Balancing Hormones Naturally: Tips for Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life. As a woman enters menopause, her body goes through many changes. Some of these changes are physical, while others affect the mind.

Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her body no longer produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries stop producing eggs, and menstruation ceases. Some women have symptoms due to imbalances caused by dropping hormone levels. This can be alleviated by healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

Causes of Menopause

There are a number of different causes of menopause, including decreased production of estrogen and progesterone from ovaries. Decreased hormonal production leads to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, anxiety, depression, loss of bone density, and even heart attack or stroke.

Hormonal imbalance can also cause sleep problems, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. It’s important to seek treatment for your menopause symptoms so you can live the healthiest and best quality of life possible.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is prescribed when a woman experiences significant discomfort due to menopause symptoms. Unlike hormone therapy, HRT can help with vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It can also help with preventing bone loss. 

Non-Hormonal Treatment Options

Menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms are caused by hormonal imbalances during the transition out of reproductive years to non-reproductive years. For women in menopause, their ovaries stop producing estrogen. Estrogen is what regulates the menstrual cycle in women. Because it is not being produced naturally anymore, the body will identify other sources of estrogen. This can cause havoc in the body and causes severe fluctuations in many different hormones.

This is why it is important for women going through this transition to find alternative methods to balance their hormones naturally. Some of these methods may include eating foods rich in phytoestrogens or consuming natural supplements that will support healthy hormone levels. However, it is important to discuss all dietary changes with a doctor before implementing any changes in order to minimize health risks. Your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments for menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

• Prescription-strength antiperspirants: These medications reduce excessive sweating by temporarily blocking the sweat glands from releasing moisture. You should apply an antiperspirant every night before going to bed for at least three months to see results.
• Oral medications: Certain prescription-strength oral medications can help relieve symptoms of menopause. These are not typically the first treatment choice due to side effects, so it’s important to discuss these treatment options with your doctor.
• Biofeedback therapy: Patients can control their body temperature during cold and warm flashes using biofeedback techniques like deep breathing and mental exercises, as well as temperature feedback devices like a watch or necklace that vibrates or beeps during a hot flash.
• Stress management: Excessive stress can make hormone fluctuations worse, so practicing healthy stress management techniques like exercise, yoga, meditation, or journaling can help address some of the hormonal imbalances associated with menopause.
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes at home can also help reduce the symptoms of menopause. It’s recommended that you avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and tobacco use. It’s also important to get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly. Also, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein sources and complex carbohydrates.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to treat the symptoms of menopause, contact our clinic to schedule a consultation today. Call Upgrade PDX, Portland, OR at (971) 299-8530 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1210 NW Johnson St., Portland, OR 97209.