Menopause

a naturopathic prescription for the signs and symptoms

• Menopause is a natural life stage and should not be considered as a disease. Nevertheless for many women, the symptoms associated with the lowering of estrogen levels can be quite distressing. The impact and the type of symptoms varies.
• Apart from missed menstrual periods, signs and symptoms include: hot flashes (flushes), insomia, palpitations, night sweats, dizziness, psychological changes, vaginal dryness, itching, cold hands and feet, problems with urination, bladder infections, pain on intercourse and breast tenderness.
• Estogen (hormone) replacement therapy (H.R.T) commenced at the first signs of menopause, can improve many of these symptoms. There is strong debate about the relative advantages and disadvantages of H.R.T,. eg it may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Many naturopaths, however, urge their patients to first consider a less potent phytoestrogen approach.
• Choose food that are high in phytoestrogens (plants that have constituents that have a mild estrogenic effect).Chickpeas, soy beans and foods made from soy eg tempeh, tofu are good (isoflavones). Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts) (indoles, isocyanates). Eat celery, fennel, alfalfa, parsely. Apples, onions, flaxseed, whole grain cereals, fruit and vegetables provide needed lignans, flavanoids and isoflavanoids.
• Say goodbye to smoking, coffee, and reduce alcohol. Perhaps a big lifestyle change is required.
• It is easy to gain unwanted weight - which can be a risk factor in menopausal women.
• Exercise at least three days a week, for at least 30 minutes.
• There is a high risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency.
• Herbs can offer some help, although it is recommended that you consult a naturopath or herbalist as prescriptions need to be individualised and some need to be used with caution. Popular herbs for menopause are Wild Yam and Black Cohosh. For anxiety consider Kava, and low moods consider St John's Wort.
• Herbal teas can be useful for relieving hot flashes. Add to boiling water crushed fennel seeds, crush anise seeds, or a small amount of licorice root (not for those with high blood pressure). Chamomile tea has a calming effect as well as providing some estrogen.Some swear by a tea of sage leaves. (Some swear because of it!)
• Select a supplement from the following recommendations for your country (clicking the hyperlink refers you to a suitable supplier). Look for products with the following ingredients: Vitamins E, C (with the flavanoid hesperidin), gamma-oryzanol (ferulic acid), soy, Dong Quai, Black Cohosh, Chasteberry, Ginkgo biloba, Licorice, Wild Yam.

If the symptoms of menopause persist, you need to make an appointment to consult a professional health practitioner.

Naturopaths consider WHY a person has the distressing symptoms of menopause and then treat accordingly.

David Wilson, Naturopath

See also Osteoporosis

Keep me informed about any news concerning menopause.