Menopause
Description
Menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstruation. It is usually preceded by a gradual decline of the menstrual process; physiologic menopause is the normal decline in ovarian function due to aging.
Changes usually begin between the ages of 40 and 50 and is normally complete near age 55, at which time it is referred to as climacteric, the point which denotes the end of the woman's reproductive ability. Pathologic menopause, or premature menopause, is the gradual or abrupt cessation of menstruation before age 40. Severe infection and reproduction tract tumors are common causes of this condition. Both types of menopause may be accompanied by hot flashes, weakness and, in some cases, mental disease.
Treatment of menopause does not cure the condition; it is directed only towards the symptoms.
Causes
The primary cause of menopause is the decrease in estrogen levels due to declining ovarian function. Pathological factors, which may increase the chances for early onset, are:
Psychological Factors
Stress
Physical Factors
Vasomotor instability
Genital atrophy
Infection
Tumors of the reproductive tract
Malnutrition
Debilitation
Excessive radiation
Surgical procedures which impair the ovarian blood supply
Signs & Symptoms
Psychological Factors
Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Apprehension
Decreased concentration abilities
Lack of confidence
Insomnia
Physical Factors (specifically occur during onset)
Decrease in amount and duration of menstrual flow
Spotting
Episodes of amenorrhea and polymenorrhea
Other Physical Symptoms
Increased frequency of urination
Burning sensation during urination
Stress incontinence in the urinary tract
Dryness in the vagina
Hot flashes
Excessive perspiring, especially night sweat
Pounding heartbeat
Joint pains
Headache
Itching skin
Loss of skin elasticity and turgor
Increased facial hair
Decreased armpit and pubic hair
Decreased breast size
Onset of osteoporosis, since estrogen is involved in
calcium resorption in bones
Atherosclerosis (relation unknown)
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Women's Health
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | |
| Bioflavonoid | 100 - 500 mg |
| Brewer's yeast | 2 - 5 tsps |
| Calcium | 400 - 600 mg |
| DHEA* | |
| EPO | 1 - 3 g |
| Magnesium | 200 - 300 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 10 - 100 mg |
| Vitamin C* | |
| Vitamin E | 200 - 800 IU |
| Indole 3 Carbinol* |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Discussion:-
The most novel item on this list would probably be the multi-hormone: DHEA. For menopausal patients this could probably be obtained through prescription. It may also still be available over-the-counter at some health food stores, while the health food store would also, most likely, have the natural version from the Mexican wild yam (diascorea) which comes as a cream.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
No special dietary measures are prescribed for menopause. Menopausal women have nutritional requirements similar to those of younger women with one exception - when menstrual blood loss has ceased there is a decreased need for dietary iron.
A Dietary Goals Diet provides ample nutrients for building a sound and disease-resistant body. A woman who is in peak physical and nutritional health can cope with the endocrinal changes of menopause, as well as the physiological changes associated with aging.
Homeopathic Remedy
1. Lachesis mutus tinct. - 30C or 30X long term
2. Manganum aceticum - 30C or 30X long term
3. Sanguinaria canadensis - 30C
4. Amylenum nitrosum - 30C
Advanced, by symptom:
1. Low libido - Sepia.
2. Weight gain and panic attacks - Calcarea carbonica
3. Suspiciousness, tendency to talk too much - Lachesis mutus tinct..
Hot Flash (Menopause)
1.* Sulphur - 30C
2.* Sepia - 30C
3.* Sanguinaria canadensis
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Menopause - Female
Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Buchu
Dong Quai (Angelica)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Vitex
Wild Yam Plant (Dioscorea villosa)
Vaginal lubrication
Slippery Elm Bark
Andropause - Male
Ginseng
Sarsaparilla
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Panax Ginseng and Sarsaparilla, together, may help to rebalance male hormones.
Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa) extracts show as much as 80% response rate in the varying symptom complexes of (female) menopause.
