How to Use Naturopathy to Relieve Menopause Symptoms

Many women seek to relieve menopause symptoms but are unable or unwilling to use traditional medical therapy--or they want a more natural remedy for their individual conditions. Naturopathy offers alternatives to drug treatment for hot flashes, depression, fatigue and related conditions, such as osteoporosis. Naturopathy is a medical discipline that uses nutrition, herbal supplements and the body's own mechanisms to supposedly treat a variety of conditions, including menopause.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Access to a medical doctor or naturopathic practitioner

Recognize Menopause Symptoms

1. Educate yourself on how your body is changing and the effects you'll notice at the U.S. Health & Human Services Web site (see Resources below). Not all women experience menopause symptoms, and different women experience different symptoms to different degrees. Keep track of your recurring issues so that you'll know what symptoms to relieve with naturopathy.
2. Acknowledge and learn about the secondary effects of menopause, such as osteoporosis, increased heart-disease risk and memory loss, that can be mitigated or prevented through treatment.
3. Consult your doctor or a naturopathic practitioner to assess your well-being and determine which factors of your health can be attributed to menopause, rather than another condition. Discuss treatment options.

Treat Menopause Symptoms Naturally

4. Use moderately priced herbal medicines, such as soy or red clover products, to counter hormonal changes. See a doctor of naturopathy for advice and dosages.
5. Change your diet to relieve some symptoms. Learn more about optimum nutrition for menopausal women from books such as "Eat Well for a Healthy Menopause: The Low-Fat, High Nutrition Guide" (see Resources below).
6. Make lifestyle choices to keep cholesterol in control and your fitness level high. Cut fat in your diet and make time for regular aerobic exercise. Walking is a great way to start.
7. Reduce physical and mental stress through massage, acupuncture, chiropractic or hydrotherapy. Ask a friend or an alternative health care center for a referral.
8. Find out more about naturopathy from the Web site of the Association of Naturopathic Physicians (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Always let your doctor know if you use herbal supplements.
• If you experience symptoms more acute than general fatigue or a passing rise in temperature, such as chest pain or dizziness, see your doctor.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.