Menopause Treatment

What's the Alternative?

Your naturopath will look to see if there are any underlying issues aggravating your menopausal symptoms, such as sluggish liver function and adrenal exhaustion as a result of stress.

The Natural Hormone Health recommendations below aim to encourage optimum health, so that your body can manage this natural event with ease.

Recommended naturopathic testing

• Saliva Adrenal Hormone test measuring cortisol and DHEA
• Saliva female hormone panel including estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone and testosterone
• Serum (blood) expanded female hormonal panel, including testosterone and LH to FSH ratio
• Thyroid panel
• Blood lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides).

Supplements and Menopause

• Evening primrose oil can be helpful for breast tenderness, dry skin and vaginal dryness.

• Omega 3 oils (flaxseed, fish oils) are helpful for dry skin, vaginal dryness, fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, weight problems, memory problems etc.

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is shown to help reduce hot flushes. Vitamin C helps build up collagen, which gives skin its elasticity. It is also helpful in preventing and treating vaginal dryness (which can cause discomfort when the vagina loses some of its 'stretch'). It can also help retain the elasticity in the urinary tract and prevent leakage or stress incontinence, which is common during menopause. Collagen is also important for your bones.

• Vitamin E is effective for reducing hot flushes and helping with vaginal dryness. It can be taken orally and used inside the vagina to help relieve dryness.

• B vitamins are beneficial for your nervous system and adrenals, since hot flushes can be a result of a stress response. They also help boost energy, and ease anxiety and irritability.

• Calcium is essential to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Make sure you choose a calcium supplement which also contains vitamin D, magnesium and manganese for maximum absorption.

• Magnesium and calcium are helpful for fluid retention, cravings, anxiety, irritability and bone health.

NB. For best results, try these recommended supplements for a period of three months. These supplements are best taken under the care and guidance of your healthcare practitioner.

Herbs and Menopause

• Dong Quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years for menopause, especially hot flushes. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens). These natural plant oestrogens compete with the oestrogen in the body for binding sites. The phytoestrogens in Dong Quai produce oestrogenic activity when the body’s oestrogen levels are low, as is the case in menopause, and the ability of the phytoestrogens to occupy oestrogen receptor sites also helps reduce high oestrogen levels.

• Black Cohosh is effective for balancing hormones and alleviating symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness.

• Tribulus is a popular and successful herb used in Europe for menopausal symptoms.

• Other herbs that are very effective for menopausal symptoms include St John’s Wort, lavender, red clover, sage, Shatavari, wild yam and Zizyphis.

More Natural Alternatives for the Menopause

• Bio-identical hormones are identical to the hormones our bodies produce and are derived from precursors found in soy beans and yams. They can be customised to the needs of an individual. Bio-identical hormones are not synthetic and are considered a safe option. The effects are consistent with your normal biochemistry, therefore side effects are minimised. Bio-identical hormones also have anti-aging properties and can rejuvenate our bodies. An example is progesterone cream.

• Regular exercise is important to reduce the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise is best. However, if your bones and joints are weak, swimming may be more appropriate for you - ask your healthcare professional.

• Calcium storage in the bones takes place over the course of your whole life. It’s never too early to start regular weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplementation.

• Homoeopathic medicines - your homeopath or naturopath will prescribe the most appropriate remedy for you.

• Acupuncture can help facilitate the free flow of energy through the body.

• Aromatherapy can assist and support the reproductive system, and can gently contribute to rebalancing your hormones.

Always consult a registered practitioner.

Be Vigilant

After menopause, the risk of developing heart disease is higher. Always maintain a well-balanced low-fat diet, with lots of nuts, seeds and fish. Regular check-ups with your healthcare professional will help you keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol.

For a personalised appointment and prescription for menopause problems, click here to make a booking for phone and online consultations.

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