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Menopause is a natural phase in the life of a woman. While this phase is the end of a woman's fertile life (in the sense of procreation), it isn't the end of the fertility of her existence, actions and intellectual functions.
Even though menopause is not an illness as such, changes in the hormonal sphere can provoke significant vascular, nervous or metabolic problems. This period is often associated with troubles or disturbances of varying degrees that substantially call for a balancing treatment that accompanies it and adapts the body to its new state.
Many of these phenomena are discussed on this site under other titles (for example Decalcification - for osteoporosis and problems related to it - Palpitations - for tachycardia or heart function disturbances - Nervous System - for psychic and mental phenomena - and Insomnia).
On the other hand, since it is a physiological occurrence, there are some fortunate women who go through this stage without a single disturbance.
Natural therapies can help modulate this temporary phase in a female's life. These treatments are able to stop or limit the possible troubles before they become structured in such a way as to require drugs, substances that are not always respectful of a woman's general equilibrium.
Most of all, it might be helpful to know that, at the initial phase of menopause, some homeopathic dilutions of hormones, prescribed in accurate doses by a gynecologist or family doctor, can help to re-direct the feminine hormonal rhythm and delay the total disappearance of the menstrual cycle.< /p>
Suggested links for further supplement
From the list of illnesses discussed by the Karolinska Institutet of Stockholm, we suggest the pages dedicated to amenorrhea and the general description of the menstrual cycle and its possible alterations (Amenorrhea , Menstrual Cycle Dysfunction e Periods and Problems).
The Merck Manual gives a precise summary of the symptoms and signs that accompany a physiological condition such as menopause (Menopause).
Homeopathy
Hot flashes are one of the most typical symptoms that accompany the passage from the fertile period to menopause. They often respond favorable to a combination of various natural treatments.
It's useful to remember an important factor when homeopathic treatment is used to deal with the various phenomena that accompany menopause. If a basic remedy is found that corresponds well with the person as a whole (and this generally requires the aid of an expert homeopathic doctor), the treatment with that remedy will have a simultaneous action on all of the body's functions, making the use of additional medicines unnecessary.
This is particularly true with remedies such as Lachesis, Sepia and Graphites that an effective action of hot flashes as well as on osteoporosis and palpitations.
Where this isn't possible, one will have to settle for a "mixed" action on the various disturbances, choosing one or two remedies depending on the description that corresponds most accurately to the symptoms. This practice usually allows a patient to avoid or reduce to a minimum her use of hormonal or chemical preparations.
Lachesis 5 or 7 CH: 5 granules on an empty stomach for a period of one month or longer. This remedy is recommended when the hot flashes, accompanied by palpitations, are violent in the facial region, while the feet remain cold; when there is an intense desire for fresh air and a feeling of constraint in the neck region, to the extent that necklaces, collars, and turtlenecks cannot be tolerated. Usually, Lachesis is a good basic remedy for women who become irritable with and distrustful of others and who alternate periods of dejection and silence with periods of extreme loquacity and activity. They suffer from the cold but are bothered by direct sunlight and their sleep is often disturbed by nightmares and anguished dreams in addition to the hot flashes. If menstrual periods return, even occasionally, their disturbances seem to vanish.
Graphites 5 or 7 CH: the same dosage as for Lachesis. The hot flashes in this case are also accompanied by palpitations and affect the whole body. They are associated with sweating and occur mostly at night. Graphites is recommended as a basic remedy for women who are generally overweight, with a note of existential sadness. They are uncertain and melancholy from the onset of menopause and are similar to the Lachesis woman in the dejection phase, but with the difference that she often has skin problems (dermatosis, flaky skin and eczema) and the possible re-appearance of the menstrual cycle worsens her condition.
Sepia 5 or 7 CH: the same dosage as for Lachesis. Hot flashes, often accompanied by nausea, frequently occur at particular moments of the day, for example during digestion, physical exertion or in the morning upon waking. During menopause, the Sepia woman doesn't have new problems, but accentuates the already existing ones: a certain emotional indifference and mental fatigue that make her feel more tired than the day before, she cries easily when alone and refuses the help of others. On a physical level, she may have venous congestion in the legs and in the pelvic region, with a sense of heaviness in the lower abdominal area that can easily lead to hemorrhoids and cause bowel movement difficulty.
