Menopause
Menopause
MENOPAUSE
Known Facts: Menopause is a normal female process that is not a problem for the majority of women. This process occurs over six to ten years when menstruation becomes more irregular and eventually ceases. The time leading up to the actual cessation of menses is called the perimenopausal period.
Diagnosis: A woman is generally considered menopausal when she has missed her period for more than a year. However, there is no set pattern, women have been known to miss periods for a year and then have their period back again for two years! For a clear diagnosis laboratory studies can be done to document the following hormonal changes: a decrease in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone as well as an increase in leutenzing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
Physical and Emotional Symptoms during the perimenopausal period may include:
- hot flashes
- missed periods
- heavy or light periods
- night sweats
- crying jags
- depression
- anxiety
- rage
- fear
- sleeplessness
- fatigue
- headaches
- migraines
- lack of sexual desire
- heart palpitations
Physical Symptoms of the post menopausal period may include:
- vaginal dryness and thinning possibly causing discomfort with intercourse.
- bladder changes, which also may cause discomfort with intercourse and may cause incontinence.
- bone density loss
- increased susceptibility to heart disease
- aching joints
Treatment: Many doctors prescribe Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), as well as symptomatic medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and sedatives for sleeplessness. Some authorities feel strongly that you should consider HRT if you have a high risk for cardiovascular disease and/or osteoporosis. However, there is still questionable data as to whether HRT truly decreases cardiovascular disease in women. Also, although HRT has been shown to decrease osteoporosis, if it is stopped bone loss accelerates greatly, offsetting the benefits of therapy. For many women the side effects of HRT may outweigh the benefits. The bottom line is that taking HRT must be a very personalized decision. It is important to assess your risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis according to family history, personal lifestyle choices and individual make-up before making a decision. Find a good health care professional who will personalize your care and create a plan for you. There are many lifestyle changes that can positively effect your health through the menopausal years, as well as natural remedies including naturally derived hormones and/or herbs and foods which stimulate your own hormonal production.
Lifestyle changes and natural treatment for menopause:
- A minimum of weight bearing exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes or 5 times a week for 20 minutes. The more regular exercise you get during menopause the better you will feel!
- Increased consumption of essential fatty acids, especially gamma linoleic acid for proper metabolism of hormones. Borage oil, black currant seed oil, flax seed oil and evening primrose oil are good sources of essential fatty acids.
- Increasing phytoesterols in your diet, such as tofu, soybean products and other beans, whole grains, and fresh vegetables and fruits.
- A high complex carbohydrate and low fat diet.
- Calcium/Magnesium supplement
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Beta-Carotene and the trace element Boron
- Eliminate all cola and root beer drinks.
- Eliminate smoking
- Stress reduction such as yoga, meditation, visualization, baths, massage, journal writing, dance, and expressive arts. Do what you love!
- Natural progesterone therapy
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Flower essences
- Hormonal balancing and nourishing herbs such as wild yam, motherwort, black cohosh, nettle, oat straw, vitex.
- Chinese herbs such as dong quai and ginseng.
Insomnia remedies:
- valerian
- high protein and complex carbohydrate snack at bed time.
- melatonin
Natural lubricants:
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coconut oil
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KY jelly
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vitamin E oil
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sesame oil
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castor oil
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natural progest cream
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natural estrogen therapy