Natural Ways to Treat Premenopause Symptoms

Updated on February 04, 2011
C.C. asks from Austin, TX
19 answers

I just recently weaned my son and decided to have my doctor put me on bio-identical HRT yesterday to deal with some of the symptoms I am dealing with including: anxiety, depression, loss of hair, very low energy, sleep problems, night sweats, no sex drive, dry down south, etc. Although, taking the HRT increases my risk for breast cancer regardless of whether I am using bio-identicals or not. I do know that all my hormone levels are very low on a blood test, and show that I am borderline menopausal.
Do any of you moms have some suggestions of ways to naturally treat my premenopause without the use of HRT? I have tried using the progesterone creams (including the sublingual progesterone) and that did not work. It just made me feel tired, but didn't seem to end any of the other symptoms.
I really would love to find a different way to fix this situation as I have breast cancer in my family which increases my odds for getting it. However, I really need to get something that will fix this situation quickly as my son and husband both need me to be the best me I can be. Anyone have some suggestions for me?
Also, for all who have asked, I have had my thyroid tested quite a few times over this last year and all appears normal. I even went on a supplement suggested to me by a naturopath to ensure that all was well. I honestly noticed no differences on it and I was on it for over 6 months.

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have been very impressed with my results from taking ageLOC Vitality supplements. Within a month I have noticed an increase in my energy levels, more restful sleep and an increase in my sex drive. I am not premenopausal, but I do have fibromyalgia and this is the first supplement that has ever made a noticable difference (I find this a much better alternative to any of the medicaion out there as well).

I highly recommend this supplement. Hope you find what works for you!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have been using Estera Phase 2 supplements from NuSkin for less than 6 months. I was having about 20 hot flashes a day, night sweats and had terribly itchy skin. I was absolutely miserable! To say that I had relief within two days after beginning to take Estera would not be an exaggeration! I cannot recommend these supplements highly enough!! I am now symptom free and feel great!
Good Luck! And remember, menopause doesn't have to make you miserable!
L.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.R.

answers from San Diego on

Have u had if thyroid Tested? If not do so no matter what the doc says!

Updated

Have u had if thyroid Tested? If not do so no matter what the doc says!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Phoenix on

From personal experience of the same, I have found better results from ingesting (modifying my diet) over applying (a topical cream). For instance, yams and sweet potatoes and soy based foods naturally create estrogen for us. By adding those foods to your daily diet, you might have better results than applying the progresterone creams. Also consider accupuncture....it worked for me.

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

I'm sorry C., but I don't have a quick fix for all the above. However I do have some herbs that I think would help even your hormones to help with things like hot flashes, sleep and anxiety. I occasionally take an herbal stress reliever myself, and many of these herbs. My job has to do with nutrition and supplementations. I'm not allowed to post a link here, but if you are interested send me a request.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Green Bay on

try GLA
Instead of adding hormones, I believe it may help your body regulate its own hormones

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi C.,
I would agree, diet and exercise can moderate the symptoms. Lots and lots of fruits and vegetables, less meat and exercise. Also, extra weight can also amplify the symptoms. Good luck. Getting old is not for sissys (not sure if I spelled that right) :)

M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from San Diego on

Hi there,
I had similar symptoms when I stopped breast feeding my second child. My doctor suggested more birth control pill and half a antidepressant. That was unacceptable to me. I started exercising more, eating better, and started taking something called Estrotone by New Chapter. All herbal and sold at most health food places like Henry's and Jimbo's. You can find them cheaper online with free shipping if you search around. It made a world of difference for me. I took it for about a year and slowly decreased it and now I don't take them anymore and I seem to be in good balance. I know that estrotone doesn't work for everyone though so you can try it out and see. I noticed a difference within two weeks even though they say wait at least 6 wks. Good luck. Hope you find some relief because I know how difficult and miserable it can be.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

While you say you had your thyroid tested, the way traditional western medicine tests the thyroid they skip over some very important tests. For example, the reverse t3 test, which commonly comes up high after you've had a baby. If your reverse t3 is high, your TSH can be normal, but your body is not getting the thyroid hormone it needs. You might want to look at http://www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com All your symptoms could be hypothyroid symptoms. You might also want to look at http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/ Your symptoms could also be caused by adrenal gland issues. You need a doctor who specializes in thyroid and adrenal gland issues (they often go hand-in-hand).

