Menopause is a natural event in a woman's life occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 when her ovaries cease to produce eggs, hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone among others) decline, and menstruation has not occurred for the length of one full year.
Symptoms of menopause include:
o Hot flashes and skin flushing
o Night sweats
o Insomnia
o Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
o Cessation of menstrual periods for the period of one year
o Spotting of blood in between periods
o Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
o Decreased sex drive
o Vaginal infections
The long-term effects of menopause include:
o Bone loss and eventual osteoporosis
o Changes in cholesterol levels and greater risk of heart disease
TESTS
Blood and urine tests can be used to measure hormone levels that may indicate when a woman is close to menopause or has already gone through menopause. Examples of these tests include:
o Estradiol
o FSH
o LH
A pelvic exam can also determine whether there are changes in the vaginal lining caused by changes in estrogen levels. A bone density test may be used to measure low bone density levels which would indicate osteoporosis.
For many years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the main treatment for menopause symptoms. It was believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and bone fractures from osteoporosis. However, the results of a major study, the Women's Health Initiative has led physicians to revise their recommendations. We do not recommend chemical HRT. It was found that risks for breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots greatly increase with the use of chemical HRT.
o Using estrogen/progesterone bioidentical regimens
o Having frequent and regular pelvic exams and pap smears to detect problems as early as possible.
o Having frequent and regular physical exams, including breast exams and mammograms.
ALTERNATIVES TO HRT
The good news is that you can take many steps to reduce your symptoms without taking hormones:
o Dress lightly and in layers
o Avoid caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and spicy foods
o Practice slow, deep breathing whenever a hot flash starts to come on (try taking six breaths per minute)
o See an acupuncturist
o Use relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi, or meditation
o Eat soy foods
o Remain sexually active to preserve elasticity of your vagina
o Perform Kegel exercises daily to strengthen the muscles of your vagina and pelvis
o Use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse
To lessen or eliminate some of the symptoms that accompany menopause and reduce your risk of long-term health problems like osteoporosis and heart disease:
o Do not smoke -- cigarette use can cause early menopause
o Exercise regularly to strengthen your bones. Take calcium and vitamin D
o Eat a low-fat diet
o Control stress
If you show the early signs of osteoporosis, speak with your doctor or homeopath about medications and healthy solutions that can help halt further bone loss, control blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors associated with heart disease.
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