Menopause

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MENOPAUSE -- GO NATURAL!

By Dr. Mitch Kennedy, ND

Definition

Menopause is defined as the cessation of menses (periods) which is the result of the body’s decreased production of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Most women will experience the beginning of menopause between ages 50 and 55, although some women may note changes earlier. Surgical menopause is caused by removal of the ovaries and uterus. There are three phases of menopause, 1) the climacteric phase in which the periods become irregular; 2) actual menopause which is the last menstrual cycle, diagnosed only in retrospect and 3) post-menopause which begins one year after the last period. In this last phase, there may be signs of declining estrogen.

What can you expect? Please remember that you may have one, some or none of the below symptoms, as well as experiences that are not on this list. Factors such as prior health history and fitness levels may determine how you are affected by menopausal changes.

•Changes in the menses: heavier or lighter, more or less frequent
•Emotional/mood changes: moods may be unpredictable, more emotionally sensitive, may be more or less optimistic
•Body changes: more or less vaginal discharge, vaginal lining may become drier, skin may become drier, “hot flashes”, headaches, fatigue, weight changes, bone density changes (should be checked by your doctor)
•Infections: may be more disposed to vaginal or urinary tract infections

Conventional Treatment of Menopause

Over the past 50 years, women with menopausal symptoms have been encouraged to supplement their body’s declining level of natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) with synthetic hormones. This approach, called Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is one of the biggest decisions women face as they age. In addition to reducing the duration and severity of “hot-flashes”, headaches, mood swings, fatigue and other symptoms, conventional medical doctors have claimed it reduced the loss of bone mass in a women’s skeleton which often lead to hip and other bone fractures.

Controversy over the risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy has increased with the release of results from a 5 - year, 16,000 women study (See Hartford Courant July 9, 2002 page 1). In fact, the data collected by this nation-wide project was so startling the researchers halted the experiment before its full term had run. Their results indicate that the conventional theory that HRT protects women from hip fractures and colon cancer tuns out not to be true. According to this new research, HRT appears to place women at greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer and blood clots, while offering less protection from colon cancer and hip fractures than if no HRT was undertaken.

Although conventional medical doctors may still advise women to go on HRT, you must make the choice yourself and know of the alternatives available.

Alternatives & Choices

Naturopathic medicine, the use of natural substances and treatment modalities to restore health, has been treating menopausal symptoms successfully for several hundred years. People who desire to treat their health concerns naturally or who want to be proactive about their health continue to turn to naturopathic doctors for their health care.

As each woman lives a unique and distinct life, so to does each women experience menopause in her own unique way. Because of this individuality, no one solution will work for every women. All of the symptoms brought on by the process of natural physiologic menopause can be prevented or treated with naturopathic therapies. In addition, naturopathic physicians also treat many women who are already taking HRT who are still not feeling well. The addition of naturopathic therapies can make these women more comfortable and often leads to the discontinuation of HRT.

Natural Therapies For Menopause

The natural therapies used to decrease and eliminate hot flashes, prevent osteoporosis, and treat other symptoms include:

Nutrition: A special diet to prevent osteoporosis is probably the single most important factor in the management of menopause. A diet that is high in complex carbohydrates, and low in fat, protein, and sugar is generally recommended. In addition, a naturopathic physician can make specific recommendations which tailor this diet to a woman's other health issues and personal needs, i.e. weight loss, diabetes, food allergies or sensitivities.

Nutritional Supplements: The need for mineral, vitamin, or glandular supplementation may be indicated for some menopausal women. It is important to choose quality supplements with the right balance of calcium, magnesium, manganese and other trace minerals. General recommendations for maintaining bone mass include 1,000 - 2,000 mg of Calcium per day along with the supporting minerals of Magnesium, Manganese, Boron, Silica, and the vitamin D. Look for complete lists of ingredients on any supplement packaging and stay away from products with fillers, dyes, preservatives and common allergens such as corn and yeast.

Botanicals: Women who have hot flashes or mood changes find that they feel dramatic improvements within 1-2 weeks with the use of plant extracts. There are very specific plant extracts that have the ability to restore normal hormonal balance. As with nutritional supplements, choose high quality, standardized formulations so you know you are getting the same amount every time. A safe first step in the use of botanicals is to choose a standardized formula in capsule so you know and can control exactly how much of each herb you are taking.

Homeopathy: Homeopathic medicine is one of the most successful drugless therapies in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. If one has mental/emotional problems including depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, anger, etc., homeopathy can offer dramatic relief and stability. Homeopathic medicines are made from plant, animal, and mineral substances and are completely drug-free. Some homeopathic remedies available in health food stores work quite well to relive symptoms, while more specific and lasting results can usually be achieved by seeing a doctor who practices homeopathy and can prescribe one of the over 10,000 homeopathic remedies specifically for you.

Physical Medicine & Exercise: Weight-bearing exercise is one of the most important components in the prevention of osteoporosis. This includes walking, running, aerobics, trampoline bouncing and weight lifting. In addition to bone mass benefits, research from the National Institute of Health shows that 30 - minutes of cardiovascular exercise, three times per week can improve you mood and sleep with results equal to taking prescription anti-depressants or sleep aids.

Mind / Body Counseling: The menopausal period is a time of changes and self-discovery. Consider seeking counseling if your mental/emotional symptoms do not allow you to function or enjoy your daily life.

Naturopathic Medicine as a Complement to HRT: In cases where a woman's ovaries have been removed or damaged surgically, conventional HRT may be indicated. In these cases, naturopathic therapies are aimed at reducing the risks of hormone therapy while enhancing overall health. Naturopathic physicians can also advise women about safer forms of estrogen and help improve hormone metabolism of estrogen and progesterone.

Know Your Options: I urge you to consult a naturopathic physician regarding your questions and concerns about menopause. Women deserve to know their options regarding this very normal life process.

Dr. Mitch Kennedy is a nationally board certified & licensed naturopathic physician who treats people of all ages. Dr. Kennedy is trained in three separate types of medicine: natural medicine, conventional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This insures that health problems are identified before they become chronic diseases and the every treatment opportunity is explored. Dr. Kennedy is on staff at the University of Connecticut Health Center and has a private practice in Avon, CT. You may reach his Avon office by calling (860) 673-9954, or visit www.healwithnature.com

Mitch Kennedy, ND, P.C. | Tel: (860) 679-8899 | Fax: (860) 673-4063