Menopause Symptoms Are Common But Don’t Have To Be Your New Normal.
We know a lot about puberty and pregnancy. But, When it comes to menopause, many women are left in the dark. They assume they just have to accept the symptoms and carry on. But, that isn’t the case and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Your Naturopathic Doctor can recommend natural ways to reduce the symptoms of menopause and improve your quality of life.
Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. It is a normal and even healthy transition in a woman’s life. And yet, as many as 50% of women in Canada feel unprepared for menopause.
The hormonal changes that come with the end of ovulation and menstruation can cause a variety of symptoms to arise. Fortunately, a naturopathic approach to menopause offers women several different options to minimize uncomfortable symptoms, balance their hormones and move through this experience with greater ease.
![[Image] A letterboard sign with the caption “Manage your Menopause” on it. Plants, clocks, and capsules are scattered around it. [Text] “The biggest public misconception is that menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are trivial and short-lived. Menopausal symptoms are seen as something women have to endure, almost like a woman’s burden. Women need to know that they should not suffer in silence and that there are a range of options to help them.” – Dr. Wendy Wolfman, Director of the Menopause Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital, President of the Menopause Society of Canada](https://hfnc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/NOV-2022-IMAGE-1.png "NOV 2022 IMAGE 1")
Uninformed And Unprepared: That’s How Many Women Feel About Menopause.
Not only do many Canadian women feel unprepared for menopause, they feel embarrassed and uninformed. For a variety of reasons, the education and frank discussion that surrounds puberty and pregnancy has not been extended to include menopause. This causes many women to feel:
- Unable to speak to their healthcare professionals about the changes and symptoms they are experiencing
- Worried and stressed about their health as they approach and transition through peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause
- Disempowered by the lack of knowledge and resources available to help them make informed decisions about their physical and emotional health
The fact is that “the average Canadian woman will spend up to half of her life in a menopausal state – perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause.” So, knowing what is happening and how these changes can manifest as symptoms is an important first step toward taking a proactive role in your health and wellness.
A Natural Approach To Managing Menopause Starts With Understanding The Changes And Knowing The Symptoms
While there are many common symptoms experienced by women going through menopause, everyone has her own unique experience. For some, the symptoms are easy to navigate and don’t interfere with day-to-day life. For others, the symptoms of menopause can be severe and impossible to ignore.
![[Image] Woman holding a glass of water with a tired expression. She is visibly sweating through her grey shirt. [Text] According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada As many as 1 in 4 experience sever menopause symptoms and 3 out of 4 women experience menopausal symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.](https://hfnc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/NOV-2022-IMAGE-2.png "NOV 2022 IMAGE 2")
Common Symptoms Of Menopause
Because menopause is a transition, symptoms can manifest slowly over a long period of time. This can make them easy to miss or ignore. But, knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to connect with your healthcare provider.
Common signs and symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats and trouble falling or staying asleep
- Vaginal dryness
- Bladder control issues
- Decrease in sexual desire/arousal
- Mood changes and signs of depression or anxiety
- Joint and muscle pain
- Lack of energy
- Weight gain
There Are Natural Ways To Reduce The Symptoms Of Menopause (And Your Naturopathic Doctor Can Help!)
When you’re in a balanced state, menopause can be easier and more comfortable to navigate. Small but significant changes to your lifestyle and diet (including herbal supplements) can help to manage some of the common symptoms of menopause. And, treatments like acupuncture, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and IV Therapy can help restore balance, health and wellness. Your Naturopathic Doctor can help you to understand the changes that are happening, the symptoms those changes are causing and the treatment options available to you.
Herbs To Help Support You Through Menopause
Herbal teas, tinctures and supplements offer many benefits and can help to treat a variety of complaints, including hormone imbalance. Herbs are commonly thought of as vastly different from conventional medications. But, in reality, conventional pharmacological medications often have their origins among these same plants.
Some herbs commonly used to support balanced hormones and the symptoms of menopause include
- Black cohosh
- Red clover
- Vitex (commonly known as “chaste tree”)
- Humulus (hops)
- Melissa (lemon balm)
- Withania (Ashwagandha)
NOTE: It is advised not to start with any herbs before talking to your health care provider or a naturopathic doctor to avoid any interaction with your prescription medications
Acupuncture For Menopause
Acupuncture is designed to stimulate the flow of qi throughout the body. (Qi is the body’s natural life force energy as it is understood by Chinese Medicine.) Placing very fine needles in specific points along the energy channels, known as meridians, helps to remove blockages and increase the natural flow of energy to the body’s organs thereby supporting their proper function. For women experiencing menopause, acupuncture has been proven to reduce hot flashes, sleep issues and mood swings.
Dr. Richa Grover, ND can offer acupuncture treatments in the comfort of the Horizon Family Naturopathic Clinic.
BHRT For Menopause
When your hormones are in a balanced state, you can experience relief from both the physical and emotional symptoms that you might experience during menopause. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a treatment option that works to bring your hormone levels back into balance. Dr. Richa Grover ND can prescribe both transdermal and intra-vaginal BHRT treatments. The exact regimen will be determined after a consultation.
IV Therapy For Menopause
IV Therapy is a quick and efficient way to give your body the nutrients it needs to heal and reach a more optimal state of health. Each treatment can be tailored to your specific needs after consulting with Dr. Richa Grover, ND. For women experiencing menopause, some common additions to the IV solution include:
- Vitamin B6 to help the body produce serotonin and regulate your mood
- Magnesium to help with insomnia
- Folic acid to decrease the severity and frequency of hot flashes
- Glutathione to support healthy weight, quality sleep and to help ease hot flashes
The goals of IV Therapy treatment for menopause are to address the symptoms of menopause and generally improve the quality of your life.
A Naturopathic Doctor Can Support You Through Menopause With Natural Treatments To Reduce Symptoms And Restore Balance
Menopause is a normal and natural phase in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, it is one that many women don’t know enough about. This leaves them feeling unprepared and disempowered. Working with a naturopathic doctor can help you understand menopause and its symptoms. Your ND can also offer natural ways to reduce the symptoms of menopause and restore balance to your body’s systems. When you understand what is happening you can make informed choices and be an active participant in your own health and wellness.
If you are looking for a natural approach to managing menopause, don’t hesitate to book a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Dr. Richa Grover, ND.