Menopause is the cessation of menstrual cycles for an entire year.  Surprisingly, in many cultures of the world, most women don’t experience the symptoms of menopause.  Our society, especially with media, negatively depicts aging and is in constant search of everlasting youthfulness.   Other cultures look forward to menopause as these women are perceived with greater respect and are a sign of a divine blessing and wisdom. 

The period that precedes this is called perimenopause.  Most people don’t realize that women can still get pregnant during this time. Women need to be reminded to use contraception at this time to prevent pregnancy. The most common symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, headaches, atrophic vaginitis, forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate.  The worst and most severe results of menopause are cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.  Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women in the United States. 

As women enter menopause their estrogen and progesterone levels decrease.  Since many plants contain estrogenic properties, one can increase these hormones by adding various plants to their diet.  These plants include fennel, flaxseed, soy, millet, barley, flaxseed, lentils, kidney beans, lima beans, rye, clover, fennel, garbanzo beans.  In other cases, botanicals can safely ensure that women continue to sleep through the night, uninterrupted by hot flashes and night sweats.  By balancing women’s hormones and addressing changes to their nutritional needs, women can continue to live an active lifestyle. 

Naturopathic Medicine allows women to manage their menopause symptoms naturally.  The most common natural remedy is black cohosh, cimicifuga racemosa.  Although the mechanism of action is unknown, it has shown to relieve hot flashes, lift depression and revitalize vaginal atrophy.  A dose of 40- 200mg per day should be taken in the form of capsules. 

One of the herbs that has the most scientific evidence supporting effectiveness is sage, also called salvia.  Sage works to prevent excessive sweating and it contains estrogens.  It is helpful with hotflashes and nightsweats.  Sage can be sprinkled in salads. 

Naturopathic Medicine allows women to manage their menopause symptoms naturally.

Bioflavonoids, including rutin and hesperidin can improve the vascular integrity and relieve capillary permeability.  They can bring relief for hot flashes as well as decrease risk for cardiovascular disease.  A mixed bioflavonoid complex can be taken at a dose of 2000 mg per day.  Citrus bioflavonoids are very safe and without side effects and can even be consumed during pregnancy.  They also do not react with any drugs.   

All of these products are available at FirstHealth of Andover, call the office (978)474-9994.

The best part of menopause is just that, the cessation of the period.  Many women in the United States are happy to have the days of menstrual bleeding along with cramps and mood swings behind them.  Women are encouraged to focus and nurture themselves at this time of their life. 

-- Dr. Tara Greaves, ND

.