Managing Menopause Naturally

In the West the Menopause is often considered as a negative and there has been a lack of information available, leaving many women feeling a little lost. In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Menopause is considered a time when a woman ‘moves into wholeness’. It is the opportunity to discover a new sense of purposes and find new ways to embrace life. At any one time it is estimated there are around 13 million women in the UK who are either Peri-Menopausal or Post-Menopausal, when eggs are no longer released and periods stop completely. These changes can start anywhere from the early 40s onwards.

Menopause is the transition from the reproductive to the non-reproductive phase of life. The onset of Peri-menopause causes changes to occur in the hormone levels. Oestrogen, produced primarily by the ovaries and progesterone, involved in the menstrual cycle start to decline. For some women this change can be smooth with little or no side effects, whilst for others it can cause a host of symptoms including hot sweats, weight gain, anxiety, reduced libido, low mood and loss of confidence.

Good nutrition, regular exercise and good sleep habits are all important in helping to manage Menopausal symptoms. There are also a number of foods, herbs and supplements that can help to alleviate symptoms. These include:

Vitamin E. This is a key nutrient because it helps to stimulates production of Oestrogen and can help with hot flushes.

Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis) comes from a flowering plant that is native to central and eastern North America. Its seed oil has been used to support hot flushes and to treat bone loss.

Red Clover (Trifoloum pratense) is a herbaceous flower and a rich source of isoflavines, which function in a similar way to the hormone Oestrogen. It can help with hot flushes, night sweats and bone loss.

Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) is also known as linseed and contains compounds that function in a similar way to Oestrogen. It is sometimes used to alleviate hot flashes and bone loss. They are also nutrients dense and high in fibre, so can support a healthy diet.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) is an Asian herb that is related to celery, carrot and parsley. It is often referred to as ‘female ginseng’ and is frequently used in Chinese medicine to support women’s health. It can help with hot flushes if used in conjunction with other herbs such as red clover or chamomile.

Please consult your GP if you have any underlying health conditions and are taking medications before introducing any supplements.