Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment which can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions. Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle. It can be used to treat some symptoms of the menopause.
Under links there is a link to The British Medical Acupuncture Society.

Anxiety or Stress

Traditional herbal remedies that contain Passiflora are used for the symptomatic relief of nervous tension and the stress and strain of everyday life.
Under 'links' are websites that may help. If you feel it is taking over your life, it may be a good idea to speak to your GP or health care professional about support groups, or counselling.

Counselling

During the menopause, women sometimes feel they need to change certain aspects of their life, or perhaps try something new, take on greater challenges, or look at the direction their life is going in. Under the links we do have a website for counselling, this does include life coaching.

Forgetfulness

All women in our research groups* experienced this as a common symptom linked to the menopause.
A herb used for years, Gingko Biloba, may be able to help. Gingko Biloba helps to maintain memory in the short term, and helps maintain circulation of blood to the extremities.

Mood Swings

This is a very common symptom and can be linked to the menopause. This is partly because the body is going through a number of physical changes that women can find very stressful.
"You know what you're doing, being ratty, etc, but you just cannot stop yourself, even over the simplest of things. It's just like being possessed!"*
Many people take evening primrose to combat hormonal mood swings. You can also try the relaxation tips in the "News, Views and Top Tips" section on the Ymea website.

Vaginal Dryness

There are a number of water based lubricated gels on the market, for example KY jelly that may help. If it is particularly painful during intercourse, it is recommended that you seek further advice from a health care professional or your GP.

Weight Gain

This often happens due to the slow down of the metabolic rate. Often weight is put on around the middle.

There are a number of things to combat this - try:

• Increasing the amount you exercise a day will increase your metabolic rate, thereby burning fats faster.
• Use the exercise tips in the news, views and top tips section of the site.
• Try our recipe section, also within news, views and top tips.
• Taking a supplement like Kelp - this naturally increases your body's metabolic rate.

*TNS research, May 06