While some women use hormone replacement therapy to help mitigate the effects of pre-menopause, one naturopath suggests that alternative remedies can also improve older women’s symptoms.

Dr. Jeannie Doig writes in the Westerly News that by balancing hormone levels using herbal therapy and dietary changes, such as incorporating more soy in one’s diet and ground flaxseed oil, women may be able to improve their body’s response to the condition.

"Menopausal symptoms can often be reduced by whole-foods diets (avoidance of sugar, white flour, caffeine and alcohol), stress reduction techniques to optimize the adrenal gland function, and certain vitamins, minerals and herbs," she noted in the article.

One supplement that may also decrease the effects of the hormonal change is omega-3 fatty acid, according to scientists at Laval University.

Over an eight-week period, patients received the pills and reported that they were significantly less depressed, and experienced fewer hot flashes, the study data showed.

Unlike other treatments, lead author Dr. Michael Lucas notes "omega-3s have very few side effects and are beneficial to cardiovascular health."