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Perimenopausal symptoms
Can you suggest anything to help cope with the symptoms of perimenopause and give me any advice on natural HRT treatments?
Most females aged 35 and over will have experienced some of the symptoms of perimenopause - even if they have never heard the name. (When I went to my doctor at 35 and said, something’s wrong, she told me I was simply getting old!). In fact, sudden weight gain, erratic periods, mood swings, hot flushes, and insomnia are all signs of the hormonal changes that can start some 15 years before menopause.
The two remedies I now use will support the body through both perimenopause and menopause, and so can also be described as an alternative to HRT. The first is Meno-Herb, a herbal combination of natural plant oestrogens from red clover, dong quai, and black cohosh, plus wild yam (natural progesterone), raspberry leaf, squaw vine, and nettles - in short, every herb you would have on your wishlist in trying to control the symptoms of perimenopause and the menopause that will follow. I take two tablets a day.
The second remedy is Woman essence; one of the powerful Australian Bush Essence combinations which comes in tincture form. It includes She Oak, which works to help regulate the ovaries and Mulla Mulla, which can control hot flushes. As with all flower remedies, these essences address the underlying emotional and psychological changes that will accompany rites of passage such as perimenopause or menopause.
*Meno-Herb includes all the herbs you could want on your wish-list to help re-regulate hormones and control the symptoms of both perimenopause (which can start from the mid-30s) and later menopause. Link with Women Essence - one of the potent Australian Bush Flower Essences for extra psychological support. Meno-herb costs £18.95 for 90 tablets; mail order from Victoria Health on 0800-413596. Take two a day for maintenance, but when symptoms are acute, increase this dosage to 3 x 2 tablets a day. Woman essence costs £7.95 for 30ml and is available from Ancient Roots (0208-421 9877). For best results, take these two remedies at the same time for at least three months.