I am going through the menopause and am getting more agitated as I experience hot flushes, sweats, weight gain and vaginal dryness (making love is uncomfortable). I have read every book on the subject and am careful with my diet. I take omega-3, -6, -7 and -9 to help with the dryness and hormone balance. I have tried HRT, but no longer take it. I am a sensitive character and react strongly to medicines, so am a little nervous about what to take. Please help.

Barbara, Scotland

To gently regulate the hormonal system, I suggest you try a new spagyric remedy called Hormonal Balance (£22 for 100ml, from Archturus; 01592 620865). This formula includes the plant essences Dioscorea villosa (wild yam), which possesses oestrogen- and progesterone-like properties and acts as a hormonal regulator; Agnus castus, a progesterone-like essence considered to be a master hormone regulator that helps with night sweats, hot flushes, reduced libido, oedema (swelling) and vaginal dryness; and salvia, an essence that helps the body to adjust to hormonal changes, inhibits perspiration and calms the mind, body and spirit. It also contains pulsatilla, known as the remedy of choice for sensitive women, as it impacts on both the psyche and ever-changing hormonal symptoms. Take three drops three times daily for the first month, gradually increasing the dosage up to seven drops, three times daily. Ideally, you should take this remedy for six months.

LadyCare (£19.95, from Magnopulse; 0800 977 5080) is a safe, non-invasive approach for those suffering from menopausal symptoms. It is a small, discreet static magnet that you attach inside your underwear, which can help alleviate a number of symptoms, including mood swings and hot flushes. Do not use it if you or your partner has a heart pacemaker, defibrillator or insulin syringe driver.

To help combat dryness, try Yes water- and oil-based lubricants (£5.50 for 25ml; www.yesyesyes.org). They will remoisturise and lubricate vaginal tissue and can be used daily to help cool, heal and soothe, as well as for intercourse. Oestrogen depletion is understood to affect sensation, so you could also try Zestra, a botanical massage oil that increases local warmth and sensation when applied (£16.49 for six sachets; www.zestra.co.uk). Avoid using on broken skin or if suffering from a vaginal infection (and don’t use during pregnancy or lactation).

Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician and was voted Health Journalist of the Year 2008 by the Health Food Manufacturers' Association; www.jenniferharper-deacon.com

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