Natural Progesterone. Progesterone ceases when ovulation no longer occurs, but when it was doing its work during ovulation; it had a balancing effect with oestrogen to protect the woman’s body from side effects. Oestrogen continues to be produced, to a lesser extent, so by taking the natural progesterone provided in plants and foods it helps to restore the balance.

Many causes of menopause suffering can be helped by a better diet. Drinking lots of pure water, still spring or filtered, only one or two cups of tea or coffee each day can help, and reduce salt intake. Most vegetables are good, particularly a variety of different coloured ones, fruit are also good but as fruit stimulates the release of toxins in the body, excessive amounts can sometimes aggravate symptoms. Fish, meat, dairy produce, nuts and seeds, everything we accept for a healthy diet but all in moderation

Natural Progesterone cream, from the wild yam root was first used in 1979 by Dr lee in America. The cream is available today, prescription only, and should be applied to the areas on the body where the skin is thin and only used weekly.

Aromatherapy.

Essential oils play a similar role to the hormones produced in our endocrine glands and have a range of therapeutic effects. They are compatible with our own skin and their molecules are able to pass through into the entire bloodstream. If they are inhaled they have direct access to the limbic area of the brain, which controls essential emotional responses. Many aromatherapists have other skills such as nursing or counselling. Here is a list of some essential oils;

Hormonal balancers

Rose – Geranium – Lavender – Basil – Sage – Thyme - Cypress

Nervous System Regulators (calming)

Vetivert – Petitgrain – Lavender - Ylang Ylang - Sweet Marjoram - Clary Sage – Neroli – Roman Chamomile (Uplifting) Bergamot – Geranium – Frankincense – Jasmine – Juniper – Lavender – Orange – Rosemary – Tangerine – Ylang Ylang – Rose – Basil – Lemon – Peppermint – Clary Sage – Thyme. (Digestives) Basil – Bergamot – Roman Chamomile – Sweet Marjoram – Ginger – Black Pepper – Orange – Lemon – Peppermint – Sage – Thyme

Essential oils should be kept in a cool dark area and will last for up to two years. They can be put in baths, used as body oils, used with creams for the face, used for a compresses, inhalations or as a room freshener. Essential oils are not safe for everyone so always contact a qualified aromatherapist if you are pregnant, for use on babies, toddlers and children, people with medical conditions and the elderly.

Homeopathy is a system of healing which treats the whole person and relies on the body’s own ability to heal itself and is concerned with the maintenance of good health. In Britain an increasing number of doctors have studied homeopathy and it is available privately or on NHS. Homeopathy does not replace medical science but works along side it. The homeopath can chose between 200 recipes and most of the remedies come from plants and minerals. The lower potencies 6c and 30c can be bought from health food shops and chemists, but a homeopathic practitioner will want some family history and medical details, plus some indication of state of mind, to enable the best remedy to be prescribed of the higher potencies.

It is important to seek professional advice when taking alternative medicines, my assessment is my personal choice and for your information only.