Herbalist, David Winston, offers some specific symptoms:
| Black cohosh | Hot flashes due to low estrogen with muscle |
| aches, headaches, osteoarthritis and nervousness. | |
| Dong Quai | Hot flashes with constipation, vaginal dryness and |
| fatigue. | |
| Sage | Hot flashes with sweating & night sweats. |
| Vitex | Hot flashes with a sense of "skin crawling", dizziness and |
| depression. |
He also mentions both Black and Blue cohosh as being useful for uterine fibroids.
Dr. Tori Hudson has paired a number of botanical therapies with frequently reported ailments associated with menopause:
| Anxiety | Kava kava |
| Cardiovascular disease | Hawthorn |
| Depression | St. John's wort (Hypericum) |
| Insomnia | Valerian |
| Irregular bleeding | Vitex (as well as Black cohosh) |
| Memory loss | Ginkgo biloba |
| Nausea | Ginger |
| UTI | Buchu |
Chinese herbs are increasing in popularity in the West. They may be taken singly, or in combinations. They are also being added to Western compound formulas.
Dong Quai
Vitex
Newall has compiled a list of hormonally Active Herbs:
| Herb | Effect |
| Agnus Castus | Hormonal imbalance disorders |
| Alfalfa | Estrogenic, in vivo |
| Aniseed | Estrogenic |
| Bayberry | Mineralocorticoid |
| Cohosh, Black | Estrogenic |
| Fucus | Hyper-/hypothyroidism reported. |
| Ginseng | Estrogenic, human |
| Horseradish | May depress thyroid activity |
| Licorice | Mineralocorticoid activity, human. |
| estrogenic in vivo, in vitro | |
| Motherwort | oxytocic |
| Pleurisy Root | Estrogenic |
| Red Clover | Estrogenic in vivo |
| Saw Palmetto | Estrogenic and anti-androgenic in vivo, |
| human use in prostate cancer. | |
| Vervain | Inhibition of gonadotrophic activity |
| Wild Carrot | Estrogenic |
Zava has divided foods, herbs and spices between estrogen and progestin bioactivity:
| Estrogen | Progestin |
| Soy | Oregano |
| Licorice | Verbena |
| Red clover | Turmeric |
| Thyme | Thyme |
| Turmeric | Red clover |
| Hops | Damiana |
| Verbena |
Slippery Elm Bark was used as a vaginal lubricant by the Oklahoma Seminole tribe.
References:
Duker, E.M. et al., Effects of extracts from Cimicifuga racemosa on gonadotropin release in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats. Planta Med. 57 (5) (1991): 420-424.
Howard, JH & Lena, W: Oklahoma Seminoles: Medicines, Magic and Religion. U OK Press, 1984.
Hudson, T: Gynecology and Naturopathic Medicine: A Treatment manual., 2nd Ed.T K. Publications, Beverton Oregon. 1992.
Hudson, T et al., A pilot study using botanical medicines in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. National College of Naturopathic Medicine and Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, 1994.
Hudson, T: Naturopathic specific condition review: menopause. The Protocol J. of Botanical Medicine, Spring, 1996.
Winston, D: Eclectic specific condition review: menopause. The Protocol J. of Botanical Medicine, Spring, 1996.
Zava, DT: Estrogen and progetsin bioactivity of foods, herbs and spices. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 1998, 217:369-378.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Related Health Conditions
Aging
Atherosclerosis
Bleeding
Depression
Hot flash
Menstruation
Itching
References
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Albala C et al., Obesity as a protective factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord, 1996 Nov, 20:11, 1027-32.
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Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Blatt, MHG et al., Vitamin E and climacteric syndrome: failure of effective control as measured by menopausal index. Arch. Intern. Med. 1953, 91:792.
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Farrell, P.M. & J.G. Bieri. Megavitamin E Supplementation in Humans. American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 28. 1975.
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Heinerman, John. 1982. Herbal Dynamics. Root of Life, Inc.: Publ.
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Knight, DC & Eden, JA: A review of the clinical effects of phytoestrogens. Ob. Gyn. 1996, 87:897-904 (review).
Kryzhanovskii, G.N. et al: A-Tocopherol-Induced Activation of The Endogenous Opioid System. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, November 1989;108(11):566-567.
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