Menopause

What do humans and killer whales have in common? We are the only mammals that go through menopause. Menopause is not necessarily a “disease” but a natural transition that women go through as they age. Normally occurring in a woman’s 50s, menopause literally means the cessation of menstruation. Menopause is due to the loss of active follicles and subsequent decline of two female hormones, progesterone and estrogen. The reason women seek support for this natural stage of their life is that some women have distressing symptoms and the sudden drop in female hormones can be detrimental to bone and cardiovascular health. Most women will experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), frequent urinary tract infections, insomnia and memory issues at varying degrees. Some will even experience facial hair or hair loss. When these symptoms negatively impact quality of life, work and relationships, menopause can feel unmanageable and very much like a disease.

Naturopathic Treatment for Menopause

The current conventional medical model treats menopause through hormone replacement therapy (either bioidentical or synthetic estrogen and progesterone ). This approach is not appropriate for all menopausal women especially those with a personal or family history of female reproductive cancers such as breast and uterine cancer. For these women or women who want to avoid hormone replacement therapy as per their own personal choice, naturopathic medicine can be the perfect option for managing hot flashes and low libido, preventing weight gain and supporting bone and cardiovascular health in a natural holistic way. Naturopathic doctors offer various methods to help their menopausal patients transition with grace including:

  • Nutrition: Nutrition is a very important component in preventing and treating symptoms of menopause.  A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans (especially soy), nuts, healthy oils, and low in animal fat and refined sugar can be extremely beneficial. Your naturopathic physician can make specific recommendations that tailor diet to your individual needs.

  • Nutritional Supplements: The need for mineral, vitamin, or glandular supplementation may be indicated for some menopausal women.  Use of these supplements will be determined from the overall evaluation of physical, emotional and mental health.  Examples of nutrients naturopathic doctors may consider supplementing include calcium, magnesium, trace minerals, bioflavonoids, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

  • Botanicals: There are specific plant extracts called phytoestrogens that can help restore and balance hormones circulating throughout the body.  While phytoestrogens are much lower in strength than estrogen, many notice dramatic improvements in their menopausal symptoms within 1-2 weeks. Botanical medicines are prescribed and dosed based on the individual needs of the patient.  Furthermore, a comprehensive plan using other naturopathic approaches is usually incorporated with the use of phytoestrogen therapy.

  • Homeopathy: Homeopathic medicine is another successful natural therapy available for individuals with menopausal symptoms. A person experiencing mental and emotional problems, such as depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, anger, etc., homeopathy can offer dramatic relief and stability.  Remedies are made from a variety of sources, including plant, animal, and mineral substances.

  • Counseling: The menopausal period can often be filled with many changes and self-discovery.  Naturopathic physicians can provide referrals to counseling services within the Bastyr Center For Natural Health, or elsewhere if needed to assist in this process.  Many find that routine office visits provide them with a great deal of support and insight.  Physicians take the time to listen, understand, and try to help women through this transition.

Try These Herbal Remedies

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Also know as Pervuian ginseng, Maca has both adaptogenic properties for energy and memory and studies have show it can improve estrogen and progesterone levels in postmenopausal women. Maca can also help to promote weight loss and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

Black Cohosh(Actaea racemosa, syn. Cimicifuga racemosa)

Probably one of the best known herbs for menopausal women is black cohosh and there is a good reason; it is effective. Studies have shown black cohosh to be effective in relieving symptoms of hot flashes, insomnia and anxiety in menopausal women.

Siberian rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum) 

Siberian rhubarb has been shown to activate certain estrogen receptors so it can ease certain menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. In a 2 year clinical study, it was proven that Siberian rhubarb is effective in relieving not just hot flashes but also depression, anxiety and vaginal dryness associated with menopause.

Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum)

Flax seeds are rich in lignans with phytoestrogen properties. Phytoestrogens are plants that have estrogen like effects in the body so they have been shown beneficial in relieving menopausal symptoms. In one study, women were shown to have a dramatic reduction in menopausal symptoms within just 3 months of daily ground flax seed consumption.

Ready to transition through menopause with grace? Then schedule a naturopathic appointment with Dr Ivy.

Is Naturopathic Telemedicine effective for menopause?

Absolutely! Even before the pandemic Dr Ivy has offered virtual appointments to patients for various reasons including international and out-of-state patients, patients with small children, patients with mobility or transportation issues and patients preferring the convenience of having their appointments from their home or office.  These patients have been able to achieve the same results as Dr Ivy’s in-office patients as Dr Ivy uses:

  • A HIPAA compliant electronic medical records system called CHARM

    • Patients can upload past diagnostic and blood work as well as recommend additional testing including the DUTCH test for review.

    • Uses a private and secure version of Zoom.

  • An online Dispensary for patients to easily order physician grade herbs and nutrients that are quickly delivered to the patient.