AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2002



MENOPAUSE - TIME FOR A CHANGE

Recent research has highlighted – yet again – the risks of the long-term use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). As a result, increasing numbers of women are exploring natural alternatives to alleviate the uncomfortable and often distressing symptoms accompanying the menopause, for example:

  • Hot flushes, Night sweats and Chilliness
  • Vaginal dryness and Atrophy
  • Depression, Anxiety and Low self-esteem
  • Insomnia, Palpitations
  • Thinning, Slow-to-heal and Itching Skin
  • Hypertension and Migraine
  • Forgetfulness and Poor Concentration.


    • Although disturbing, these phenomena are transitional whilst the body adjusts to the dwindling production of oestrogen/hormones by the ovaries and a high level of luteinising hormone from the pituitary gland. Once the adjustment to a lower hormonal level has taken place, symptoms will cease, although the transitional phase may last from two to as much as 10 years.

    Western medicine has long viewed the menopause as a “deficiency disease” which needs to be treated with oestrogen and progesterone supplementation. HRT has been seen as a universal panacea, a solution to all menopausal problems from osteoporosis to aging skin, a view supported by the media, which intimates that HRT will give women the energy of a spring chicken and the libido of an adolescent. However, although HRT can alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms associated with the menopause, results from clinical trials and individual accounts are not at all reassuring. It is important to remember that the menopause is a natural stage of a woman’s life and not an illness; that there are safer and more natural methods of smoothing the menopausal passage.



    NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO HRT

    Research studies have compared the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture with HRT medication. Women using TCM, together with acupuncture, have consistently experienced remarkably positive results, with none of the unpleasant side effects often experienced by women using HRT.



    "THE DEW OF HEAVEN"

    According to TCM, menopause occurs when the decline of spleen function and kidney essence together result in the body’s inability to create a monthly superabundance of blood we call menstruation. The Chinese view is that ‘the dew of heaven is drying up’.



    "MANAGING MENOPAUSE"

    How we respond to the three stages of menopause - pre-menopause, peri-menopause and post-menopause (when periods cease) - can also be constitutional, affected by nutrition, exercise, stress and other lifestyle issues. So, as well as TCM and acupuncture, it could also be helpful to observe the following:

  • No smoking
  • Additional supplements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron, vitamin D etc.
  • Additional essential fatty acids and unsaturated fats, additional fibre
  • Additional anti-oxidants: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds
  • Reduce alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, red meat, salt
  • Carry out weight-bearing exercise and
  • Relaxation techniques such as meditation, t’ai chi chuan and yoga