During premenopause, the ovaries no longer ovulate on a regular basis. This is the basis for the cycle changes and the beginning of symptoms such as hot flashes. Menopause itself usually begins in the mid-forties to early fifties. When the ovaries stop producing significant amounts of estrogen and progesterone, the menstrual cycle ceases; a woman who has had no periods for a year is said to be menopausal.

Women's reactions to menopause vary widely. Some enjoy the change, while others suffer from problems like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, and mood swings, often for years. But if a woman is healthy, active, and well nourished, her adrenal glands will usually respond to menopause by creating precursor hormones such as pregnenolone and DHEA, which are then converted into estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. And if she takes natural steps to encourage this process, it is likely that she can avoid harsh and possibly dangerous medications altogether.

For women with mild to moderate symptoms of menopause, it is generally recommended to try diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements, especially herbal, essential oils and homeopathic remedies. Natural supplements balance the hormones that are already present in the body. In addition, the use of natural progesterone (in the form of Resolve or Balance by Syringa) appears to be very safe and effective when a stronger approach is needed. 

There are many symptoms that come with menopause but the most talked about symptom is definitely hot flashes. Some women can experience up to a dozen hot flashes in just one day making it difficult to sleep and making it hard to focus on their daily activities. Hormonal Replacement Therapy is one effective way to relieve hot flashes but with that comes many side effects and risks. There are many alternative ways women are discovering everyday to relieve the severity of their hot flashes. Some of the best and most effective ways are listed below.

We found that women who experienced symptoms when they began menopause had fewer cardiovascular events than those who experienced hot flashes late in menopause or not at all. Hot flashes will never be enjoyable, but perhaps these findings will make them more tolerable.

DHEA supports memory, libido, and mood. If your level of DHEA is low, take 5 to 15 mg as a starting dosage, under the guidance of your doctor.

Dr. Christopher's - Hormonal Changease, Female Reproductive, Male Urinary Tract - Western Botanical Female Balancer Formula  .

Adrenal glandular extract - adrenal support by Western Botanicals or Dr Christopher has Adrenals Formula which supports the hormone-producing adrenal glands Take 1 to 2 capsules twice daily on an empty stomach.

For memory and concentration problems, take Gingko biloba It increases blood flow to the brain. Take 120 to 240 mg daily of an extract.

Hormone-replacement therapy puts a great stress on the liver. If you choose to take this medication, detoxify with Milk thistle. Find a formula that's standardized to 70 to 80 percent silymarin content, and take 250 mg twice a day.

St-John's-wort has been shown to fight depression that comes on with menopause. Take 900 mg daily of a 0.3 percent hypericin extract. Also St. Johns Wort essential oil.

If you have heart palpitations, take Motherwort at a dosage of 200 mg or 2 ml three times daily. Motherwort as extract

Sage  helps control the sweating associated with hot flashes.

Red clover - has been shown in some studies to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Take 450 mg one to two times daily.

If you need to unwind and de-stress, find a quiet moment to drink a cup of tea made from chamomile, peppermint, or passionflower Each of these herbs are relaxing and calming.

Vitamin E-complex may help reduce the symptoms of menopause. Take 800 to 1,200 IU daily. Do not use this high of a dosage if you're on blood-thinning ­ medications.

A high-potency multivitamin provides a base of vitamins and minerals for overall health

Take daily  calcium and  magnesium, or a bone formula for bone health.

For a more powerful relaxing effect, especially if you need to sleep, drink valerian water.

Homeopathy

Pick the remedy that best matches your symptoms in this section. Take a 6x, 12x, 6C, 12C, or 30C potency twice daily for two weeks to see if there are any positive results. After you notice improvement, stop taking the remedy, unless symptoms return.

Belladonna is a remedy for sudden hot flashes that cause a flushing of the face. Throbbing symptoms may occur in the head or other areas of the body, accompanied by heat. Heart palpitations, restlessness, and right-sided headaches are common symptoms.

Calcarea Carbonica - will help menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, heavy flow, and hot flashes even though the woman is chilly. There is often a sense of anxiety, fatigue, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Women may also experience leg cramps and crave both eggs and sweets. There is weight gain with the menopausal transition.

Lachesis will ease a variety of menopausal complaints, including hot flashes, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, memory problems, and lack of concentration. It is a specific remedy for heart palpitations that are worse from lying on the left side. The woman is often very talkative and may have strong emotions such as jealousy, suspiciousness, or anger. Tight clothing around the neck is avoided. The libido often increases with menopause.

Natrum Muriaticum is for women who experience backaches and migraines, along with a craving for salt and cold drinks. It is also used for hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Symptoms are worse in the sun. Depression and aversion to people may be present. The woman cries easily.

Raw Female is a specific remedy for hot flashes in women who have had their ovaries removed.

Pulsatilla  is for women who feel much worse in a warm room and who strongly desire fresh air. Mood swings and weepiness are characteristic symptoms. They may have a strong craving for sweets, pastries, and chocolate.

Sepia is for menopausal women who experience pain or anxiety during intercourse, usually because of vaginal dryness. If periods still occur, there may be heavy bleeding. This remedy may help uterine prolapse and incontinence (Dr. Christophers Bladder Formula is excellent for incontinence.)
Women who benefit from this remedy usually feel irritable and exhausted. They have a strong craving for chocolate, sweets, or sour foods and have an aversion to sex.

Sulphur is a good remedy for hot flashes and night sweats. The woman perspires easily and throws the covers off at night. She has a strong thirst for ice-cold drinks.

Hydrotherapy

A warm sitz bath will increase circulation to the pelvic area and will improve vaginal dryness and decreased libido.

1)      Dress Appropriately- Hot weather can make hot flashes even worse, by wearing cotton clothes and allowing your skin to breathe you can decrease both the occurrence and severity of these hot flashes, especially in the heat.

2)      Watch Triggers- Everyone is different and a variety of things can trigger hot flashes in different people. It is important to pay attention to what you were  doing or eating before your hot flash. You may begin to notice a trend and figure out what your triggers may be. Common triggers are alcohol, caffeine, hot food, hot tubs, saunas, smoking, sugary food and spicy foods.

3)      Relax- Stress can also be a common trigger for hot flashes. Giving yourself just 10-15 minutes a day of complete relaxation can greatly decrease your amount of hot flashes. Yoga and many deep breathing exercises can  help relax your body and cool down.

4)      Flaxseed- Along with its laundry list of other health benefits, Flaxeed can reduce hot flashes and even ease other menopause symptoms. Consuming 1 tablespoon of ground flaxeed each day may not affect you immediately but after a month of two most people will experience extreme relief from hot flashes.

5)      Herbs- There are many herbs that are known to have estrogen-like properties that can help control your hot flashes. Some of these natural herbs include sage dong quai, red clover chaste tree (vitex) link 1 link 2 and the most effective and commonly used, black cohosh.

6)      Natural Progesterone Cream-  2% progesterone skin cream works in about 85% of perimenopausal women. Using as little as ¼ tsp once a day can begin to have a positive effect on hot flashes.

Here are some non-estrogen options:

Behavioral interventions
Wear layered cotton clothing. Avoid coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and stress! Sip cool drinks or use ice packs. Relaxation and deep, abdominal breathing (6-8 breaths per minute) have been shown to reduce hot flashes by about 40% when practiced as minimally as twice per day. Eliminate hot baths or showers before bedtime.