Carbo animalis 5 CH: 3 granules twice a day. Generally diffused hot flashes with a burning sensation and intense sweating all over the body.
Sanguinaria 5 CH: the same dosage as for Carbo or 5 granules per day on an empty stomach. The hot flashes at facial level cause the cheeks to become quite flushed and they often provoke a burning sensation in hands and feet.
Melilotus 5 CH: the same dosage as for Sanguinaria. Violent hot flashes on the face and head, redness diffused all over the face and a pulsing sensation on the neck.
Ayurveda
In traditional ayurvedic therapy, two products are usually prescribed for the treatment of menopause symptoms and are often used together. These substances, MA 938 and MA 939.are composed of a mixture of plants.
Both act upon hormonal regulation in various ways. After two years of treatment with the remedies cited above, another phyto-therapeutic mixture, MA 631 is usually prescribed in order to aid in hormonal re-organization during the transition phase. This product is part of the Rasayana ayurvedic remedies whose scope is to maintain a patient's well-being thanks to its specifically anti-oxidizing and anti-degenerative action.
Along with some substances that are also present in the two previously mentioned products, its formula also contains some plants that have a direct action on moods and physical energy.
All of these products are generally to be taken twice a day, one tablet before meals. Since some ayurvedic remedies may have contraindications, always consult a doctor before taking them.
Phyto-therapy and drainage
Numerous substances that are obtained from plants can help a woman during the menopause period. Some of these, particularly certain soy extracts, have a chemical structure and effects that are similar to those of the synthesized estrogens that are used for hormonal substitution therapy. These substances are called phyto-estrogens and they represent an absolutely natural alternative to this widely used practice (that has among its negative effects the increased risk of breast cancer).
Cimicifuga: most of the symptomatic manifestations associated with menopause are a direct consequence of the decrease in estrogens and the increase in the production of the luteinizing LH hormone. Among its principle effects, Cimicifuga (available in the product Cimifemin to be taken in the dosage of two capsules 2 or 3 times per day for six months) inhibits the production of the LH hormone without altering the follicle stimulating hormone FSH. This product must not be used in case of ulcerous colitis, pregnancy or cardiac illness.
Soy isoflavons: a group of substances (Genistein, Daidzein and others, contained in Soi-flav and Soiselect, to be taken in relation to the product formulation) that can be widely used as hormonal substitutes because they have a chemical structure that is very similar to that of estrogens and have the ability to stimulate the hepatic synthesis of these hormones. Since they are highly antioxidant, they represent an effective means of prevention for degenerative and tumor pathologies and cure of some kinds of carcinoma, particular that of the breast. In addition, according to some studies, they seem to have a preventive effective on osteoporosis. Contraindications: soy allergy, pregnancy (whether presumed or confirmed).
Salvia officinalis (Sage): can be used in the form of mother tincture (25- 30 drops, two times a day for extended periods), or an infusion can be prepared (3 large pinches added to a liter of boiling water and steeped for 10 minutes) and taken in the form of 2-3 cups per day. It has an excellent effect on the consequences of hot flashes and particularly on sweating.
Biancospino (Hawthorn): for a generalized action on circulation, drink an infusion prepared with a pinch of flowers and berries in a cup of boiling water that is steeped for 10 minutes. For an intense action on palpitations, glycerite extract of Crataegus oxyacantha 1 D ( Hawthorn) is useful in doses of 30- 50 drops twice a day. For an effective general relaxing effect and in order to limit anxiety without the loss of vitality, use liquid extract of hawthorn at a dosage of 5 -15 drops to be taken during the three main meals.
Eleutherococcus senticosus and Ginseng: these are the roots of two similar plants, the one that is most appropriate for the feminine typology. They both stimulate the adrenal glands with an action that resembles that of sage. The roots may be used for direct consumption, in small quantities each day or a decoction may be made (10 minutes with 0,5 g of root) and drunk once a day for 4 or 5 weeks followed by an equal period of rest. One may also use the mother tincture at the dosage of 20 drops twice a day, also in cycles. The same products may be used in tablet form ( 2 per day)
Oenothera bíennis oil (Enothera) contained in some pharmaceutical products (PMS, 1 tablet per day or Evening Primrose Oil, 3 drops per day), it is to be taken for periods of at least 3 to 4 months. Very useful for premenstrual swelling, it can also be used for resolving many conditions relating to menopause.
