NEWS & RESEARCH AREAS:

7 Natural Solutions for Menopause

You can relieve symptoms without hormones.

By Gale Maleskey, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian
About the Author
August 21, 2008

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Want to relieve annoying menopausal symptoms without resorting to hormones? These natural solutions really do work.

For hot flashes:

• Soy isoflavone extracts, providing 35-120 mg of isoflavones daily, can decrease the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

• Black cohosh extract can also modestly reduce hot flashes. Take 250 mg a day of black cohosh extract standardized to 2.5% triterpenoid saponins.

For sleep problems:

• Take 3 mg of melatonin one hour before bedtime, to help promote and sustain sleep.

For vaginal dryness:

• Massage a few drops of pure vitamin E into your vaginal tissues at night. Break open a 400 IU capsule or use vitamin E oil.

For osteoporosis:

• Take 80-90 mg a day of soy isoflavones which, like estrogen, influence bone mineral density and inhibit the breakdown of bone.

• Also take 1,000 to 2,000 IUs a day of vitamin D, and 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium.

• Melatonin also has been shown to stimulate cells called osteoblasts that promote bone growth.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Supplements can ease your passage through menopause and provide long-term relief. Don't resort to hormone therapy without exploring the natural options available to help you cope. Consider soy isoflavones, black cohosh, melatonin, vitamin D and vitamin E.

QUICK TIP: Despite their proven health benefits, there is some controversy surrounding the phytoestrogens found in soy. Learn More

RELATED PRODUCTS: Our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS Women's Health Support features 150 mg of soy isoflavone from NovaSoy and 250 mg of black cohosh, as well as all 29 ingredients of our best-selling Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS.

Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.

RELATED PRODUCTS

Multi Formula PLUS Women's Health Support

This specialized formula is designed for optimal female wellness and longevity, and specifically provides advanced support for the symptoms of menopause. It contains both Black Cohosh and Soy Isoflavones in addition to 29 other essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for superior anti-aging protection and overall health.

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Multi Nutrient PLUS Women's Health Support PowerPak

To give you the most powerful anti-aging protection we know of, we have combined our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS with Menopause Support, Omega-T Fish Oil and High Antioxidant Green Tea Extract into an Anti-Aging PowerPak at a dramatically discounted price. You can save up to $300 per year when compared to purchasing each product individually each month.

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RELATED RECIPES

Hormone-Regulating Thai Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soy product with a higher concentration of hormone-regulating isoflavones than tofu or soy milk. Much of the fat in this dish comes from the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk. These fats are readily used in your body as energy, so they don’t pile up as fat.

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High Protein Tofu and Asparagus with Sesame Dressing

Who needs meat when you can have crispy, creamy sautéed tofu with every bite? This dish is a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

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Soy Peanut Butter

You don't need to wonder what's in the peanut butter when you make your own. This recipe, sent to me by a pair of USA WEEKEND readers, is great-tasting and health-promoting. Soybeans and peanuts help control blood sugar and contain antioxidants, as do olive oil and honey.

VIEW RECIPE »