There are many ways to alleviate the symptoms and side effect without taking hormone replacement therapy. Women can look to more natural ways such as exercise, healthy eating, and herbs to help the unwanted side effects of menopause. Often, many women are unwilling or unable to risk the side effects often caused by replacement hormones during this time.

Taking hormone replacement therapy has proven beneficial for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. There are drawbacks of these hormones, however. Taking replacement hormones can cause short-term side effects such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, unwanted facial hair and breast tenderness. Hormone replacements can also cause more serious long-term side effects including in increased risk of some forms of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

Women wishing to avoid the side effects of these commonly prescribed medications can look to more natural ways to aid them in relieving the symptoms of side effects. It is always good to remember that adding herbal supplements to the diet should be done using caution and care. Many of these herbs are beneficial, but are not FDA approved. Some might even interfere with other drugs or supplements.

Herbs: Adding certain herbs to the diet is one natural way to alleviate the symptoms of side effects without taking replacement hormones. Herbs such as Dong Quai, licorice root and black cohosh are all known to help reduce nausea, swelling and vaginal dryness.

Soy: Soy protein may be very important for menopausal women. Soy can be found as supplements as well as in products such as soy milk and vegetarian foods. In countries that have diets rich in soy protein, women report less severe symptoms of menopause. Many studies show that adding daily amounts of soy to the diet can help reduce the risk of some forms of cancer, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help with hot flashes. Women adding soy to their diet should add about 60 grams of soy protein per day. Tofu, temphe and edamame are also rich in soy protein.

Acupuncture and Yoga: Both yoga and acupuncture are shown to be helpful during menopause. Although some women report that they do not feel the difference, many women do. Acupuncture is often used in some countries to relieve hot flashes and the results are long lasting. Yoga can also keep the body limber and healthy. As a result, it can help reduce the intensity and frequency of mood swings, depression, night sweats and hot flashes. There are many gyms and centers that offer yoga class just for women going through menopause.

Other remedies: It has been shown that women who change their behavior can help themselves during menopause. Reducing the amount of daily stress by not taking on so much work, hiring a housekeeper or just taking time each day to relax can greatly reduce menopausal symptoms. Changing eating habits by reducing junk food, foods hgih in sugar and fat and adding more lean protien and fresh foods can also help. Also, reducing the amount of caffiene, alcohol and not smoking are all behavioral changes that women reduce side effects of menopause without taking medications.