Menopause and Water Retention

When women reach a point where they stop ovulating, it is called
menopause. It indicates the end of fertility in women. Menopause affects
different women differently. For some, menopause starts early, but most
would experience it around the age of 50. There is a reduction in the
production of estrogen and progesterone in the body during and after
menopause. The reduction of estrogen and other hormones in the body
leads to many symptoms, and women resort to various ways and medications
to replenish the depleted estrogen.

Water retention is excessive accumulation of fluid in the body. It occurs in
women during menopause or perimenopause when they take estrogen
replacement hormones. Water retention in the body is an indication of weak
adrenals or kidneys, the circulatory system, or perhaps the heart. Water
retention and/or bloating during menopause or perimenopause can easily be
cured. The kidneys become fatigued on overloading, especially when you
bloat due to fluid retention. It would be advisable to limit the intake of fluids.

Menopause and Ways to Reduce Water Retention
If you often bloat with water retention during menopause, try the following:

¡¤ Reduce salt intake - Excessive sodium in the blood leads to
water retention in the tissues. It would be ideal to cut down on
junk foods. Avoiding salty fries, pepperoni pizza and other foods
containing hidden salt, some types of salad dressings, cereals and
canned soups would be a good start. Inculcate the habit of
reading labels before buying food off the shelves.
¡¤ Get exercising - Start walking, bicycling, and similar
activities. These can help reduce water retention in your body.
With age, you generally tend to reduce such activities, when you
actually need to do the exact opposite!

Although ascorbic acid - Vitamin C - increases water output from
the kidneys, its excessive use could stress your kidneys and there
is a likelihood of increase in water retention in the future. There
are certain things you can try to increase the output of water from
your body:

¡¤ Tincture of Dandelion - About 10 to 20 drops of this tincture
is a great way to reduce water retention. It helps in removing
excess fluid from the cells, nourishing and toning your kidneys, the
adrenals and the liver. It increases the ability to digest food and
aids hormones to ease menopausal change.
¡¤ Dong Quai - When used regularly, it relieves bloating, and
has a diuretic effect - increase in the discharge of urine. This oil
also has a mild sedative effect, soothing the intestines and
bladder.
¡¤ Helpful Foods - Eating asparagus, corn, cucumber, grapes,
and watermelon may be helpful. Reduce intake of parsley, celery,
black tea and coffee in order to avoid water retention.
¡¤ Other Remedies - Certain oils, such as cypress, geranium,
juniper, lavender and rosemary, may help reduce water retention
in your body. These essential oils may be used in the form of
baths, gargles, mouthwashes, vaporizers, inhalants, as well as
compresses and massages.

Trying these remedies, including reduced salt intake, will help in
reducing water retention.