As someone who is in the beginning stages of heat flashes, some symptoms of menopause have snuck up on me. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Instructor and Personal Trainer, I have always come at things from a holistic point of view. Preferring nature’s remedies to those of western medicine. Not that I don’t understand the effectiveness of a good antibiotic or anti-inflammatory, I just know there are way too many side effects associated with most prescription medicines.
I have myself struggled with hot flashes and watch friends and clients go through those same uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing symptoms, so I know there are women who want relief, yet do NOT want to risk getting breast cancer or heart disease.
I subscribe to Dr. Andrew Weils enewsletter and recently he posted this helpful information for hot flash sufferers:
“Help for Hot Flashes
Hot flashes associated with menopause can be miserable, but in most cases they do go away on their own, usually within six months to a year. With the popularity of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the wane, these two alternative remedies may be worth a try.
Black cohosh. Used in Europe for more than 40 years, this herb may help moderate hot flashes, mood swings and insomnia, and has proven to be effective in several studies. For relief of menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, begin taking 20 mg twice a day for six weeks, then try increasing the dose to 40 mg twice per day if hot flashes do not decrease in severity or intensity. Although early evidence was mixed, black cohosh does not appear to have direct estrogenic effects and women with a history of breast cancer can safely use it.
Whole soy foods. As you may know, soy foods contain plant estrogens, and Japanese women whose diets contain soy experience fewer hot flashes. Although we continue to investigate the role of soy (other elements of the Japanese diet and lifestyle may play a part), adding soy to your diet may help. I suggest two helpings daily of whole soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, edamame (green soy beans in the pod) and miso.”
Prevention is the Best Medicine
For those with a personal or family history of any type of disease with a genetic component, reducing risks can be challenging but well worth the effort. Whether it’s eating well, losing weight, getting regular exercise or managing stress, the time and focused commitment to implement the tasks into your daily routine is vital to your health. Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging ”
Valentina Boonstra
Licensed Massage Therapist, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Indialantic, Vero Beach
