Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue and sheer frustration -- do these sound familiar? Menopause is a natural transition that is unique for each woman, but for many it comes with a lot of unpleasant symptoms that can disrupt the normal flow of daily life.Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), and prescription drugs can be effective in treating symptoms of menopause, but many can have negative side effects.
More women are choosing to use natural alternatives that can be as effective as other prescription treatments. Here are some natural options to help reduce the symptoms of menopause:
* Soy
Soy contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Eating soy and integrating a soy supplement into your diet can help to relieve menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.
A recent clinical trial at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a prominent teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, found that 52 percent of women who took a soy extract called AglyMax had reduced hot flashes over a 12-week period.
AglyMax is a unique soy germ extract that contains isoflavones in their most usable form called aglycones. A special fermentation process maximizes the benefits obtainable from the soy bean and also produces healthy antioxidants.
"What we are trying to find is a safe and effective alternative to hormone therapy," says senior author investigator George Blackburn, a doctor at the Department of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Surgery at BIDMC. "Our study found that patients who consumed the soy supplement showed a reduction in the number of hot flashes."
* Exercise
Exercise is great for reducing stress and strengthening the cardiovascular system and bones. Additional benefits include fewer migraines, reduced insomnia, lower cholesterol and a more toned physique.
* Behavioral Changes
Cotton clothing is a good option because the fabric allows for air circulation. Wear it in layers and adjust if you feel hot. Avoid coffee, alcohol and hot baths or showers before bed. Try to track the triggers that cause hot flashes (spicy food, work stress, etc.) and avoid those activities in the future.
* Alternative Medicine
Some people have found that acupuncture helps to relieve hot flashes and yoga helps to aid the body in relaxation, lessening mood swings and depression.
Visit www.Effisoy.com to learn more about AglyMax and how it provides natural, effective relief from hot flashes and bothersome menopause symptoms.
Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.



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