Monday, June 21, 2010

Natural Treatments For Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time period just before a woman achieves menopause, and it can last two to eight years. Estrogen levels increase and decrease during the perimenopause stage, menstrual cycles grow longer or shorter, and ovulation processes begin to cease. Symptoms associated with perimenopause include irregular periods, slowed metabolic processes; sleep disturbances, hot flashes, mood changes, bone loss, and a diminished interest in sex. The symptoms of perimenopause can often be treated at home with all natural treatments.


Exercise


Regular exercise can help you gain much needed muscle mass to stay in shape and to increase your metabolic rate. The older you become, the slower your metabolism becomes; via exercise you can keep your metabolic rate functioning at peak performance. Exercise is also great for stress reduction, and getting enough exercise every day will ensure your overall well-being.


L-arginine and Choline


Taking an L-arginine amino acid supplement can help reverse the effects of having low levels of testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. When these hormones are too low, your interest in sex is affected. You can naturally restore your hormonal imbalance by taking two 1000 milligram capsules of L-arginine along with 350 milligrams of choline, a phospholipid needed for membrane functioning and formation, one a day to increase the amount of blood that flows to the tissues and organs in the pelvic area. To get natural sources of L-arginine amino acids from your diet, consume more walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, buckwheat, almonds, peanuts, and meats.


Natural Progesterone Cream


Natural progesterone cream is applied directly to the skin; a quarter teaspoon daily is all that is needed to gain the benefits of its use. This cream can be used to diminish hot flashes and uncomfortable night sweats, which are caused by decreases in estrogen levels and increases in follicle stimulating hormones. Some foods that can also help in alleviating night sweats include tofu and soy milk; you can consume 45 to 160 milligrams of isoflavones found in soy products every day for relief of hot flashes associated with perimenopause.


Valerian Root


Women suffering from perimenopause may have sleep difficulties. Valerian Root is an herb that offers a sedating effect, because it helps to elevate the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the human brain. GABA is a special chemical that calms the mind and body and regulates cells. Thus, Valerian Root can be consumed at a dose of 150 to 300 milligrams about an hour before bedtime to promote sleep. You may want to consume more water when using Valerian Root, as this herb has a dehydrating effect on tissues.


Passionflower


Passionflower is an herbal remedy that helps keep serotonin levels balanced and, therefore, helps to promote adequate sleep. Like Valerian Root, Passionflower consumption encourages the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the human brain. This herb can be consumed as a tea by using one teaspoon of dried leaves in steeping hot water just before bedtime.







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