Menopause

Are there any natural remedies to address menopause?

Why does menopause occur?

Menopause begins to occur often around the age of 45 to 55 with changes in the menstrual cycle taking place. Menopause is defined as 12 months of amenorrhea (absence of a period). Menopause is not a health condition/disease but rather a shift in hormonal status (change of life). The symptoms of menopause are seen when there is a drop in estrogen production in the ovaries due to the reproductive system failing to produce an egg (oocyte). The adrenal glands will compensate for this drop in estrogen and produce small amounts to sustain the decline in this hormone. Estrogen contributes to the female menstrual cycle by building endometrial tissue, sustaining bone density and the nervous system, maintaining the quality of the skin, sustaining libido and for the regulation of the female reproductive system. The levels of the female hormone progesterone also decrease.

Hormone tests to determine menopause

Medical doctors often measure hormones (via a salivary test or blood levels to test for levels of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), estrogen, progesterone and DHEA) as a diagnostic tool for female menopause. Elevated FSH levels generally reflect declining estrogen levels, however please remember that these hormones can fluctuate throughout the month giving misleading results.

Symptoms of menopause

The severity and length of symptoms in menopause vary greatly from person to person, however some common symptoms of menopause are:

hot flushes, night sweats and excessive perspiration
changes in the menstrual cycle
irritability, mood changes and nervousness
headaches, muscle and joint pain
sleep changes, insomnia and fatigue
skin and vaginal dryness
urinary frequency and sexual disinterest
breast pain or tenderness

Diet tips for menopause

Ensure proper hydration as there is a chance of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration when experiencing heat symptoms
Increase Isoflavones in your diet, foods which contain these hormone regulating effects include tofu, red clover, soya beans, soy milk, Maca powder and tempeh

Lifestyle factors to reduce menopause symptoms

Exercise may help to improve general health, increase endorphins, promote liver function and burn off excess heat
Acupuncture to improve circulation and reduce energetic blockages of Qi which may affect reproductive health
Support the role of the kidneys in menopause by taking herbal supplementation and nutritional supplementation to strengthen the kidneys and to decrease symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, sexual disinterest
Improve liver function as it is the role of the liver to reduce heat and modulate hormones

Natural remedies for menopause

Natural therapies has become a popular alternative treatment for many women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The following are therapies which may be used to reduce symptoms of menopause:

Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Dong Quai, Kudzu, Anemarrhena, Asparagus, Horny Goat Weed, Vitex, Maca and Soya extracts are all herbs which provide kidney support and some are phytoestrogenic (plant estrogens) in effect which have the potential to mimic estrogen activity in the body, thereby reducing symptoms of menopause
DHEA is a precursor to the manufacturing of sex hormones in females and also has a positive effect on the memory and promotes feelings of wellbeing
Vitamin E may help to decrease the length and severity of hot flushes as well as reducing skin and vaginal dryness
Vibrational essences such as Bach Flower Remedy She Oak or the Australian Bush Flowers Womens Essence or Transition Essence may benefit to help support the women from a psychological perspective of easing them into the transition as well as balancing the nervous system
Improve liver function to reduce heat symptoms, herbal supplementation may help to relieve excess liver burdening. Herbs such as Dandelion, St Marys Thistle, Bupleurum, Chicory and Burdock may assist in ensuring adequate liver function
Herbs such as Poria, Rehmannia, Horny Goat Weed, Cuscuta, Goji Berry, Cornelian Cherry. Nutritionally B Vitamins and Magnesium nourish the kidneys as well as addressing weak, exhausted adrenals and their role in producing small amounts of estrogen to sustain

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