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Newsletter
Naturopathic Approaches to Menopause
by Dr. Cindy Quach, BSc. ND
Contrary to what the general public may think, it is important to first point out that menopause is neither a “disease” nor a “medical condition.” It is simply a normal phase in every woman’s life cycle just as infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood are different stages of a normal development. Although the average age of onset is usually 52, women as young as mid thirties may start to show menopausal symptoms depending on the health of their endocrine system.
The gradual process in which the ovaries start to reduce their production of female sex hormones spans over a period of 10-15 years prior to the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. This transition phase is termed perimenopause.
Menopause, by definition is the permanent cessation of menses for 12 consecutive months. Anything else afterwards is termed post menopause. Symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, poor memory, and weight gain may be experienced during perimenopause and even into menopause.
It is important to first rule out any possible underlying pathological causes of these symptoms before diagnosing and treating the patient for menopause. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, adrenal exhaustion, and ovarian pathologies can present with overlapping symptoms to menopause. It is not uncommon for a misdiagnosis to be made if the proper diagnostic work up is not done appropriately.
A good work up is crucial to trace the root cause of your symptoms in order to get a true cure. Your ND may suggest additional hormone panels and other blood work as well as imaging studies to get an accurate diagnosis on your case.
Managing Menopause Lecture
 
Description
Menopause is not a disease, but rather a natural milestone in every woman’s life.
In this evening seminar, Dr. Quach unravels the causes of those unpleasant symptoms and teaches you natural ways to combat hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, memory problems and many others. Students will also learn about natural alternatives such as Bioidentical Hormones versus conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Once it has been determined that the patient is indeed going through menopause, the next step is to alleviate those uncomfortable and annoying symptoms associated with menopause; whether it be the infamous hot flashes or the drenching night sweats, for example. There are many evidence based natural medicines and approaches that are effective in providing relief, such as Chinese and western herbs, phytoestrogen containing foods, and acupuncture. The selection of specific treatments is dependent upon individual circumstances. No one person is alike in this transition.
Taking this one step further, it is important to ensure all preventive measures are in place such as a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) score to monitor baseline and future bone status, a comprehensive cholesterol panel to assess cardiovascular health, and a careful examination of one’s family history of cancer, especially breast and colon cancer. Due to the decline in estrogen at menopause, women with a positive family history of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are recommended to get them monitored and supported throughout this aging process.
Based on these results, naturopathic treatments and approaches such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercises; smoking-cessation, high fiber diets, flaxseed supplementation; and relevant anti-oxidants can be appropriately prescribed to reduce risks of developing any possible cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis.
Here are some tips to help lessen those unpleasant menopausal symptoms:
1. Eat a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale). You should have at least two half-cup servings per day. Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, important nutrients for maintaining balanced hormones in our liver while reducing our risk of breast cancer. Be sure to lightly cook these cruciferous vegetables for best results. Add flax seeds, fennel, chickpeas, and lentils to your diet for their hormone-balancing action.
2. Walk briskly and swing your arms. Walking briskly every day for 30 minutes cuts hot flashes by 50%, while improving your heart and bone health at the same time.
3. Consult with your ND for natural supplements that can reduce night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, heavy erratic periods, mood swings, weight gain and sleep disturbance. For example : black cohosh, dong quai, vitex, gamma oryzanol, hesperidin, and fish oils.
4. Eat breakfast everyday. Over 40% of women do not eat breakfast. Research has shown that women who skip breakfast are at a higher risk of heart disease than those who eat breakfast regularly. Eating a protein-rich breakfast ensures that you have adequate
amino acids to make the mood enhancing and sleep inducing serotonin.
5. Reduce stress in your life. Have a massage at least once a month. Start looking after yourself. Do one thing you love to do at least once a day. Tell your loved ones you “need” extra love, attention and help. It is OK to ask.
6. Address any underlying thyroid and adrenal imbalance or gut flora disturbance like Candida albicans and be sure to cleanse and support the function of the liver and colon.
7. Ask your MD for a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to check your bone density. DEXA is the gold standard for determining osteoporosis.
8. Enjoy sexual intercourse twice a week to prevent vaginal atrophy and to maintain high levels of immune function.
9. Look at menopause as a beginning rather than an end. Try things that you have always wanted to do but had no time for when you were raising young children and building your career.
To register online for lectures or cooking classes simply click on any of the courses. Check the event calendar to see all our classes, special events, and schedule updates!
Copyright ©2012, Avisio Naturopathic Clinic, Dr. Cindy Quach BSc. ND, All Rights Reserved.
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