Menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years, but can start early or later for a number of reasons. It signals the end of your childbearing years and, as the monthly periods become more erratic and eventually stop, the levels of ostrogen and progesterone fall.

Many women have no problems with this, whereas others experience troublesome symptoms. The most common complaints are hot flushes, headaches, irritability, slight depression, urinary tract infections, atrophic vaginitis (vaginal dryness), dry skin, slight hair thinning, low energy and libido, fluid retention, weight gain (due to the slowing down of the thyroid function), bone mass loss and, in some cases, osteoarthritis.

TREATMENTS 

The conventional treatment for these symptoms is to use a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in the form of pills, patches or creams. However, this is no longer considered a safe option.

In the Million Women Study, a long-term NHS-led research carried out in 2003, a significant risk of breast cancer was demonstrated by those taking combined HRT (oestrogen and progesterone). The researchers estimate that there have been 20,000 cases of breast cancer over the previous decade owing to HRT. It was also found that oestrogen-only treatments carried a significant risk of endometrial cancer.

Homeopathy is a safe and effective alternative, especially when used in conjunction with lifestyle and dietary changes, in the treatment of hot flushes, mood-swings, menopausal headaches and a host of other troublesome symptoms. Usually your homeopath will choose one or more remedies from a variety of natural sources, vegetable, animal and mineral. There are a few thousand remedies to choose from and the choice is highly individual, which is why it requires the expert help of a registered homeopath.

Diet and exercise are also very important. Increasing foods that contain natural phyto-oestrogens such as soya products and reducing protein in your diet can assist in the body's hormonal balance. Taking Vitamin E, fish oils and flaxseed may reduce hot flushes. Also, reducing hot, spicy foods can help. Drinking less caffine-rich drinks can reduce anxiety and palpitations.

Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or jogging, helps maintain the health of your bones. Swimming and yoga are very useful in maintaining joint mobility.

USEFUL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

 

SAGE - A popular herbal remedy for reducing hot flushes. Not Advised To Be Used By Women With Epilepsy.

BLACK COHOSH (Cimicifuga Racemosa) - Has properties in it which immitates oestrogen and is therefore useful in relieving hot flushes.

GERANIUM OR ROSE OIL in the bath can help with rebalancing the hormonal levels and tonicity of the womb.

GINSENG TEA - can also help with hot flushes.

PASSIFLORA TABLETS - may ease tension and anxiety. One to three tablets can be taken daily.

SEPIA 30c OR LACHESIS 30c can be taken twice a week for one month as a homeopathic support. This can help all symptoms of the menopause.