Dr Christiane Northrup on Health

Internationally known for her empowering approach to women’s health and wellness, Dr. Northrup is a leading proponent of medicine and healing that acknowledges the unity of the mind and body, as well as the powerful role of the human spirit in creating health. Following a career as a practicing physician in obstetrics and gynecology for over 25 years, Dr. Northrup has dedicated her lifework to helping women (and the men who love them) learn how to flourish on all levels by creating health, prosperity, and pleasure in their lives.  It’s about changing your attitude to change your healthy. Watch the video of Dr. Northrup speaking on health and her research.

 

 

What health supplements can I take to reduce symptoms of perimenopause?

Many women do not like to take prescription medications and have been seeking alternative health care products to treat their menopausal symptoms. There are many health supplements for menopause but evidence for most of them is lacking. The one supplement that has been reported to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness is black cohosh. This herbal extract has been used for decades in Europe and Asia to treat a variety of perimenopausal symptoms. While reports do show that it works, the benefits are not seen in all women. Moreover, it is difficult to predict in which women the product will work. Black cohosh is generally a safe product but should not be taken by women who have any type of liver disease. When black cohosh works, it generally tends to relieve symptoms in 2-4 weeks.

There are a variety of plant Phytoestrogens which are known to contain the female sex hormone, estrogen. These plant products include soy and red clover. These products only relieve the mild symptoms of perimenopause like hot flashes and also prevent bone thinning. There are also claims that these Phytoestrogens can lower blood pressure and your bad cholesterol. However, it is highly recommended that women who take these products should first speak to their doctor. Phytoestrogens should not be combined with other hormonal pills. Finally, prolonged use of phytoestrogens is not recommended.

What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce perimenopausal symptoms?

For many women, simple changes in lifestyle can help erase many of the symptoms of perimenopause. The aim of lifestyle changes is to promote good health. These lifestyle changes include the following:

All women should have good nutrition. The chief reason for this is that osteoporosis is a dreadful illness that occurs after menopause,. In addition, heart disease is also another important disorder that starts to increase in postmenopausal females, because the protective effect of sex hormones is no longer present. Thus, women should eat a healthy low fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber. Food rich in calcium should be consumed to prevent bone thinning. To further protect against bone loss, one should avoid alcohol and caffeine containing beverages. Moreover, reduction in caffeine can also reduce hot flashes and improve sleep patterns.

Some type of exercise is highly recommended for all women, even if this is only walking. Exercise can help prevent weight gain, strengthen bone, improve self-esteem and provides good sleep. Most experts recommend at least two-30 min walks every day. Women who regularly walk have much fewer problems with their bones in the long run.

Perimenopause is a time of stress and mood changes. Thus one should try to find some type of activity to ease the emotional stress -this may mean yoga, meditation, massage, reading or just relaxing. Stress reduction is vital as the mood changes can cause friction at home and work.

To prevent skin dryness, use a moisturizer. If you are sexually active, you may have to use some type of vaginal cream to prevent the dryness. There are a variety of both water and oil based creams that can help make sex pleasant and satisfying.