How can you reduce menopause symptoms?

Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability and vaginal dryness: these are the most common menopausal symptoms that cause turmoil in the lives of many women. Fortunately, there are products, many of them natural, that can help combat these effects. Familiprix, in collaboration with Nutrifem, has compiled a list of these products to help make this phase of life more pleasant.

Menopause means the cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries and the absence of menstruation for 10 to 12 months. For most women, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55¹. The transition period, commonly referred to as perimenopause, is triggered by irregular cycles, with or without hot flashes, before and after menopause. This phase can also be accompanied by various disorders, which vary from one woman to another. Joint or muscle pain, mood swings, memory or concentration problems, decreased libido, vaginal atrophy, dry skin, increased risk of urinary tract infections or urges to urinate more frequently are all part and parcel of menopause. ; These symptoms are often embarrassing—and even disabling depending on their intensity. Some people look to synthetic hormones to control their symptoms, while others prefer natural solutions.

Hormone therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment that reduces the symptoms of menopause with a drug that contains the hormones that the ovaries produce less and less as they age. The hormones can be taken by mouth, as a patch, gel or even as a cream on the genital area.

The side effects of hormone treatment during menopause are the subject of much debate in the medical literature. However, some studies show that taking hormones consistently during menopause reduces the risk of colon cancer and osteoporosis². An evaluation with a health professional to assess whether hormone therapy is a good solution adapted to your needs, combined with a periodic re-evaluation.

Natural products

There are different natural products that could relieve the symptoms of menopause. Their effects are short-lived, but provide an alternative for those who do not want to take hormones. Among those that have demonstrated positive clinical effects are black cohosh, St. John's wort and phyto-estrogens³.

Black cohosh

Black cohosh is a plant that has been proven to fight against menopausal symptoms. It can also attenuate the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome and the menstrual pains.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a plant with medicinal virtues known for its antidepressant effect. It is popular in Europe to relieve mood disorders⁴.

Phyto-estrogens

Phyto-estrogens are often referred to as "natural" sources of estrogen. Derived from soy, sage, alfalfa, clover or hops⁵, their actions in the body resemble those of female hormones. They are often cited as an alternative solution to hot flashes.

Nutrifem Menoconfort day and night

Nutrifem Menoconfort day and night a solution that can relieve persistent symptoms day and night.

This daytime supplement, containing black cohosh, is said to reduce hot flashes and nervous tension, as well as having an anti-fatigue effect. The presence of omega-3 and omega-6, with borage and fish oil, as well as magnesium and B vitamins, contributes to the skin's radiance.

This night supplement, for its part, contains hops, a plant with multiple properties, such as the reduction of hot flashes and night sweats in addition to promoting relaxation and sleep. Hops also has properties to reduce mood disorders⁶.

Nutrifem Advanced Formula

Nutrifem Advanced Formula contains a complex of Asian plant extracts said to have properties to reduce insomnia, nervousness, melancholy, dizziness, fatigue, in addition to helping to minimize hot flashes and night sweats and vaginal dryness. It is one of the only products clinically proven to be taken orally that could help alleviate vaginal dryness.

Phytoconfort

Phytoconfort is made of 100% plants. Its actions in the body resemble those of female hormones and are often cited as an alternative solution to hot flashes.

Hormone-free Menoconfort

For those suffering from early menopause or who prefer not to take either hormones or phytohormones, the hormone-free Menoconfort formula contains a complex specially dosed for young women suffering from premenstrual syndrome and for women in perimenopause or menopause. 

Menopause is an inevitable transitional stage that requires certain lifestyle changes. Adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as regular physical activity, smoking cessation and weight loss, for example, can prevent and reduce symptoms. Acupuncture and relaxation are other ways to help you feel better during menopause⁷.

There are many options available to you to help relieve menopausal symptoms. Find out which options are best for you to evaluate if hormone therapy is right for you. Some natural products may have side effects, so it is important to check with your healthcare professional.

1- https://www.gynecoquebec.com/en/woman-health/hormones-and-menopause/21-hormones-and-menopause.html

2- https://www.gynecoquebec.com/en/woman-health/hormones-and-menopause/21-hormones-and-menopause.html

3- https://www.gynecoquebec.com/en/woman-health/hormones-and-menopause/21-hormones-and-menopause.html

4- http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/info_sjwbeetles.htm

5- https://www.santemagazine.fr/sante/menopause-et-andropause/menopause/que-valent-les-phyto-oestrogenes-contre-les-symptomes-de-la-menopause-427588 (french only)

6- https://www.nutrisante.ca/en/product/needs/156-menoconfort-day-night.html

7- https://www.familiprix.com/fr/articles/la-menopause-au-naturel