Natural Treatment for Menopause Symptoms: Top 7 Ways to Fight Mood Swings Menopause doesn't just bring with it physical symptoms and changes. Due to the hormonal imbalance, mood swings are another common symptom. They can make life difficult not just for the lady undergoing this roller-coaster of a transitional period, but for her loved ones, too. Trying to repress these changes or keep them from happening doesn't work, and you'd also want to make sure that your changing moods aren't due to panic attacks, anxiety or depression. If they're not, then there are several natural remedies for menopause symptoms you can turn to. 1. Dump depression. Research has shown that women are vulnerable to depression the closer they get to menopause, and even for some time afterwards. One from Harvard even showed that you can be up to twice as likely after you hit peri-menopause. Fluctuating moods are normal, but if you notice that you can't concentrate, or no longer enjoy things you used to love doing, it's time to seek professional help. This way, you eliminate one thing that can make your menopausal mood swings worse. 2. Snooze away. Sleep deprivation can be another cause of mood swings, and are in turn connected to other menopause symptoms such as night sweats. Nap during the day if you need to, but make sure you can still get a good night's sleep by evening. Don't use your bed for anything other than sleep and sex, and turn off laptops and mobile phones the closer you get to bedtime. The room being at a comfortable temperature will help, too. 3. Cut back on caffeine. In general, you'll want to avoid stimulants like caffeine which can make you jittery, if not moody. You could be used to having 1 or 2 cups a day, so cutting it out completely may be difficult. Try cutting back little by little, or make sure you get your coffee fix in the morning. Any time after lunch and it will affect how easily you'll fall asleep at night. 4. Sweat it out. Regular exercise can help you keep your heart in shape, stay at a weight that's healthy, and balance out your moods. It's also a great way to relieve stress. Working out releases feel-good chemicals that give you an overall sense of happiness. Pick an exercise that works for you, and stick with it; there's no need to go to your friend's Zumba class if it's not your style. Swimming, biking, light strength training and yoga are all good choices when it comes to working out to help with menopause. 5. Connect with others. It can be tempting to isolate yourself from people, since you don't want to snap at them when your temper flares up (thanks to those pesky hormones). This is, however, one of the worst things you can do. Instead, spend time with friends, especially if they're going through menopause, too. Being emotionally close to someone can help boost your levels of progesterone, a hormone that works as mood booster and stress reliever. Sometimes, just talking about your difficulties with someone who can relate can help you feel better. 6. Eat healthy. When you're feeling down, it can be tempting to reach for comfort food like chips. However, studies have shown that regularly consuming junk food increases the risk of
depressive symptoms. Stock up on fruits and veggies, lean meats, and milk. 7. Try herbal supplements. Some women have reported relief from symptoms by taking different herbal supplements. Currently at the top of the list is black cohosh, along with soy, both of which contain phytoestrogen, or plant oestrogens. Other drug free menopause treatments are flaxseed or flaxseed oil, which have omega-3 fatty acids. Ginseng tea or extract can also help relieve mood swings, not to mention give you better quality sleep. Just find which herbal supplements work for you, and make sure they won't react to other medications you might be taking.