Menopause: making a smooth transition

Menopause is a time of transition and change. For many women, it is also a time of hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, and fatigue, among other symptoms. The good news is, that menopause is a natural change, and natural medicine can be very effective in easing the transition.

Technically, menopause starts with the end of the last menstrual period. The average age at menopause is 49, but there is a wide range. Often symptoms show up in the ten years preceding menopause, gradually worsening over time. Symptoms are due to hormonal changes in the body which occur as the female reproductive cycle winds down. The balance between these hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, is also important in determining whether or not a particular women will have difficulties. I often suggest salivary hormone testing to determine hormone balance, and to adjust the treatment program.

First of all, I like to assess a woman's nutrition, exercise and stress levels. Often adjusting any or all of these can lead to significant improvement. For example, increasing fiber and decreasing junk food can make a difference, as well as a regular exercise program, and good coping skills.

Herbs or herbal combinations can help with the mood swings and irritability often associated with menopause. Black cohosh, and Angelica sinensis can be very helpful. Exercise can also help deal with the emotional and stress aspects of menopause, as well as improving bone strength and energy in general.

The time of greatest bone loss occurs during the five years after the last menstrual period. I advise adequate dietary minerals including calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamin D. I use the NTx Telopeptide test to reveal the rate of bone building or breakdown, as well as to monitor treatment. In general I advise a good bone building supplement, with trace minerals as well as calcium, magnesium and D, and will suggest other additional options when necessary to rebuild bone. Many women do not know that if their mineral intake is marginal, i.e. barely adequate, a cup of coffee per day will actually increase bone loss.

Hot flashes and night sweats are troublesome symptoms for many women. Natural vitamin E at 400 to 800 IU daily has been shown in studies to help. As well, the herbs I mentioned earlier and avoiding spicy foods and abrupt temperature changes can also help. Sleep problems often resolve when night sweats are resolved, but can require further investigation.

Blood sugar problems can influence sleep, as well as weight gain and mood swings, and tend to be a problem at this time in life. I like to perform an insulin test to determine if this is a factor. I will also often use herbs in individualized combinations, such as valerian, skullcap, and wild lettuce, to assist with sleep problems.

For many women, these suggestions will be helpful. However, some will require further assistance to balance hormones and treat symptoms. Often, a cleanse is necessary to improve overall health and decrease menopausal symptoms. I use constitutional hydrotherapy in a series of treatments to assist with cleansing, as well as individual dietary advice and a supplement program.

This article is of a general nature and is not intended as treatment advice. Please contact your health care provider before undertaking any course of treatment.

Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.