Description
Women’s reactions to menopause vary widely. Some enjoy the change, while others suffer from problems like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, and mood swings, often for years. But if a woman is healthy, active, and well-nourished, her adrenal glands will usually respond to menopause by creating precursor hormones such as Pregnenolone and DHEA, which are then converted into estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. And if she takes natural steps to encourage this process, it is likely that she can avoid harsh and possibly dangerous medications altogether.
The days of routinely prescribing synthetic estrogen, a synthetic progesterone, or both, should be over. Several studies, including the well-publicized Women’s Health Initiative Study, which involved more than 16,000 women, concluded that the “benefits did not outweigh the risks” of using the combination of synthetic estrogen (Premarin) and synthetic progesterone (Provera). A significantly increased incidence of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease stopped this study short of its completion.
When menopause is brought about by a hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries, natural hormone replacement therapy may be necessary to counter the sudden depletion of estrogen and progesterone and the resulting bone loss.
We believe that every woman must be addressed individually. Optimally, it is best to get a hormone test done to find out which hormone imbalances you may have. Saliva testing is a good option. For women with mild to moderate symptoms of menopause, it is generally recommended in functional medicine to use diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements, especially herbal and homoeopathic remedies alleviate these symptoms. The beauty of this approach is that these natural supplements balance the hormones without the use of risky pharmaceuticals. In addition, the use of natural progesterone appears to be very safe and effective when a stronger approach is needed.
For women with extreme symptoms that are unresponsive to nutritional supplements, the use of natural hormone replacement may be required. This is particularly true of women who had their ovaries removed at an early age or for others with moderate to severe osteoporosis. This is, of course, best done with a doctor who is knowledgeable in natural hormones.
SYMPTOMS of Menopause that may be mild or extreme
Cessation of periods
Hot flashes
Vaginal dryness and thinning
Night sweats
Insomnia
Dizziness
Heart palpitations
Headaches
Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
Cold hands and feet
Reduced libido
Bladder problems, including incontinence
Mood swings
Depression and anxiety
Fatigue
Joint pain
Skin changes (acne, facial hair, scalp hair loss)
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone get much more press than cortisol and adrenaline do, even though they’re far less likely to adversely affect your health. It’s true that the amounts of these hormones in the body change during the transitional period of perimenopause, and sometimes that shift causes uncomfortable symptoms.
Fatigue, insomnia, low libido, mental sluggishness, irritability, and hot flashes – particularly when they interfere with sleep – do not have to be a part of the perimenopausal or menopausal experience. You can reduce these symptoms naturally with a minimal amount of outside hormonal help when necessary.
In order to fully support your body to deal with your Menopause response, here are Dr Parry’s Recommendations for a complete treatment For more information on each of these supplements please visit the links below.
