Conditions

Menopause

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. It is a natural progression in the life of a woman, just as puberty is.

Many years before a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries slow their production of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. However, estrogen is still needed to stimulate the receptors in the vagina, bladder, breasts, skin, bones, arteries, heart, liver and brain. Plus estrogen is needed to keep the skin smooth and moist, and the body's internal thermostat operating properly. It is also needed for bone repair.

Although estrogen levels drop sharply after menopause, the hormone does not disappear entirely. Other organs take over from the ovaries and continue to produce a less potent form of estrogen. The organs known as endocrine glands secrete some hormones from fatty tissue to maintain bodily functions.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Amenorrhea, the cessation of uterine bleeding for more than one year is clinically determined to be menopause; average duration is four years from early menstrual changes to complete cessation of menses.
• Vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes (flushing of face, neck, and upper trunk), may be accompanied by palpitations, dizziness, headaches, night sweats (with subsequent depression and irritability from insomnia), cold hands and feet
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary tract atrophy-increased frequency, burning, nocturia, incontinence
• Mood symptoms-depression, irritability, tension; usually correlate with sleep disturbances
• Facial hair may start to appear
• Osteoporosis-bone fractures possible; risk increases with premature menopause
• Coronary heart disease (CHD)-twice as many women die from CHD than cancer. Women experience marked increase in susceptibility after menopause.

Diagnosis:

Since menopause is a natural event in a woman's life, diagnosis is usually not necessary. However, your gynecologist can tell you for sure and can answer any questions you may have.

Treatment Options:

• Estrogen replacement therapy can help prevent osteoporosis and coronary artery disease.
• Serious side effects of hormone replacement therapy warrant careful individual evaluation and consideration of alternatives.
• Supplementation with calcium and other micronutrients and regular exercise help prevent these conditions.

Traditional Treatments:

Hormone replacement therapy may help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Normally these work on a cycle (similar to birth control): on days 1 through 15, you take estrogen alone; on days 16 through 25, you take both estrogen and progesterone; and on days 26 through 39, there is not hormonal supplementation at all. Hormones are most often taken in oral form, but skin patches are also available.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Alternative therapies can help ease the transition and relieve the symptoms involved in menopause.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement daily.
• Bioflavonoids have been used successfully to reduce hot flashes. They also help protect and strengthen capillary walls. Take 500 mg three times daily, with 500 mg of vitamin C, as long as you have symptoms.
• Boron is a trace mineral that is required for strong bones and the full absorption of calcium. Take 1 or 2 mg daily.
• Calcium helps to protect the bones from osteoporosis; magnesium is necessary for the absorption and utilization of calcium, Take 500 to 600 mg of calcium and 300 to 400 mg of magnesium twice daily. Avoid dolomite, as it is harder to absorb and may contain small amounts of lead.
• Black currant seed, borage, and evening primrose oil contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), one of the most powerful essential fatty acids. Flaxseed oil contains linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Many women have found these oils helpful for reducing menopausal symptoms as well. Take 500 to 1,000 mg of black currant seed, borage, or evening primrose oil two to three times daily, plus 1 tablespoonful of flaxseed oil twice daily.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint repair, and help to relieve aches and pains in the muscles and joints. Take 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate two or three times daily and 500 mg of chondroitin sulfate twice a day.
• The amino acid glutamine helps improve mental clarity and lift depression. Take 500 to 1,000 mg of L-glutamine twice daily for up to three months.
• Many women have found great relief by taking 200 mg of hypothalamus protomorphogen one-half hour before breakfast and again one-half hour before lunch.
• The combination of magnesium and malic acid helps t increase energy and combat fatigue. Take 100 to 200 mg of magnesium and 100 to 300 mg of malic acid one-half to one hour before breakfast and again at bedtime.
• Pantothenic acid relieves hot flashes. Take 250 mg twice daily for up to one week, as needed to relive symptoms. If you take any of the B vitamins individually, you should also take a B-complex supplement at a different time of day.
• Royal jelly is rich in nutrients and hormonal factors that help optimize hormone balance in both sexes. Take 500 mg twice daily.
• Selenium is an antioxidant trace mineral that protects the body from free-radical damage. Take 200 mcg daily.
• Soy isoflavones may aid in maintaining hormonal balance. Take 250 mg three times a day.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases memory function, reduces stress, and enhances sex drive.
  Warning: DHEA is converted into testosterone and estrogens in the body. Use with caution if you are taking HRT.
• Vitamin B complex improves circulation and cellular function. Follow the label directions.
• Vitamin E reduces hot flashes and many other symptoms. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety at high doses. Start with 400 IU daily and slowly increase the dosage until hot flashes are relieved, up to 1,600 IU daily.
• Taking VitaGyn (by Eclectic Institute) a multi vitamin, mineral and herb supplement, 1 tablet 3 times a day, and Black Currant Oil (Eclectic Institute) 1 capsule 3 times a day can relieve menopausal symptoms within 4-6 weeks.

Alternative Therapies:

• A paste made from aloe vera gel and slippery elm powder, mixed to the consistency of toothpaste and inserted into the vagina at night, can relieve vaginal dryness.
• Damiana enhances sexual desire and pleasure.
• Amaranth, chickweed, dandelion greens, nettle, seaweed, and watercress are rich in calcium and can help prevent osteoporosis.
• Anise, black cohosh, fennel, licorice, raspberry, sage, sarsaparilla, squawvine, unicorn root, and wild yam root are natural estrogen promoters.
  Warning: Do not sue licorice on a daily basis for more than seven day in a row, and avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure. Do not use sage if you suffer from any type of seizure disorder.
• Chamomile and valerian root help to calm the body and promote restful sleep.
  Warning: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Gotu kola and dong quai relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness and depression.
• St. John's wort is valuable if you suffer from anxiety or depression.
• Siberian ginseng aids in relieving depression and in the production of estrogen.
  Warning: Do not use Siberian ginseng if you have hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or a heart disorder.

General Recommendations:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, and hot soups and drinks; they can trigger hot flashes, aggravate urinary incontinence, and make mood swings worse.
• Get regular moderate exercise.
• Avoid stress as much as possible.
• Substitute garlic or onion powder for salt when cooking.
• Drink lots of fluids to help prevent drying of the skin and mucous membranes.
• For itching in the vaginal area, use vitamin E cream (with no fragrance added).
• If sexual intercourse is painful, try using vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel to lubricate the vagina.

Warnings:

• DHEA is converted into testosterone and estrogens in the body. Use with caution if you are taking HRT.
• Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than seven day in a row, and avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure.
• Do not use sage if you suffer from any type of seizure disorder.
• Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Do not use Siberian ginseng if you have hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or a heart disorder.