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This is a subject that's very close to the hearts of one or two of our tutors at present, none of whom want to go down the HRT route with all the trouble it entals: so we'd like to point you in the direction of the best and most effective natural ways of providing relief for menopausal symptoms that we have found so far.

Reflexology in Menopause

One of the primary effects of a reflexology treatment is restoring balance in the body's hormonal system. So if your perimenopausal state gives you the impression that your body has become a great thrashing turmoil of unbalanced hormones, bringing with them hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and all the other menopausal baggage, you should certainly consider a treatment from your local reflexologist.

OSR can help by suggesting reflexologists in most parts of the UK: call Andrea on 01865 876 266 and we will see if there is an ex-OSR student in your area. Alternatively, you can quiz the Association of Reflexologists database for your local area: click here to start the process.

Cooling Products

Besides long-term remedies for your menopausal symptoms, there are times when you want relief from your hot flush right now.

Absolutely the best product we have found on the market for comfort cooling is the Chillow: it's cool, not cold, it's always ready and doesn't need to go in the fridge, and for night sweats and hot flushes it just can't be beaten.

We think the Chillow is so great we've put together a whole separate page on it - click here for all the Chillow facts.

Another option for instant cooling is the Magicool spray. It's basically a water spray, but containing quick-evaporating compounds to reduce your skin temperature double-quick. It comes in a large can or a handy handbag-sized spray containing 75ml (see the picture on the right). Apparently Magicool was the subject of a really dire advertising campaign last summer... unfortunately we missed that, but came across these by accident while researching cooling products. And they work! More information and ordering details here.

Oils, Essences and Balms

There are plenty of products that claim to contain natural extracts and essences that will reduce or relieve symptoms associated with menopause. We will only list the ones that our staff and tutors have tried on themselves and found to be effective!

Do bear in mind, though, that people's experience of the effectiveness of these products does vary - we wouldn't want to promise miracles, all we can say is that they work for us.

Australian Bush Flower remedies contain all kinds of exotic-sounding extracts: unlike Bach Flower remedies they are designed as cocktails to address a condition as a whole. We have received glowing reports on the effectiveness of the Woman cream and drops for hot flushes and other symptoms. The Woman essence is available from OSR - click here or call 01865 876 650.

Another alternative is Tui waxes and balms from New Zealand - the Woman's Blend is intended to have much the same effect. More information on the Tui products can be found here.

Finally, we've heard a lot about other herbal extracts that help relieve perimenopausal symptoms naturally. One of the most commonly mentioned is Dong Quai. If anybody knows a particular extract or manufacturer of Dong Quai that has worked for them, please get in touch so we can take that into account with our own research. Thanks!