, which implies it might additionally facilitate with pain management throughout a headache. Dong quai, ginseng, and trefoil are herbs with steroid hormone activity. Drinking infusions of those might play a part in reducing the prevalence and intensity of headaches over time.

Try Ginger
Ginger is that the go-to herb for natural headache relief. The herb will alleviate pain in 2 ways: its active ingredients block the formation of inflammatory compounds leukotriene, that some over the counter medicine do, however it additionally blocks the compound autocoid. This twofold functioning renders ginger superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like isobutylphenyl propionic acid. During a headache, make a medicinal poultice by boiling chopped ginger root, wrapping it in cloth, and applying it to the site of pain. Alternatively, drinking ginger tea might help relieve pain and provide comfort when a headache takes hold.

Use Turmeric
A 2009 study of turmeric in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine discovered it to be equally as effective as ibuprofen for relieving pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties come from the compound curcumin, though the spicy nature of this herb – which is more commonly used blended into curry powder – means that consuming it as a supplement may be the most effective way to experience its medicinal effects.

Exercise
Aerobic exercise is an efficient way to combat headaches as a result of it alleviates stress-related headache symptoms, like muscle tension and anxiety. physical exercise for half-hour each day at a reasonably high intensity – like running, swimming, or sport – 5 days every week will considerably scale back the prevalence and intensity of headaches on a brief and long basis.

Drink Water
Headaches will be triggered or exacerbated by dehydration. The counseled quantity for fluid consumption for women is 1.6 liters per day, that equates to around eight 200-mL glasses. tho' any food will count toward this, water could be a nice alternative for the weight-conscious, because it doesn't contain calories or fat. confine mind, however, that several foods contain water further, particularly contemporary fruits and vegetables.

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Things That No One Should Tell You About Menopause

Signs of menopause can begin 10 years before a woman is officially in this phase of her life, defined as a full year without a menstrual period. For most women in the U.S., this occurs around age 51 and signals a shift from the reproductive phase to the post-reproductive phase of life.

Hot flashes and night sweats are well known signs of menopause, but other lesser known issues can also crop up. Understanding why and what is happening can help make the transition easier. Here are seven things no one ever tells you.

1. Anxiety could increase. If you find yourself suddenly worried and anxious over seemingly nothing, hot flashes may be to blame. During a hot flash, the body releases a surge of a chemical called adrenaline, which makes arteries contract, says Dr. Philip Sarrel, emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. “This can make you feel anxious; it’s unnerving, although it’s not harmful,” he notes. Heart rate increases by eight to 16 beats during a hot flash. The feeling should pass after the hot flash goes away, which is typically between 30 seconds and 10 minutes.

2. You may forget things. Remembering where you put your car keys or recalling the name of that '80s one-hit wonder may not be so easy after menopause. “Short term memory is directly affected by hot flashes,” says Sarrel. “If you give a woman a list of 10 words and ask her to remember them, she’ll be able to recite eight of them. If she’s having a hot flash, that drops to two.” Memory and concentration issues may be related to stress more than hormonal fluctuations. Stay sharp by doing crossword puzzles, playing chess, reading or using a computer to challenge your brain.

3. Weight gain is not inevitable. Although putting on pounds is common after menopause, no clear evidence links menopausal weight gain to hormonal changes, according to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Being less physically active and a slowdown in metabolism are believed to be the culprits. A resistance training program that preserves and maintains muscle, along with a cardio program, can help keep weight off as you age. Another bonus: exercise may also help ease hot flashes for 24 hours afterward.

4. Vitamin E can help ease hot flashes. Hot flashes affect 87 percent of menopausal women and can occur up to 10 times or more a day, says Dr. Yen Tran of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, Calif. “Women typically feel extreme heat in the upper body, especially the face, neck and chest and the flashes usually last between one to five minutes,” she notes. For women looking for a natural solution, vitamin E has been shown to help, Tran says. “Studies show taking 800 IU of vitamin E a day reduces hot flashes by one a day,” she adds.

5. You may become depressed. Changes in brain chemistry that accompany menopause can induce depression, says Sarrel. “Some women can even become suicidal,” he notes. Mood swings from changes in hormones can trigger laughing one minute and crying the next, or feeling depressed. Although research shows menopausal status does not directly trigger feelings of sadness, women who’ve experienced depression earlier in their lives may be more susceptible to a recurrence during menopause. Ask your doctor for help if you become depressed. Physicians specializing in menopause can be found on menopause.org.

6. You’re at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the No. 4 killer of women ages 55 to 64, according to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Women with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other serious conditions. Hormonal changes may contribute to the risk of diabetes, but age and being overweight make you more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. NAMS recommendations include: limit sugar and unhealthy fats, control your weight, limit alcohol intake, increase sources of omega-3 fatty acids, do weight bearing exercise and keep active in general.

