At some point in their lives, all women have to cope with menopause, and many suffer at least some of the symptoms of PMS. This means having to deal with hormone changes, hot flashes, mood swings, depression, cramps, and a host of other undesirable feelings and sensations. Met with this gloomy prospect, many women resort to hormone replacement therapy in the case of menopause, and anti-inflammatory medication, pain killers, or birth controls in the case of PMS. However, the long-term effects of these treatments are either unclear or somewhat detrimental to overall health. In this context, alternative therapies provide women with safer options which take a more holistic approach to treating menopause and PMS, rather than mask the symptoms. The alternative treatments listed below are generally safer and more tolerated than their standard counterparts.

MENOPAUSE

Menopause refers to the transition period in every woman’s life when the ovaries stop producing eggs, menstrual activity gradually ceases, and the body decreases its production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The most common alternative treatments for menopause include acupuncture, herbs, and homeopathy.

Acupuncture
The aim of acupuncture treatment is to reestablish the body’s natural balance, which has been disrupted due to the hormonal changes brought about by menopause.  Through the use of thin needles inserted in specific points of the body, acupuncture regulates unstable hormone levels in the woman’s body.

Herbs
These may be taken in the form of extracts, capsules, tablets, or strong teas. The most effective herb used is Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis root). It is used to treat menopause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, nervousness, and insomnia. It contains plant estrogens which the woman’s body can easily absorb and use. As it may aggravate hot flashes, Don Quai is usually taken in combination with herbs that may reduce this effect, such as vitex and red raspberry.

Homeopathy
Homeopathy treatment for menopause has been widely studied and is specifically tailored to each woman’s needs. Homeopaths usually consider the following remedies when treating menopause:

• Lachesis. Used to reduce hot flashes, anxiety, and headaches.

• Pulsatilla, Natrum mur, Aurum mur, and Sanguinaria. Used to treat several menopause symptoms.

PMS

PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, refers to the particular physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience one or two weeks before their menstrual period begins. For some women, these symptoms are so severe that they must miss work or refrain from performing certain activities. There are several safer and effective natural therapies available. These include:

Acupuncture
When treating PMS, acupuncturists first assess the excesses and deficiencies of qi, or energy, in specific points of the body. In the case of PMS, this deficiency is often found in liver points, which are treated by inserting thin needles to reestablish a proper flow of energy. 

Chiropractic
According to some studies, women who suffer from PMS have a higher rate of spine-related problems such as muscle weakness. These problems may be treated with chiropractic spinal manipulation.

Herbs

• Chaste Tree Berry. Women who take this herb have shown significant improvements in irritability, depression, headaches, and breast tenderness caused by PMS. It may cause some side effects, however, such as rashes and digestive disturbances.

• Evening Primrose Oil. It helps regulate pain and inflammation in the body.

• St. John's wort. Used to treat the emotional symptoms of PMS, such as depression. It should be used throughout the month.

Homeopathy
The most common homeopathic remedies for PMS are:

• Chamomilla. Used for intense menstrual pain and mood swings.

• Ignatia. Used for mood swings and emotional symptoms such as grief and anxiety.

• Lycopodium. Used for bloating and backaches.

• Pulsatilla. Used for irregular periods with cramps, bloating, and/or mood swings.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is ideal to lessen the feelings of irritability and stress which may come with PMS. It is geared towards finding out the root cause of mood swings so that they may be brought under control.

Yoga
Yoga’s slow stretching movements and low impact cardio are effective in relieving PMS symptoms and reducing fatigue.

Although menopause and PMS cannot be cured, there are various alternative treatment choices that can improve life quality and reduce symptoms in the process. These are just a few of the choices out there, which women can ask their gynecologist about.

It is extremely important to consult your healthcare provider regarding any course of treatment and/or medication. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily express the Company’s opinion and should not be construed as medical advice nor as an indication to stop and/or change any medical treatment.