I am going through perimenopause, with night sweats, hot flashes all the fun things that happens when we mature.
My story may help other women with similar problems. In 1999 my sister who is younger than I am was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and given up to 5 years. Two years ago the cancer spread to her colon. She was in the hospital for a month and sent home we were told that they would keep her as comfortable as possible for at the next two weeks (that is the time they gave her to live) Janice is still alive today still with some signs of the cancer, but doing well.
The reason I told Janic's story is because this is the reason I decided along with my gynecologist not to use hormones. But the night sweats and hot flashes can be so disrupting to my life, as those of you who have experienced them know. My doctor told me these symptoms can last 10 to 15 years!!! WOW. I decided I could not (nor could my family, especially my poor husband) so after speaking with my doctor and doing some research I have be using minerals and herbs. In addition I take an antidepressant that helps with anxiety a presciption vaginal cream and Evista for my bones, along with a multi vitamin with minerals and Tums for calcium.
The herbs and mineral I use are for the night sweats and hot flashes are Black Cohosh, (Actions and Uses: This is a good estrogenic herb that acts specifically on the uterus to reduce cramps and congestion. It is also good for relieving hot flashes. Black Cohosh contains two anti-rheumatic agents. It is an excellent herb for relieving muscular pain and cramping. It may also help to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure). Estorven, Ginkgo(This herb improves brain function, circulation, and oxygenation of all body cells. It is helpful for symptoms of fatigue, memory problems, and depression).
I suggest you talk with your doctor about the dosage because everyone is different. Essential Nutrients only work if you take them! So be sure to keep them in a "can’t miss" place — like next to your toothbrush or your alarm clock — to remind you to take them in the a.m. and p.m.
The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance. It is a convenient, at-home version of what I recommend.
Healthy Menopause Diet - 15 Suggestions
Boost your daily intake of fruits. Choose melons, bananas and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are high in potassium. Potassium rich foods help balance sodium and water retention. Also include some dried fruit like apricots and figs.
Boost your daily intake of vegetables (inc. salad) Choose in particular, yam, dark leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, pak choi, broccoli and cabbage, as well as peppers, tomatoes and a variety of others.
Introduce soy foods (eg. soybeans, calcium-fortified soy milk, soy yogurt and tofu.) into your daily eating.
Eat regular amounts of fiber, especially soluble fiber.
Junk the fried foods, instead broil or bake.
Junk the white bread/flour, eat wholegrain bread, oats, rye, wheatgerm.
Junk the white rice (except basmati), switch to long grain brown rice.
Eat fewer regular potatoes, eat more sweet potatoes and pasta.
Add regular helpings of beans and lentils to your meals.
Junk the processed cooking oils, switch to unprocessed oils. Choose extra virgin olive oil, canola, wheatgerm and flaxseed oil.
Make oily fish (salmon, mackerel) a regular feature of your diet
Oily fish is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids which provides a huge range of health benefits.
Snack on nuts (Brazils, walnuts), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, linseeds), dried fruit (apricots, figs).
Try adding seaweed to your diet; ask at your local health food store. Choose Nori, Wakame, Kombu, Arame, which contain natural hormones and plant chemicals which help during menopause.
Drink more mineral/bottled water, less caffeine and modest amounts of alcohol.
Enjoy high-calorie junk foods as an occasional treat only.
I am not trying to sell anything or advertise, I am just writing to let women know what helps me. I still have the night sweats, hot flashes and anxiety, but they are better controled with my plan. This article was written to give advice. If you should have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Womentowomen.com and wedmd.com both have excellent information on the subject. Good luck to all of us who are growing into lovely women. (It is part of life).