7. You can still enjoy sex. Although it’s different for every woman, the freedom from worrying about birth control can make sex even better, especially if you take steps to ease vaginal dryness that accompanies menopause. One of the actions of estrogen is to protect the vagina, says Sarrel. “Sadly, women often give up on sex after menopause, and it’s unnecessary,” he adds.

Lubricants such as Astroglide, K-Y Jelly and silicone can help. Coconut oil also works as a natural lubrication alternative. “Hormone therapy in the form of low-dose creams can restore estrogen locally as well,” says Tran. These prescription creams help restore vaginal blood flow and improve the stretchiness and thickness of vaginal tissue and reverses the thinning and dryness, versus providing the temporary relief lubricants do.

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Tips to Prevent Weight Gain After Menopause

As we age the extra pounds adhere to us, even if our dietary habits remain the same. This is especially true for women after menopause when estrogen levels begin to decline. Lower estrogen levels causes the body to lower metabolism, the rate at which calories are burned. If that isn’t bad enough, the decline in estrogen also increases the appetite and causes cravings for high calorie foods that contain carbohydrates and fats.

Lower Calorie Intake
After menopause, the body begins to burn approximately 200 fewer calories per day doing the same activities that were done prior to the onset of menopause. It takes 3,500 calories to equal one pound of body weight, so if calorie intake and activity level remains the same after menopause, it will add about 1 ½ pounds per month onto a woman’s body. To compensate for this decrease in calorie burning and prevent weight gain, lower calorie intake by 200 calories per day.

Increase Activity Level
The metabolism slows down after menopause and the body does not burn the calories off as quickly as it did before, even for a very active woman. Increase activity level in small ways each day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking in a parking space that is farthest away from a building so a little more walking is added to the daily routine.

Eat Right To Increase Energy
Eliminating 200 calories per day from the diet doesn’t mean a woman has to feel deprived and hungry. Replace the high calorie foods that sap energy with nutritional foods that will increase energy. Fresh fruits and vegetables that are naturally low in calories and high in fiber will increase energy levels, which in-turn helps a post-menopausal woman to increase activity level. Foods high in fiber also make us feel fuller quicker and longer, making it easier to slice off 200 calories per day from the diet.

Start Early And Start Slow
Starting to decrease calories and increase activities before the onset of menopause, typically in the early 40’s, is easier than trying to correct a weight gain problem after menopause.

Start early and slowly to change dietary and lifestyle habits. A few calories saved each day by not eating that extra cookie and few extra steps taken each day to burn more calories will add up and help prevent weight gain after menopause. The slow and steady beneficial changes will automatically become a part of living a healthier lifestyle.

Menopause does not have to mean an ever-expanding clothing size. A few small and early changes in calorie intake and activity level can prevent weight gain after menopause.

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Avoid Menopause Induced Bone Loss and Disease

Unfortunately, conventional medicine has done a poor job helping women to avoid the health risks associated with menopause. Just to be clear an excessive loss of hormones will cause a loss of energy, muscle mass, bone strength, cognitive function and memory. With an estimated 6,000 women per day, in the United States alone, reaching menopause this health issue should not be ignored.

3 natural remedies designed to ease menopausal symptoms
Conventionally speaking, menopause 'officially' begins 12 months after a woman's final menstrual period and is connected to a huge drop in estrogen levels. This dramatic drop in estrogen can produce a wide variety of symptoms like, hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections, joint pains, plus sleep disorders and mood swings. These menopausal symptoms are early warning signs of disease and should not be ignored. So, let's focus on some natural solutions.

According to a study conducted by researchers at Brown University, and published in The Obstetrician and Gynecologist (TOG), 'physicians should recommend herbal medicines and complementary therapies to women seeking relief from the symptoms of menopause.' Dong quai or "female ginseng", red clover and black cohosh are three widely used herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms. These herbs contain plant compounds which mimic estrogen.

Phytoestrogens  found in sesame and flax seeds, red clover tea and fermented soy products like, tempeh, miso and natto contain high amounts of plant-based estrogens called isoflavones which can provide natural relief for women with menopause symptoms. In a study performed at The University of Naples, Italy in 2005 it was discovered that isoflavones were effective in reducing hot flashes and relieving vaginal dryness during menopause. Their recommendation is 45 grams per day.

Can homeopathy help women with menopause? In some cases, the answer is yes. For example, cimicifuga has been shown to help with night sweats, vaginal dryness, bleeding and mood swings. Lachesis tends to help women who feel warm to hot all the time and may crave alcoholic beverages. Sepia is especially useful for women having difficulty with sexual intercourse, and felling chilly.

Do bioidentical hormones increase the risk of a stroke?
According to a large study from France, published in an American Heart Association journal, bioidentical hormones do not raise the risk of stroke in menopausal women. In fact, following nearly 100,000 women, researchers reveal that women using estrogen patches and progesterone in pill form had a slightly lower risk of stroke compared to women not using any type of hormone replacement.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is not necessarily safer than any other drug therapy. To bring hormones back into balance one must consider the nervous system (neurotransmitters) and all of the hormone levels from the pituitary and thyroid gland to the pancreas, adrenals and ovaries (last). Simply put, don't take the 'magic bullet' approach toward health.