HTH,
B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Lots and lots of advice so far, see you're not alone:o) The first thing I recommend for EVERY woman to have is Dr. Christiane Northrup's, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. Read some of Suzanne Sommers books. My first one was the Sexy Years and not only was it funny and fun to read but very informative. Just because she played a dumb blond so many years ago, she is far from it.

BTW - bio-identical hormones agree with your body and if you are doing the right mix, they do not increase the chances of breast cancer as the pharmaceutical ones could.

The hormones work hand in hand with the thyroid and the adrenal systems. If one is out of whack, the other two will pick up the pace, for awhile. Need to have all three systems checked at this point and see what's happening. This will also include a 24-hr urine collection for the adrenals.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

All of the symptoms you mentioned could also be problems with your thyroid. You may want to have it checked if you haven't already. Many women have thyroid problems and attribute the symptoms to other things (perimenopause, post partum, etc.) . In any case, I hope you find what makes you feel better. :)

S.L.

answers from Kansas City on

I found the sublingual progesterone helped me with PMS so much and my sister also found it helpful. When I went into menopause I didn't use HRT at all and did have night sweats, hot flashes, etc., etc. but I made it through it and am glad I didn't use any medication. That's just me, but I think HRT has such a risk I didn't want to try it. I'm fine now and survived. It does sound like you are not in menopause yet so maybe you should see a good doctor who might know other treatments than the HRT.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi C.,
I would try Pharmanex brand Estera Women's Balance/Transitions Formula supplements. My girlfriends rave about them who felt a difference in the first week.
Also, I've been taking a natural supplement called ageLOC Vitality - that gives me sustained energy throughout the day, restful deep sleep at night, increase in mental clairty, increase in physical strength, and increase in sexual libido. And it doesn't have caffeine or stimulants in it.
I do hope you find a solution and that you feel better soon,
J.

M.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Yes. Arbonne just launched a new balancing product called Women's Balance Menopause support. All of our products are botanically based and contain no animal products or by products, gluten, artificial colors or sweeteners. This Menopause support provides support in managing symptoms associated with menopause including: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and irritability. Check it out at www.arbonne.com and PM me for more info. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi C.

I posted a response to your question yesterday. However, I wanted to clarify that Estera (Phase II) is a Pharmanex brand. You can call Jennifer Shiotani and get more detailed information about this product and she can order it for you or set up an account so that you can order it yourself whenever you want. She has a number of incredible products, some of which are especially for women going through these crazy changes including anti-aging skin products. I am a huge fan of the products, especially the Estera.

Here's Jennifer's contact information:

Jennifer Aquino Shiotani
www.healthy-anti-aging-for-life.com
###-###-#### / ###-###-####

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I tried a couple things but the only thing that helps keep the hot flashes under control for me is Estroven Max Strength.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hello

I am wondering if some of what you are experiencing apart from perimenopause are postpartum symptoms.. Many often think they go away a few weeks after giving birth but I am here to tell you, mine took about a year or more.. like you , I felt so much anxiety and depression and yes, did have some hair loss.. I am reluctant to take much , however, I did discover that when my diet was better , I definitely felt better. Now what do I mean by better?? by that I mean I added a lot more GREEN leafy greens and other green veggies. I found that the cleaner my system was, the better I was able to process the hormone fluctuations.. Also, I really have to keep up a good exercise program, even if it's just walking, it's a must for me..
lastly, I take Krill Oil (Dr. Mercola) and the omega oil definitely helps me feel sooooooooooooooo much better... I totally see a difference.. Dr. Mercola has written many articles on various topics, you might want to see what he has to say about your symptoms..

I wish you the best.....
blessings

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Provo on

I have taken bio-identical hormones and I have never found anything that gave a natural mood lifter like them. I think that the chance of them contributing to breast cancer is very slim because they are similar to the ones in your body and not synthetic. However, I do understand that it is your choice as what to choose. I would go and talk to a consultant at the health food store because there are many different herbs that you can take.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions