Natural ways to survive the menopause

Feel 10 years younger with these natural ways to ease symptoms

- ALI HORSFALL

The huge hormonal shift during the menopause can make it seem like you’re ageing fast. And it doesn’t help that when discussing menopausal symptoms with a healthcare professional, only 28% of women receive any advice on how lifestyle tweaks could make them feel better.*

‘Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the first-line treatment for most women, but it may not be an option for others,’ says GP and menopause expert Dr Louise Newson (menopausedoctor. co.uk). ‘There’s much more to managing menopause so it’s essential to take a holistic approach and optimise your lifestyle.’ Want to feel like you again? Here’s what to try.

THE NATURAL APPROACH

95% of women said they’d be willing to try alternative therapies before HRT*

Lighten up with lavender

According to Anxiety UK, 98% of women feel anxious during menopause due to a drop in oestrogen and progesterone. ‘Both hormonesinfluence the production of serotonin, which is a moodregulating transmitter,’ explains Kathy Abernethy from the British Menopause Society. ‘Alongside these emotional changes, physical symptoms, such as hot flushes and sleeplessness, can leave women feeling worn out and anxious.’ Pharmaceutical quality lavender oil has been shown to improve symptoms without the sedative side-effects of highly addictive antianxiety drugs. Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules (£7.16 for 14, kalmsrange.co.uk)

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