Trace elements
In order to help the body's transition to a new state, some trace elements can be useful in performing a regulatory action on the neurovegetative system, limiting some of the more common symptomatic expressions such as hot flashes, mood swings or weight gain connected with an increased tendency for fluid retention.
For a few months, a woman can take a daily measuring spoon of oxiprolinates in the following formulation: Zinc 60 ml, Copper 30 ml, Lithium 50 ml, Potassium 50 ml, Magnesium 60 ml, Pidobase 50 ml.
If the evaluation of the general situation by way of a Hair test analysis can help establish which minerals need to be supplemented, it is clear that this type of test can be useful in the prevention of osteoporosis, a very common risk for women in this phase of life.
However, if Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium are at proper levels in the diet, it may be sufficient to associate a mixture of Manganese-Cobalt and Zinc-Copper to be taken alternately in the quantity of 1 dose per day for 2 months, and then for two more months with a one month pause in between.
An even more effective strategy, especially for hormonal balance, is 1 measure per day of Zinc 60 ml, Copper 30 ml, Manganese 30 ml, Lithium 50 ml, Cobalt 30 ml and Pidobase 50 ml oxyprolinates. This therapy should be followed for 3 consecutive months, followed by 1 month of rest.
Vitamin therapy and dietary supplement
With regard to dietary supplementation, the same information given on this site for Decalcification is valid in this case. In addition, during menopause it can be useful to increase the intake of Vitamin B6 (from 50 to 100 mg per day, available as Benadon, ANTIS T/R, complex B) and Selenium, a trace mineral that is fundamental for all antioxidant functions (in other words, anti-aging and anti-degenerative). It can be found in various preparations (Selenox/Driaforce, Sodium selenite, 2 ml per day).
It's a good idea to use Selenium as a supplement because it is a substance that is relatively scarce, at least in the Italian territory, but it is also important for the organization of the reciprocal balance of some minerals such as Phosphorus, Calcium and Magnesium.
Additional useful supplements are other vitamins from the B group like B1 and B6 (thiamine and pantothenic acid, contained in products discussed earlier) and Zinc (Zinc oxyprolinates 50 ml and Pidobase 10 ml, 1 measure per day, Multiminerals), which is already being introduced if the Zinc-Copper trace element or a similar oxyprolinate is being used.
Dietology
Often, a few simple and constant supplements are sufficient to stay healthy during this period of change. For example, at breakfast one can add 2 tablespoons of ground wheat (or other whole grain cereal) to yogurt or milk. This makes it easy to supplement a large part of the vitamins that were mentioned in the paragraph above at a very low cost that is compensated by substantial benefits.
If one reduces her intake of animal proteins and substitutes them with soy derivates, numerous studies claim that this has a protective effect on cholesterol values as well as on some common pathologies. In fact, illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and osteoporosis have a marked incidence from menopause onward. Soy (due to its peculiar content of natural phytoestrogens, see the section on Phytotherapy) also has many positive effects on the symptoms related to menopause
Other foods, such as soy lecithin and cold-pressed oils, guarantee an advantageous natural supplement of vitamin F.
Phosphorus is important for maintaining a balance between calcium, magnesium and vitamin D and it's found in meta, fish, chicken, eggs, dairy products and dried fruits (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds). If a person is interested in following a diet during this period that is poor or void of animal proteins, she should integrate her diet with some of these foods.
- The necessary amount of calcium will come from milk, yogurt, cheese, sesame seeds, soy flour and fish in general.
- Magnesium is found in large-leafed green vegetables and brewer's yeast.
- Good sources of vitamin E are leafy green vegetables, whole grain cereals, wheat germ and olive oils and peanuts.
- Vitamin D can be found in fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, while vitamin B6 is found in beef, liver, whole grain cereals, wheat germ, soy and dried fruits such as walnuts and almonds.
