Essential oils can help balance the body and help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Essential oils known to be helpful for menopause include clary-sage, geranium, jasmine, bois de rose, nutmeg, sage, rose maroc, bergamot, coriander, and red thyme. The following are a few formulas that may help during menopause.

Also known as Dang Gui, Tang Kuei, and Chinese Angelica this herb helps to regulate hormonal balance. Because it helps regulate hormones, it prevents calcium loss due to hormonal deficiency. It is known as a women’s tonic. There is anecdotal evidence that it helps with menopausal symptoms.

• For hot flashes take dong quai, chaste tree and damiana 1 dropperful of tinctures of each OR 2 capsules of each once a day at noon
• If you want to take dong quai alone, take 500-700 mg tablets 3-5 times a week OR 1 cup of tea 3-5 times a week
• It is best to take it for a 6-8 week trial to see if it works for you.

Dong Quai is said to be nontoxic and it doesn’t have estrogenic activity. However, according to WebMD, long-term use may increase the risk of cancer. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements.

Are you over 30 and find yourself stressed to the point that you feel overwhelmed or depressed? You may be low in DHEA.

DHEA is a natural steroid and precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. It naturally begins to decline after age 30.
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Your adrenal glands also produce the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. If you are producing too many stress hormones as a result of stress, your body can’t produce enough DHEA to support a healthy hormone balance. This will cause you to feel overwhelmed and depressed.

Did you grow up thinking you needed to drink at least a glass of milk a day to be healthy? The problem is, a large number of people have trouble digesting milk. In fact, milk allergies are the most common allergy in children. The negative effects of milk consumption can range from digestive symptoms to allergies to a possible increase in risk of diabetes and certain cancers. This is why many people have opted to consume non-dairy milks out of necessity or for health reasons.

Pros:

• Has a slightly sweet flavor and is similar in texture to milk.
• Provides about half your daily dose of vitamin E.
• Contains vitamins A and D.
• Contains only about 1/3 the calories of cow’s milk and half the fat.
• Many varieties are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
• Contains neither saturated fat nor cholesterol.

Cons:

• Contains less protein than milk and is higher in carbs.
• Unless fortified, is lacking other vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids found in cow’s milk.
• It is not a suitable formula for infants.

Chasteberry is a normalizing herb for female sex hormones. There is some scientific and anecdotal evidence that it is especially beneficial during menopausal changes, although more scientific studies need to be conducted. Its benefits are believed to include:

• Reducing hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.
• Boosting the libido.
• Increasing bone density.
• A beneficial estrogenic effect.
• It may be taken with Black Cohosh for optimum impact.

​References
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Bayless, K. (2015, December 18). 10 Supplements You Should Be Taking After Menopause. Retrieved from Prevention: http://www.prevention.com/health/post-menopause-supplements

Group, E. (2014, July 11). 7 Amazing Benefits of Ashwagandha Root for Women. Retrieved from Global Healing Center: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/7-amazing-benefits-of-ashwagandha-root-for-women/

Your diet while going through menopause can have an impact on how your body responds to the hormonal changes. Some claim that a vegan diet my help women to get through menopause with much more ease. In any case, eating a healthy, whole foods diet is always a good idea.
Some good foods to add to your diet during menopause include:

• wheat germ
• mung beans
• string beans
• seaweed
• spirulina
• millet
• black beans
• tofu
• kidney beans
• barley
• black sesame seeds whole wheat
• leafy greens
• nuts
• seeds
• egg whites
• legumes
• cold-pressed cooking oils

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As little as 3 mg of boron can double blood levels of estrogen. If you want to increase these levels, include boron containing foods in your diet. Top boron-containing foods include strawberries, peaches, cabbage, tomatoes, dandelion, apples, asparagus, figs, poppy seeds, broccoli, pears, cherries, beets, apricots, currants, parsley, dill, cumin seed (in descending order of potency.)

Soy contains photoestrogens which can ease symptoms of menopause and may decrease the risk of breast cancer. Although those with a history of breast cancer should check with their doctor before consuming large amounts of foods containing phyroestrogens.
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Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, processed foods, dairy, sugar, deep-fried fatty foods, and excessive meat. Animal-based meats affect hormone levels rapidly and strongly.