Menopause is a turning point in a woman's life when her menstrual
cycle ceases and her ovaries stop releasing eggs. Typically a gradual
process, it is possible that it can happen rather quickly. It is
accompanied by a variety of symptoms that vary in the intensity
between individual women.
The period leading up to menopause is known as perimenopause. This
can be an intermittent stop-and-go process that can take a few months
or many years, affecting a woman's hormones, her body, and even
her emotions. This time is also referred to as 'climacteric.'
During her perimenopausal period, a woman's body slowly stops producing
estrogen, and thus she will experience the fluctuations of hormonal
levels similar to those of her adolescent years, although usually
far more intense. This can be caused by many factors, including
any emotional anxieties she may have about growing older.
Menopause can also be caused by medical procedures, such as the
surgical removal of the ovaries or incidental damage caused during
chemotherapy treatments. When induced in this manner, a woman will
begin menopause immediately, with no perimenopausal period.
The average age a woman starts experiencing menopause is around
her early fifties, but in many cases it can begin as early as her
thirties or as late as her sixties.
Some women will go through drastic
fluctuations while some will barely notice any changes. Symptoms
associated with the onset of menopause include aching joints, hot
flashes, headaches, frequent urination, vaginal dryness, bladder
infections, mood changes, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating,
temporary memory problems, and changes in sexual desire.
Menopause can be a very hard time for a woman, but there are things
she can do to ease her 'change in life.' A healthy lifestyle and
a diet consisting of protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
will help, and in some cases medical treatments like HRT (Hormone
Replacement Therapy) can alleviate the symptoms.
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The
use of alternative or natural treatments can also make the transition
easier. These methods include naturopathic medicine and the use
of herbs and vitamins. For the purpose of this article we will focus
on the latter.
Nutritional supplements, or vitamins, should be a basic part of
a woman's lifestyle. Products containing multiple vitamins, minerals,
and antioxidants are useful preventive measures, and antioxidants
like vitamins E and C, selenium, and beta-carotene can help slow
down the aging process. Keep in mind, however, that the RDA (Recommended
Daily Allowance) is considered the absolute minimum as set forth
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A licensed naturopathic physician, or ND, is trained in nutrition,
botanical medicine, homeopathy and physical medicine, as well as
the diagnosis and management of medical conditions such as menopause,
and may recommend natural or botanical treatments to alleviate many
perimenopausal symptoms. An ND is required to pass a licensing exam
by the state after completing a four year, postgraduate, in-residence
program at an accredited naturopathic medical institution. Since
not all states currently license NDs, care should be taken to look
into the credentials of a naturopathic physician before undertaking
a plan of treatment. You can find a licensed ND near you by checking
with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
An ND will first assess a woman's risk of developing menopause-related
illnesses like heart disease and osteoporosis before determining
which natural therapies are best suited for her. Women who are at
low to moderate risk are the best candidates for the exclusive use
of natural treatments when supervised by a naturopathic physician.
Black cohosh and dong quai are two of the better known botanical
treatments for the relief of hot flashes. Black cohosh is effective
in easing hot flashes, headaches, achy joints, water retention and
fatigue. Dong quai balances hormones and lessens some of the unpleasant
symptoms of menopause.
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Red
clover is rich in phytoestrogens and is popular in providing relief
from hot flashes. A source of niacin, red clover also helps reduce
serum cholesterol, which is good for a healthy heart, and contains
useful amounts of other minerals, including calcium.
Soy based products may help to decrease the risk of osteoporosis
in women in the mild to moderate risk category. In addition to being
an excellent antioxidant, soy isoflavones help maintain a safe cholesterol
level and can imitate estrogen.
Wild yam is an anti-inflammatory herb that provides relief of arthritis
brought on by menopause, and is said to ease the effects of estrogen
loss. Vitex angus castus, or chaste tree berry, is a natural hormone
balancer. Horse chestnut may help prevent varicose veins in menopausal
women by promoting good blood circulation.
Gamma oryzanol, made from rice bran oil, has been used for the treatment
of hot flashes in Japanese women. Maca root, related to the potato
family, is said to stimulate the body's natural hormone production
by naturally inducing the pituitary and endocrine glands to perform
at their optimal level. Licorice has also been shown to decrease
the effects of hormonal fluctuations, and kudzu contains two natural
isoflavines that may help control some menopausal symptoms. Hawthorn
is believed to be useful in improving memory loss brought on by
menopause.
Other herbs thought to have lesser but redeeming value in the treatment
of menopausal symptoms are ginseng, sage, St. John's wort, motherwort,
oat beta glucan, yeast beta glucan, damiana leaf, wild yam root,
partridge berry leaf, cramp bark, evening primrose seed, flax seed,
and burdock.
As always, it is best to consult with your physician before beginning
any alternative treatments or taking supplemental products of any
kind.
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