Best Natural Remedies for Menopause

Menopause happens. While we can't avoid this important transition, we can make the symptoms less disruptive to our daily lives. Here are the top natural remedies that can alleviate the daily annoyances, balance hormones, and make menopause much easier.

1. Evening Primrose Oil - This healing oil is widely used to treat symptoms of PMS, endometriosis, and menopause. Because it's highly anti-inflammatory, evening primrose oil is said to reduce pain and swelling for many women who suffer from difficult menstrual cycles. It is also used to treat hot flashes and hormonal imbalances. The high concentration of fatty acids can also aid in reducing breast pain. Aside from women's health, evening primrose oil is a superstar supplement is used to treat a multitude of health issues including eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, Raynaud's Syndrome, multiple sclerosis and preventing high blood pressure in pregnancy. 
2. Black Cohosh - The root of black cohosh has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years and was first introduced to the European colonists by the Native American Indians. It is highly potent and works within the immune system to strengthen the body's defense against disease. Some research suggests that the chemicals in black cohosh also mimic the important brain chemical serotonin. For menopause, the root has similar effects to the hormone estrogen. It is said to balance out estrogen in some bodies while providing needed estrogen in others. Black cohosh may also improve sleep, reduce hot flashes, improve skin changes, and help with irregular periods.
3. Vitex or Chasteberry - Similar to black cohosh, vitex is also said to have hormonal balancing properties and is clinically proven to reduce hot flashes. Research shows that vitex balances the ratio of estrogen and progesterone in the body. It should be noted that vitex has also been shown to slightly raise levels of progesterone.
4. Ginseng - Another ancient herb that has been used for thousands of years to increase sexual energy and arousal. Ginseng can be very beneficial if you aren't feeling like your youthful, sexual self and need a little pick-me-up to get back in the bedroom. Research suggests that ginseng also can relieve fatigue, depression, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes.
5. SAMe - SAMe is a molecule that forms naturally in the body but also can be made in a laboratory. It is considered a dietary supplement by the US government and is extremely helpful in combating depression, fatigue, ADHD, PMS, pain, seizures, and tons of other ailments. SAMe could be helpful in the menopausal transition as so many changes are happening in the body that many women feel "off" or slightly depressed. It also helps in elevating mood.

Don't forget about diet and exercise which can also play a huge role in alleviating the symptoms of menopause and making the transition easier on your body. Sure everyone always cites nutrition and working out as the "cure all" for everything - but it really can impact your brain, hormones, chemical releases, and bodily symptoms for a lifetime of relief. For example, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale contain indole-3-carbinol which naturally help to balance estrogen levels. High fiber foods will keep your digestion regular and help remove toxins daily from the body, plus lowering cholesterol and decreasing weight gain. Do yourself a favor and make a healthy lifestyle your top priority. These are your golden years and you deserve to feel your best!