Menopause Natural Treatment | Perth Naturopath | Homeopath

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life. Living in close harmony with natural laws is the key to a smooth transition. Healthy diet and lifestyle are important to manage symptoms that may arise. In some cases though, past health issues, female problems, drug treatment and use of the Pill may weaken the woman’s body.  This can cause problems to arise with the menopause.

If further help is needed, our Perth clinic may prescribe herbal, homeopathic, naturopathic and nutritional supplementation to relieve symptoms. We can also teach you how to modify your diet and life choices. In this way the treatment is tailored to your unique symptoms.  In most cases, the response is great and we can totally eradicate the discomfort.

In this article we will give general tips at how to help yourself. To do this, we will show which foods, herbs and natural supplements will provide home help. Furthermore, we will show how managing stress with exercise and lifestyle aid the process. Finally, we will give examples of cases from our clinic, where homeopathic and other natural remedies have eased menopause woes.

Also visit our main menopause page page and treatment of women’s problems  for more information.

Hormonal Changes in Menopause

There many changes in hormones, starting with the peri-menopausal stage of a woman’s life. There are altered levels of several key hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The loss of ovarian follicles triggers the loss of oestrogen. This is the key driver of menopausal discomforts.

Symptoms include irregular periods during the peri-menopausal phase, hot flushes and night sweats. Other issues are: mood swings, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, thinning hair, dry skin, weight gain and abdominal fat. There may be insomnia and changes in sleep patterns. Furthermore, age related chronic disease patterns also tend to increase.

Dietary Changes That Help Menopause Symptoms

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale and cabbage contain indole-3-carbinole, which help to maintain oestrogen levels. Because they also contain fibre and vitamins C and K they are probably the most important items to include in your diet.

Fibre is vital. It helps counter some of the key changes in menopause: it reduces cholesterol, protects against heart disease, improves digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight. So plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes are useful. In addition, some studies have suggested that increased fibre can improve oestrogen levels, because they help feed the healthy bacteria. These bacteria in turn aid hormone regulation in the gut.

Foods containing phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant nutrients that have an oestrogen-like action on the body. Many nuts and seeds contain them, especially walnuts and fax seeds (also known as linseeds. Soy is another source. This last has become controversial in recent times, but is best used in fermented and unpasteurised form, such as natto and tempeh. These foods also contain probiotics, which help the gut convert the isoflavones into the oestrogen like compounds. So a healthy gut is also vital.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Fats from oily fish and certain plants such as flax, chia seeds and walnuts help hormone production and aid with menopausal symptoms. They also help protect the heart and circulation and reduce inflammation and promote smooth skin. Certain studies also show they also promote a healthy mood, which benefits the emotional symptoms of menopause.

Other healthy fats and cold-pressed oils. Unrefined oils contain Vitamin E that assists the body in hormone regulation. They also contain other precursors to hormone production.  Olive oil is best, as it contains less polyunsaturated and more monounsaturated fat. So it is less inflammatory . Coconut oil is also beneficial as it aids metabolism and the thyroid, which is often a problem in menopause.  Otherwise consume of nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower, walnuts and brazil nuts. Avocados are also particularly good.

Herbs and Vitamins for Menopause

There are many herbs and vitamins that help smooth the transitions of menopause, At our Perth clinic we will always help you work out which is best for you. They are only used as an adjunct to the homeopathic treatment, which is individually prescribed. We will speak about the ones with the broadest benefit, but there may be ones more specific to your symptoms.

Black cohosh is a herb that has been verified by clinical trials to help with the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flushes and sweats. It can also improve sleep quality and possibly helps with fibroids and blood sugar regulation, according to research.

Vitex agnus castus. This is a herb that has a long traditional use for many female hormonal issues. Some studies and clinical use revel it has a role to play in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep problems and irregular periods in the perimenopause.

Pycnogenol.  This is a natural supplement derived from maritime pine bark. Studies have shown it to be particularly useful for hot flushes, sweats, mood changes and irregular periods. It is also a powerful antioxidants with many other benefits, particularly related to the heart and circulation..

Homeopathy for Menopause

Homeopathic constitutional treatment is our primary focus for menopause. This means treatment of the whole person, mentally, emotionally and physically. This is prescribed individually on the whole symptom pattern. We find that it makes dietary and lifestyle changes and the use of herbs and supplements more effective. We will give some examples, but this does not mean these remedies will work in your case.

Karen was a 52 year old woman with severe hot flushes and sleeping difficulties. Her circulation was irregular, and her feet were particularly hot in bed at night.  Her face became very red during the flushes. She had headaches at 11am. There was weight gain around her abdomen, and an increased appetite for sweet and spicy food. She had become particularly irritable with her work colleagues. The remedy Sulphur relieved all her symptoms and improved her moods.

Suzanne was a 49 year old with perimenopausal symptoms of late, irregular, scanty periods. The premenopausal phase was a problem, with tender breasts, tearfulness and hot flushes which were better for fanning and fresh open air. She became irritable, but felt better when her husband consoled her. She was otherwise good natured and mild tempered.  She had an increased craving for fatty foods, which disturbed her digestion and caused bloating. This was a clear case for  the remedy Pulsatilla, which treated all her symptoms.

Tania was a 54 year old. It had been three years since her last period and she was getting hot flushes, mood swings and loss of libido. She was particularly irritable with her husband and children for no good reason. Her loss of libido was particularly troubling, and sex was painful. The hormonal changes were causing lots of changes in her skin, with dark pigmented spots appearing. Her hot were worse in the afternoon from three to 5pm and at night. Sepia was her remedy, which relieved all her problems.

Related page: https://www.cottnat.com.au/conditions-treated/menopause-treatment/

Homeopathy is a traditional medicine. It may be used in conjunction with other medicines. For any ongoing chronic condition, it is important to be assessed or examined by your healthcare professional or specialist. Always seek medical advice in emergencies.

The information in this article does not constitute medical advice. It is referenced from the texts approved by Therapeutic Goods Administration and is for information only. If in doubt as to the appropriateness of a treatment seek advice from your homeopath

References:

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-basics#1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17640158

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085176

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19678775

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18194760

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22108479

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118440