Womens' Health & Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine combines conventional and alternative methods of medicine to prevent disease, treat illnesses, and promote health. Read below to learn how holistic medicine can be used to promote women’s health:

Menopause 
Menopause refers to the natural biological process that results at the end of the menstruation cycle. While menopause is not a medical illness, it causes a number of physical and emotional side effects, such as sleep disturbances, mood swings, increased abdominal fat, and thinning hair. Fortunately, holistic medicine offers a number of herbal treatments to combat the symptoms. Botanicals such as phytoestrogen, black cohosh, and vitamin E are some of the most popular holistic treatments used to address menopausal symptoms.
            
Menstrual Cramps 
Also known as dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps are dull cramps in the lower abdomen that occur before or during menstrual cycles. Holistic medicine offers a number of natural remedies to alleviate menstrual cramps. Some of the most popular treatments include increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin B1. Acupuncture has also been shown to help alleviate menstrual cramps.
          
PMS 
Holistic medicine also helps to alleviate the symptoms of PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. Some of the symptoms include headache, abdominal bloating, water retention, depressed mood, anxiety, anger, and insomnia. Many women can combat the symptoms by taking calcium supplements, magnesium, and evening primrose oil.

What to Expect When Menopause Arrives and What You Can Do to Relieve the Symptoms

Menopause is defined as the time when a woman no longer has monthly menstrual periods for one whole year. Normally experienced after the age of 40, this stage is a natural part of every woman’s life. No two women experience menopause the same way—one woman may suffer from many symptoms, while another may not experience any at all. In the months or years that lead to menopause (perimenopause), many women experience the following symptoms:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Difficulty sleeping or sleep disturbances
• Mood swings
• Loss of breast fullness
• Thinning hair
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased fertility

After a woman reaches full menopause, the ovaries cease releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. Bladder control problems, headaches, joint pains, and irritability are common symptoms that can affect women in conjunction with the others during this stage.

If you are suffering from menopause symptoms, there are things that you can do to help find relief. Eating healthy foods will give you energy and keep you physically and emotionally balanced. Limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine can help you to sleep without disturbances. If you are overweight, consider working to shed those excess pounds—losing weight may help with hot flashes. Regular exercise may help you to manage your weight, sleep soundly, and improve your mood. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or acupuncture will also help you cope with your symptoms.