This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Going through menopause can be difficult for the best of us. You may go through new symptoms, mood swings, and uncomfortable physical sensations. Although there are many medications on the market for those experiencing menopause, some women opt out of using them due to personal reasons or a desire to let nature run its course.
However, there are plenty of alternatives to medication that you can use to feel better during menopause. Here are the top five.
Compression Socks
Although most frequently used for diabetes treatment and the prevention of blood clots, compression socks are actually a wonderful way to relieve stress on your ankles and muscles. On the other hand, menopause can trigger increases in your blood sugar levels, so if you are experiencing diabetes, these socks will be a lifesaver.
You can also buy other types of compression clothing, such as long underwear, gloves, or shirts. Some of these are made to cool you down or heat you up when you need them. We know hot flashes are a big concern with menopause, so we recommend looking for cooling garments.
Cooling and Heating Packs
On the topic of cooling and heating, there are many menopause cooling packs available on the market. For example, there are some that can be worn as a necklace around the neck and others that you can wear on your wrist. Some people opt for a simple cooling towel, which you can activate by wringing with cold water and placing it around your neck during a hot flash.
Heating packs won’t be helpful during a hot flash, but they can be helpful if you’re having difficulty with circulation during the colder seasons, especially if you live somewhere with lots of ice and snow. Hot packs for your hands and feet can be purchased at most grocery stores during the winter, and you can place them inside your gloves or shoes to keep you warm.
If you want to learn more about how menopause causes hot flashes and circulation issues, you can read BetterHelp’s advice column today: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/menopause/.
Personal Lubricant
For many women going through menopause, there is often a decrease in natural vaginal lubrication, which can make sexual intercourse tricky as you age. If this is something you’re dealing with, you do not need to take medication to bring this back.
Personal lubricant is a great way to keep yourself ready for anything, and it’s relatively cheap. Try a water-based lubricant if you’re going to use any toys or silicone with it, as silicone lube can deteriorate many types of toys. Remember, there’s nothing shameful about needing lubricant or any sex toys to get into your groove. Menopause is a normal part of life, and many women go through this stage. You are not alone.
Massage Therapy
Menopause often causes aches and pains in the muscles and joints. These pains can also come along with body changes and natural aging. These changes are normal, but we know they’re not comfortable.
Massage therapy is a great way to relieve tension without using medication or having to take over-the-counter painkillers that don’t seem to help long-term. Frequent massages (even just once a month) can help reduce stress, loosen your muscles, and help you keep in shape. Some massage centers even offer monthly plans if you’re a frequent buyer.
Online Therapy
Finally, we know there is an emotional side to menopause that can be difficult to deal with. On top of experiencing bodily changes, there are also many feelings that can come along with the hormonal fluctuations that you experience. These fluctuations are also normal, and you do not need to take medication to get rid of them if you do not wish to.
Online therapy is an invaluable tool for those looking for help from home with the emotional toil that comes with menopause. You can stay in bed and chat with your therapist over a phone call, video chat, or messaging. It’s also often much more cost-effective than in-person therapy!
Conclusion
If you’re going through menopause and are looking for more natural remedies to the common symptoms of this experience, you’re not alone. Our list of the top five alternatives to medication should give you some ideas on where to start looking!
