Menopause, the cessation of menses (periods), is a condition that affects most women in their late '40's and early '50's. Hot flashes are oftentimes the most troublesome symptom for many of us during menopause, when the ovarian production of estrogen naturally subsides, and brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine change. Other typical symptoms of menopause include mood swings, weight gain, and changes to our skin, urinary tract, bones, and heart. The good news is that we can positively impact many of the unwanted symptoms of menopause by exercising healthy choices in nutrition and lifestyle. We also have more complementary and alternative fun modalities than ever to complement lifestyle choices. Remember, too, that heart disease is the number one killer for older women, and we need to protect our loving hearts during this time! Take good care of yourself by working with your physician to develop a health regimen just right for you. Start today to outfox menopause.

Menopause treatments have traditionally included prescription hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen and progesterone combinations for women with an intact uterus. HRT helps protect bones and reduce hot flashes, but does not protect the heart.

Due to recent studies regarding HRT side effects on the heart and or risk of breast cancer with prolonged use for more than 5 years, many women are now choosing alternative methods for managing the symptoms of menopause. Examples include bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are still prescription medications. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology wants the public to know that bioidentical hormones are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner that prescription hormones are regulated. They have not been studied in human clinical trials to the extent that prescription HRT has been studied for menopausal symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are compounded by pharmacists whose pharmacies are accredited compounding pharmacies, using pharmaceutical grade chemicals for the bioidentical products. These products are customized to your individual needs and used for the treatment of hot flashes.

Hot flashes can also be treated with prescription anti-depressants like Effexor. Other options for hot flashes include deep breathing techniques, positional changes, diet, exercise, and laughter therapy. Why, you can now even find classes in Laughter Yoga.

Outfoxing Menopause with Natural Remedies

Herbal phytoestrogens are becoming more popular for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes. Examples include Black Cohosh (Remifemin), Red Clover, foods rich in phytoestrogens like sweet potatoes, and others. Soy has not been proven to work for the treatment of hot flashes according to recent research.

Phytoestrogens are weakly estrogenic and weakly anti-estrogenic in different tissues based on the types of estrogen receptors present in the tissue. No plant based or dietary supplement phytoestrogen is as potent as our own estriol, estradiol, or estrone that our body manufactures. Like prescription drugs, no phytoestrogens is without possible side effects - they all act like drugs (even though they are regulated as foods) and should be recommended only on the advice and consent of a physician or holistic clinical pharmacist who has your entire medical history in mind. Dietary supplements can cause side effects and drug/supplement interactions that need to be managed with the help of a healthcare professional to keep you safe. Phytoestrogens have not been studied head to head with prescription HRT, and their long term side effects are unknown. The American Menopausal Society has indicated that there is no strong evidence supporting any of the phytoestrogens for the treatment of menopause.

What are some other non hormonal ways to manage the symptoms of menopause? How about massage, acupuncture, Guided Imagery, journaling your emotions during menopause, music therapy, laughter therapy, swimming, meditation, Healing Touch, Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, reflexology, deep breathing, walking and talking with a buddy, exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week, biking, rollerblading, spiritual retreat, reading, attending a play or musical, repeating scripts of affirmation. Menopause is a time to reinvent yourself and get charged up about the next part of your life journey. Find kindred spirits who have gone through menopause and get some tips from them. Talk with your mother about her experience during menopause. Educate yourself and "change the tape" from one of doom and gloom to vibrancy, enthusiasm, and a "can do" approach to health and peace.

Take good care of your mind, body, and spirit as you grow older. Confront your emotions, grow your spiritual health. For more information on this topic, consider scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Cathy Rosenbaum, holistic clinical pharmacist by contacting her at drcathy@rxintegrativesolutions.com. You will receive a thorough, systematic evaluation of all your menopausal symptoms and her recommendations for non-hormonal alternatives. You may wish to purchase our new CD on Alternative Regimens for Menopausal Symptoms, if please click the link below.