Menopause – Life Changing?

For many women the menopause can be life changing, it can denote emotional confusion as well as many physical symptoms too. As women come to the end of the supply of eggs that she is born with, women can then feel a sense of loss, as she is no longer able to have children, she may feel less attractive and also a sense of inadequacy can be experienced by some women and they may feel they have lost their identity as a woman.

The physical symptoms that women may experience can also be quite debilitating. The most common are the hot flushes and night sweats. For each individual case the severity can range from slight flushes occasionally, to full body, every 5 minutes. They can start suddenly, sometimes they will start at your feet and then rise up through the body, sometimes your face will redden. These flushes can also be accompanied by feelings of nausea and dizziness.

The cause of hot flushes is not fully understood, although one theory is that changes in your oestrogen level may affect your hypothalamus the gland that controls body temperature, therefore making your body think it is too hot, the response is to cool the body down by sending blood to the skin (reddening of face and neck) and causing the hot flush.

Other symptoms can include vaginal dryness, mood swings, reduced libido, osteoporosis, bloating, weight gain, hair loss/thinning and headaches.

Women who struggle with many of the symptoms above are prescribed HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) by their GP’s.

HRT can be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of the menopause, unfortunately when women stop taking the HRT, symptoms can return for a time meaning they made need to go back onto HRT at a lower dose. However HRT has also been shown to be beneficial in helping to lessen the effects of osteoporosis in menopausal women.

There are other natural substances and dietary changes that can be taken alongside HRT to allow you to experience a more comfortable menopause. You can if you wish go through the menopause without using HRT and just use dietary advice and alternative natural therapies. There are many more treatment options now available for menopausal women

Homeopathy is one of the alternative options available for women suffering with menopausal symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies are specifically tailored for the individual so it is possible to treat symptoms therapeutically and support other key organs.

Black Cohosh: Is a particularly good remedy for night sweats and hot flushes

Agnus Castus: Good for balancing the hormones.

Sage: Also effective in controlling night sweats and hot flushes

Milk Thistle: This is very good for supporting the liver

There are many other homeopathic remedies that are very effective in balancing the hormones, and helping to relieve the symptoms of the menopause, as mentioned they are prescribed on an individual basis.

Dietary changes can also help with symptoms, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol intake will help with hot flushes and night sweats.

Omega 3 fatty acids, less refined and processed food, fresh vegetables and supplements Vit E, Vit B and Vit C can all aid in an easier menopause.

For an informal chat on how homeopathy can help with your menopausal symptoms and any other help with hormonal imbalance issues you may be experiencing.

By Michelle J White