A new natural remedy to help you survive menopause

Because of potential harsh side effects experienced from Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) many women search for a natural remedy for menopause symptoms.

We’re always interested in hearing from experts with remedies for helping us cope better with the often crippling symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Dr Mike Pukanic, who has over 40 years of medical experience, advocates the use of vitamins to supplement a healthy lifestyle and believes our bodies work best with the right nutrients.

The creator of Fontanella, an Australian-made prescription quality wellness range, introduces his new Menopause Formula below, and why it could help you better manage your symptoms.

Dr Mike says:

The female body is a work of wonder, it’s reliable, beautiful, functional.  Then, somewhere between the ages of 45-55 something changes.  Oestrogen decides it’s time for long service leave and leaves you a bit short on the crucial hormone that’s been regulating your body for years.  It’s this oestrogen vacation that causes the sudden fluctuation of hormones that lead to the symptoms of menopause.

As a health professional, I have counselled many women on their journey to better health.  Sharing real life stories and listening to women talk about their own experiences in managing menopause is, in many cases very inspirational.  For many women it’s pure determination.

It’s almost like survival instinct kicks in. When Darwin talked about “survival of the fittest” I have to wonder if he was actually referring to women and their marvellous, magical ability to acclimatise and actually cope with the sudden changes that occur in the mind and body during menopause.

Unlike a headache or a cold, the feelings associated with menopause are complex; they can shift and change every day.  Sure, a soothing bowl of chicken soup is always a good idea, but during menopause it may leave you feeling hot and bothered rather calm and content.

Of course, every single woman will have a very different menopause. It’s different for everyone. The degree of symptoms and their impact will vary depending on many factors including: age, lifestyle, genetics and predisposition to various conditions.  What one woman describes as a hot flash might be another woman’s night of sweat soaked sleeplessness.

And it’s not just hot flashes. Many women report feeling increased anxiety for no apparent reason, others might experience drier than normal skin, difficulty sleeping and irregular bleeding. It’s safe to say that all of the symptoms associated with menopause are unpleasant, unfair and in most cases annoyingly disruptive.

As such, the elusive elixir for menopause symptoms has become the Holy Grail. In that search, we must remember that all women are unique; everyone has slightly different internal mechanisms so, what works for one person may have no effect on another.

Of course, there is the decision of whether to opt into natural or pharmaceutical menopausal remedies. Today, we know that natural formulations can be just as powerful as any prescribed medication; remedies and therapies; vitamins and herbs that have been used for centuries in cultures around the world, may hold the answer.

At Fontanella we have identified 5 core natural ingredients that work in harmony with both nature and science to assist in the management of menopause symptoms, they are:

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa): The pharmacological effects of Black Cohosh may be described as an oestrogen modulator for menopause treatment and is a form of natural hormone replacement therapy.

Panax Ginseng: A plant extract derived from Korea which may assist in easing anxiety, stress, mood swings and chronic fatigue associated with menopause. The oestrogen-like effects of ginseng are thought to increase sexual arousal, as well as regulate the body temperature, helping with hot flushes.

Vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopheryl succinate): A powerful antioxidant, fights free radicals and assists in balancing hormones. May help reduce PMS symptoms.

Sage Extract (Salvia officinalis): Effective in relieving the symptoms of night sweats and hot flushes.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus): Effective in the treatment of bleeding irregularities associated with menopause.

We suggest taking one Fontanella Menopause Formula everyday with food and continue for at least 14 days. If your symptoms persist talk to your health practitioner.

In the meantime, let your instincts guide you and be kind to your mind and body; there are a lot of things happening inside you and all of them need patience.