Obviously, if you're suffering from hormonal imbalances and serious health issues, work with a qualified medical professional to improve all aspects of your life physically, emotionally and spiritually.

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Early Menopause Issue for Young Breast Cancer Women

Breast cancer is no longer just your grandmother’s disease.

Young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer more than ever before, in part thanks to advanced research and early diagnostics.

“Our patients used to be around 60 or 70, even 80 when first diagnosed,” said Anne Zobec, nurse practitioner at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. “Women are being screened at younger ages and catching breast cancer earlier.”

Although discovering it in the early stages is significant, young breast cancer patients often encounter complications older patients might not have to deal with.

“Chemotherapy basically suppresses estrogen in the body,” Zobec said. “This sends patients deep into menopause early on.”

Symptoms of menopause like severe hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia combined with symptoms of cancer treatment like fatigue and nausea can make the journey to healing a painful one.

“Both create a roller coaster of moods that make everything even more difficult to handle,” Zobec said. “It’s also a concern for those who might still want to have children.”

Estrogen hormones feed breast cancer, barring patients from receiving hormone therapy to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It’s also important that patients don’t try over-the-counter remedies marketed to alleviate menopause symptoms.

“Even herbs and other ingredients can be turned into estrogens in the body,” Zobec said. “We have found that a low-dose antidepressant is very helpful for these patients, sometimes reducing symptoms as much as 60 percent.”

If the low dose doesn’t seem effective, doctors can gradually increase the dose until they see results, or they might recommend a change in diet.

“We have also come to realize that a low-carbohydrate diet similar to the South Beach Diet is an effective tool for breast cancer patients,” Zobec said.

Participating in some form of aerobic exercise at least five days a week increases a patient’s ability to minimize discomfort.

“Adipose tissue, or body fat, makes estrogen which feeds the breast cancer, so reducing body fat is helpful,” Zobec said. “Losing just 10-15 pounds is a substantial advantage and reduces the risk of recurrence.”

No matter their healthcare needs, a breast cancer patient going through both menopause and treatment should never enter their fight alone. Zobec’s team at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers is ready to help should patients need a support network. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers partners with Penrose Cancer Center, part of the Centura Health Cancer Network, delivering advanced, integrated cancer care across Colorado and western Kansas.

“Good support is a huge help in managing every symptom,” Zobec said. “From fatigue, to emotions, poor body image and low libido; patients and their partners have to stay as healthy and positive as possible.”

Source: gazette.com

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Does Acupuncture Technique Actually Helps To Treat Menopausal Symptoms?

Not every woman experiences menopause symptoms but among those who do the symptoms can be significant and disruptive, physically, emotionally and sexually.  Among the more common symptoms associated with menopause are hot flushes, mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, vaginal dryness and/or itching, loss of libido, acne, weight gain, fatigue, memory problems, changes in skin texture, abnormal hair growth on face and more frequent urination.

Such signs and symptoms may be prominent for a few years, but will gradually lessen in severity and eventually disappear.

Osteoporosis on the other hand will continue to deteriorate with age and requires active intervention and treatment.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the standard treatment for menopause and related conditions. However there is no consensus as to how and when to use these medications. Although they may alleviate hot flushes and prevent osteoporosis, they will also increase the risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer and have a number of significant side effects. The bottom line is that synthetic hormones can never replace endogenous ones. Therefore, no matter how and when they are prescribed, the potential for adverse reactions will always be present.

How acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are extremely effective in treating menopause and related conditions. It offers a gentle, yet effective way of treating the various symptoms without any side effects. Numerous studies have shown the effect of acupuncture and Chinese herbs on the hormonal system to alleviate hot flushes, loss of bone mass and other symptoms associated with menopause. And most importantly being much gentler and safer on the body.

Also tension, stress and anxiety can aggravate symptoms. The more relaxed and at ease with ourselves we are, the easier it is to deal with this time of transition. Acupuncture helps us to relax our body and mind.

Diet and Lifestyle: what can we do ourselves
A diet including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Some foods that can aggravate symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings are best avoided, such as dairy products, red meat, alcohol, sugar, spicy foods and caffeine. Cigarette smoking has a drying affect on our body and affects our natural cooling system, our yin, so is also best avoided.

Women who tend to be more active tend to suffer less from symptoms. Activities such as yoga, tai chi, qi gong provide gentle movement whilst also reducing stress and tension. A brisk walk for half an hour several times a week is very beneficial.

It is beneficial to have regular acupuncture treatment during the peri-menopausal period, as soon as the period starts changing.  This will help  smooth out any minor symptoms and prevents them from getting worse, making the menopausal period a much more pleasant experience.

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