Women often start experiencing the symptoms of menopause gradually. It is not uncommon for a woman in her 40s or even her 30s to experience inexplicable moodiness or fatigue, hot flashes or insomnia. Menopause may or may not be suspected as the cause, and doctors are likely to assure a woman she’s too young for that to be happening. Regardless of recognition, hormonal fluctuations will carry on.

Eventually symptoms may become so distracting or uncomfortable that menopause is unmistakable. Women then seek a menopause treatment that will offer some relief. Since more natural treatments in particular may take time to be effective, it is unfortunate women wait until they are in distress to take action. All women know they will experience menopause and would do well to prepare for it ahead of time to ease their way through the transition.

How can a woman avoid the discomfort of pre- or perimenopausal symptoms? By preparing for it ahead of time, ideally in her 30s. Early mental and physical preparation for menopause can help relieve symptoms and make menopause less stressful. Dreading or ignoring the onset of menopause can only increase discomfort in the long run, while a positive, proactive approach guarantees women make the most of this all important transition.


Top 3 Preventative Menopause Treatment Practices:

1. Adjust your diet. Eating a low-fat, high fiber, mostly vegetarian diet pays off big time during menopause. First, many vegetables contain phytoestrogens that can help reduce symptoms associated with estrogen decline such as hot flashes, moodiness and vaginal dryness. Secondly, a nutritious diet can help stave off unhealthy weight gain. It also helps counter the increased risk of heart disease associated with declining levels of estrogen, and can keep bones strong by supplementing them with vitamins and calcium naturally.


2. Exercise. Like a nutritious diet, exercise can also help prevent and alleviate menopause symptoms. It reduces anxiety, stress, depression, moodiness and insomnia. Weight gain is curtailed, while the risks for heart disease and osteoporosis are minimized. It is difficult to overestimate the value of the benefits of exercise prior to, during and following menopause.


3. Supplement with vitamins. Even the best diet in the world may not provide enough vitamins to support good health under times of stress. The emotional and physical changes that take place during menopause demand a boost in vitamin intake. Certain vitamins are known to help alleviate symptoms, and calcium and other vitamins are much needed to counter the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.


4. Avoid using stimulants and alcohol. Caffeine and nicotine are known to exacerbate menopause symptoms, as is alcohol. In addition, smokers are likely to experience menopause up to two years earlier than non-smokers. Stopping unhealthy habits prior to the onset of menopause eliminates the need to make lifestyle changes and face uncomfortable symptoms at the same time. It can also help reduce or prevent symptoms, and contributes to better health before and after menopause.