Navigating menopause can be a complex journey. Determining the most suitable treatments for your body adds an extra layer of difficulty. Are you contemplating pharmaceutical options like hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants, or are you leaning towards natural relief methods for menopause?
Typically occurring in the 50s, menopause signifies the end of menstruation, triggered by the depletion of active follicles and a subsequent decline in two crucial female hormones—progesterone and estrogen. While menopause is a natural process, some women undergo distressing symptoms, and the abrupt reduction in female hormones can have adverse effects on bone and cardiovascular health. Many women encounter symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), urinary tract infections, insomnia, and memory issues, each to varying degrees. In some cases, women may even experience facial hair growth or hair loss. When these symptoms significantly impact quality of life, work, and relationships, menopause can feel overwhelming and akin to a health condition.
Naturopathic Approaches to Menopause Management
The current conventional medical approach to menopause involves hormone replacement therapy, using either bioidentical or synthetic estrogen and progesterone. However, this approach may not be suitable for all menopausal women, especially those with a personal or family history of female reproductive cancers. For these individuals or those opting to avoid hormone replacement therapy, naturopathic medicine offers a holistic and natural alternative for managing symptoms like hot flashes, low libido, weight gain, and supporting overall health. Naturopathic doctors employ various methods to help women transition through menopause gracefully, including:
Nutrition: A crucial component in preventing and treating menopausal symptoms involves adopting a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, soy, nuts, and healthy oils while minimizing animal fat and refined sugar. Naturopathic physicians tailor dietary recommendations to individual needs.
Nutritional Supplements: Some menopausal women may benefit from mineral, vitamin, or glandular supplementation based on an overall evaluation of physical, emotional, and mental health. Examples include calcium, magnesium, trace minerals, bioflavonoids, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.
Botanicals: Naturopathic doctors utilize plant extracts called phytoestrogens to restore and balance hormones. These extracts are gentler than estrogen but often yield noticeable improvements in menopausal symptoms within a few weeks.
Homeopathy: Homeopathic medicine can provide relief from mental and emotional challenges associated with menopause, such as depression, irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. Remedies are derived from various sources, including plants, animals, and minerals.
Counseling: Menopause is a period of change and self-discovery. Naturopathic physicians may offer referrals to counseling services to support women through this transition.
Herbal Remedies for Menopause
Consider incorporating these herbal remedies into your menopause management plan available over the counter at most health stores – please avoid Amazon at all cost!
1. Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa): Widely recognized for its potential to alleviate hot flashes, black cohosh is a herbal remedy that has been studied for its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and intensity of these menopausal symptoms.
2. Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage has traditionally been used to manage hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. Some studies suggest that sage may help regulate body temperature and reduce the severity of hot flashes.
3. Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis): Commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is believed to have estrogen-like effects that may help alleviate hot flashes. It is often included in herbal formulations targeting menopausal symptoms, including those related to temperature regulation.
4. Flax Seeds (Linum usitatissimum): Rich in lignans with phytoestrogen properties, flax seeds have been shown to significantly reduce menopausal symptoms within three months of daily consumption.
***When considering the above remedies, use them at your discretion. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any remedies to ensure they are tailored to your specific constitution and needs.
Naturopathic Telemedicine for Menopause
Yes, naturopathic telemedicine is effective for managing menopause. Dr. Reem has been offering virtual appointments even before the pandemic while working at other clinics, allowing patients to achieve the same results as in-office visits from the convenience of their own homes! The use of a HIPAA-compliant electronic medical records system, secure Telehealth system, and a third party certified online dispensary for ordering physician-grade herbs and nutrients ensures a seamless and confidential experience for patients, whether local or international. Dr. Reem collaborates with compounding pharmacies in California to create tailored hormone replacement therapies. Additionally, she can facilitate prescriptions through your insurance at conventional pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid, Safeway, exclusively within California.