- Vitamin C on the other hand is found not only in citrus fruits, but also in rose hips, spinach and tomatoes.
- For additional suggestions, see the Food Tables.
Well-being zones
Self-massage of two zones of the foot can be of significant help in hormonal and general re-balancing, in addition to having a positive effect on sweating.
The first zone is located on the inside of the ankle, the area that surrounds the malleolus from the back, almost at the sole of the foot. Massage the entire area with the thumb, applying firm, soft pressure back and forth for about 1 minute. Since this is a quick and easy massage, do it often throughout the day. If you are constant and do this massage over time, you will soon notice that these few minutes a day that you dedicate to yourself will be very productive.
The other area to massage is a stimulus point of the adrenal gland that has an excellent general toning action. This point (1R in Chinese acupuncture) is to be treated with bare feet and it is located exactly in the cavity that is created on the sole of the foot, a few centimeters behind the second toe when the toes are flexed with force. In the morning, upon waking, apply firm pressure with the nail of the index finger or thumb and maintain the pressure for thirty or forty seconds.
Physical fitness
During the day there are infinite ways to devote some time to an exercise plan to improve one's physical and mental condition.
If we consider the fact that osteoporosis pain in eighty year old, wheel-chair confined women was reduced when they exercised, it's well worth the trouble to get out and move while we're still able to walk.
During menopause (but also before and after), there are many advantages to be gained from a few minutes each day of bland exercise (from stretching while in front of the television to walking at a brisk pace, but also light gymnastics, swimming, cycling) as well as more structured techniques of movement like the Feldenkrais Method or yoga. (Also see Good health walks with a brisk step and Learn to run.).
Besides being perhaps the most important natural approach for the prevention and cure of osteoporosis (it's very sad to see people who don't even take a step or who take several different medicines for this illness), physical exercise, especially when accompanied by exposure to sunlight and the desire to care for oneself, is an important aid for curing depression and insomnia.
Sexuality in the second part of life
Although the sexual response tends to change as the years go by, many women continue to be sexually active even in their older years, with many advantages.
A few years ago a study conducted on postmenopausal women demonstrated that sexual activity helps to maintain partial ovarian activity and reduce irritation and the signs of vaginal ageing.
The American Menopause Foundation, on the other hand, also considers gratifying sexual activity as an acceptable treatment for hot flashes, nocturnal sweating, insomnia and the general discomfort that some women experience in menopause.
Of all of these benefits would seem to stem from a release of oxytocin, a hormone that is able to relieve headache and increase the production of estrogens. Some authors also claim that sexual activity stimulates the immune system and helps to burn calories.
Although some women discover their sexuality only in this period of life, it is also true that for others the desire may become less urgent and arousal may take longer. On the other hand, the sexual act is not the only means of expression in an encounter: there remains the pleasure of reciprocal loving contact. Instead of giving up when the first problems arise, many couples can learn to extend their concept of sexuality by introducing more daily physical contact in the form of hugs, warm baths together and reciprocal massages.
If the difficulties that arise still seem insurmountable, for example because the vaginal wall is too delicate and becomes easily irritated, a consultation with a gynecologist can help to find an appropriate solution.
The limits of self-therapy
An extensive evaluation of one's state of health is always the result of an accurate cooperation between a woman and her doctor, a cooperation that often leads to the identification and resolution of the underlying causes of one or more ailments.
Among the various consultation services offered by the specialists at SMA, for example, where necessary, even classic hormonal substitution therapy can be taken into consideration along with, or instead of, the natural therapies that have been described
This approach allows the doctor to go beyond the treatment of a symptom (for example, hot flashes) and find the way to make the woman who came to him for help feel better in general
Even though many of the discomforts of menopause (remember, it is and must be considered a physiological and natural phase) can be approached in a serene way by every woman, even with the help of self-therapy, some aspects must be kept in mind.
In particular it's necessary to try to understand up to what point that which is happening to one's body is "normal". When something happens that is intensely different from the usual conditions that one has experienced, a consultation with a doctor to perfect or improve one's self-cure program is always a protection against useless risks.
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