Scientific research shows you don't have to expose your body to harsh chemicals to control hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

There are many natural remedies available so you can skip the chemicals and hormone replacement therapy.

1. What menopause is
2. How menopause affects the body
3. The best natural supplements to help relieve menopause symptoms
4. Risks of hormone replacement therapy

What is Menopause?

Do all Women Go Through Menopause?

YES. All women who have gone through the start of puberty will eventually go through menopause. 

How Does Menopause Affect the Body?

• Decreases estrogen
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Weakening of bones

11 Alternative Supplements for Hot Flashes

There are vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that have been suggested to help menopause symptoms. Here is a list of the most common natural remedies for menopausal symptoms. 

#1 Primrose Oil

Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis) may be effective in reducing and improving menopausal symptoms. Some believe it has to do with the fatty acid that makes up the oil. It also aids in digestion and has shown promise in aiding with arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory components. 

Products to check out:

• Sisu: Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg 180 soft gels
• Efamol: Evening Primrose Oil
• Natural Factors: Ultra Prim® Evening Primrose Oil

#2 Soy

Soy (Glycine max) is a plant-based estrogen, it can be helpful in naturally replacing the lowering estrogen levels in your body. These can be taken via supplements, protein powders or even soy milk. Adding these may help with your symptoms as a natural alternative to synthetic estrogen. 

Products to check out:

• Natural Factors: Soy Isoflavone Complex

#3 Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) is high in omega 3-fatty acids and has shown to be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease and easing menopause symptoms. Science is studying how this affects our bodies to help with the transition and changes in hormones. 

Products to check out:

• Gold Top Organics Organic (whole or milled)

#4 Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) has shown promising results with reducing symptoms. A recent study showed a 27% reduction in hot flashes. It is thought, but still being researched, that this herb assists in thermoregulation since the body is lacking in estrogen.

Products to check out:

• Natural Factors: Black Cohosh Standardized Extract 40 mg 90 capsules
• Preferred Nutrition: Black Cohosh Extract 90 capsules

#5 DHEA-S

DHEA-S is another alternative supplement to help with menopause symptoms. This plays a role in covering estrogen in the body. By adding this, it can help to naturally increase your estrogen levels and thus relieve your symptoms.

#6 Red Clover

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) contains a similar plant estrogen that can help with symptoms. It can be applied to the skin or taken by mouth. Increasing estrogen levels can provide relief from symptoms.

Products to check out:

• Nature's Way Canada: Red Clover Blossom Capsules
• St. Francis Herb Farm: Red Clover Tincture

#7 Dong Quai

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) contains another version of plant estrogen. When taken regularly it can help to naturally increase estrogen levels. 

Products to check out:

• St. Francis Herb Farm: Dong Quai Combo Tincture

#8 Kava

Kava (Piper methysticum) has been used in Asian medicine, traditionally as a tea to ease pain, anxiety and menopause symptoms. Kava can be found in many forms such as tea, pills or oil

Products to check out:

• MediHerb: Kava Forte Professional brand
• Natural factors: Stress Relax Kava Kava 400 mg - 60 vcaps
• Natural factors: Stress Relax Kava Kava 250 mg- 60 vcaps

#9 Vitamin E

Vitamin E has been found to help ease the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. It contributes to healthy skin, fighting depression and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. 

Products to check out:

• New Roots: Vitamin E8 200IU or 400IU

#10 Sage

Sage helps decrease excessive perspiration and night sweats. Ideal for women who are symptomatic at night time. 

Products to check out:

• Preferred Nutrition: Sage capsules
• A.Vogel: MenoForce (30 or 90 tablets)

#11 Menopause Formulations

Many supplements are formulated to help ease menopause symptoms. They are typically a combination of herbs and vitamins that will naturally restore hormone levels. 

Products to check out:

• Black Cohosh Plus by Metagenics (Professional brand)
• Estrovera by Metagenics (Professional brand)
• Menosmart Plus by Lorna Vanderhaeghe
• MenoPause Formula 90 capsules by Natural Factors

6 Symptoms of Menopause

1. Anxiety
2. Depression
3. Irritability
4. Poor Memory
5. Loss of Concentration
6. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

What Causes Hot Flashes and Night Sweats?

Estrogen is responsible for thermoregulation of the body. When this level drops, the body overcompensates, thus causing hot flashes and night sweats. The hormonal changes cause the body to struggle with adapting to lower estrogen levels.

7 Alternative Methods to Control Hot Flashes

#1 Eat Foods Rich in Calcium and Vitamin D

This not only helps with hot flashes but also promotes bone health. Because of the decrease in estrogen, bones can weaken. By adding it to your diet, it can help on both fronts. 

#2 Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight

This helps your body to maintain normal functions, keep hormone levels stable and help you overall feel better. 

#3 Eat Lots of Fruit and Vegetables

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help lessen symptoms of menopause. 

#4 Avoid Trigger Foods

Some women note that certain foods make them experience more severe symptoms. By avoiding foods that are known triggers, it can make you more comfortable. 

#5 Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise has shown to have many benefits for physical and mental health. 

#6 Drink Enough Water

Drinking water can help with heart health, weight loss and regulating body temperature. This can help reduce the severity of hot flashes. 

#7 Yoga, Aerobic Exercise, Breathing Exercises

These types of exercises are low impact and can help reduce stress. 

Risk of Hormone Therapy

A majority of women seek home remedies for menopausal symptoms because of the risks associated with hormone therapy. 

Serious side effects could include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Mood swings
• Skin irritation

Long term health effects may include:

• Higher risk for blood clots
• Stroke
• heart attack

To be on hormone therapy, you will be required to have routine blood work to check blood proteins, hormone levels, and clotting times.

Adjusting to Life

Menopause changes a woman mentally and physically. You have to adjust to the changes in the best way you can. Some of these changes may include:

• Decrease in libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression and anxiety
• Weight gain
• Mood changes

Natural remedies are one of the best ways to help decrease symptoms and improve the way you feel during and after menopause.

We Want to Hear From You! 

To sum it up, you can have symptom relief. Whether you are new to the club or a longtime member, these symptoms don’t have to be permanent. Due to the changes our bodies have gone through, we deserve to be comfortable in our skin.

Comment below and let us know if you have tried any of these natural remedies for menopause and if they have helped you!