By Dr. Amy Davis MD
Menopause – “The Change of Life” typically occurs in the late forties or early 50’s. Symptoms of menopause start gradually and can be annoying to say the least. Stopping your period is great, but the rest can be a lot to deal with. There are various approaches that can help to manage the symptoms associated with this transition, making it much more manageable. The following suggestions are not comprehensive or specific to individuals. Work in partnership with your practitioner to find the right solution for you.
Typical symptoms and solutions may include:
- Irregular periods and eventually no periods – yeah!
- Sleep disruption –waking up in the middle of the night.
Natural sleep remedies containing herbs like passionflower, Valerian, Lavender etc. are available. 5-HTP, Magnesium and progesterone are often helpful for some women.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine – remove blue light sources (phones, computers – they keep you awake!) a hot bath with essential oils (lavender and tangerine are ideas) and Epsom salts and reading instead of TV watching. Reduced alcohol intake.
- Weight Gain (especially centrally) and difficulty losing weight despite the best efforts.
Regular activity – walking esp after meals, diet rich in vegetable (cruciferous ones for estrogen balance), fruits, fiber and healthy fats (avocado oil, olive oil)
- Hot flashes and night sweats – like a furnace within – Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Licorice Root, Rhubarb Root,
- Mood swings – especially irritability – Stress blockers like phosphatidyl serine and Ashwagandha (calming but not sedating). Consider mind body activities (yoga, meditation, breathing (Heart Math techniques), qui gong,
- Urinary symptoms – frequency, urgency and leakage – herbs like parsley, cranberry, saw palmetto, d-mannose
- Vaginal dryness and itching – lubricants, estrogen
- Loss of interest in sex – hormone replacement, DHEA, Maca, Red clover, Ginseng
- Loss of muscle mass and thinning of skin – DHEA and testosterone replacement
- Bone Loss – there are good natural supports available that contain the proper minerals, Vitamin D and Vitamin K2 to improve bones and reduce bone loss. A DEXA Scan is needed to determine if this may be needed.
- Brain Fog and Fatigue – trouble remembering words and names – maximize diet, nutritional (omegas, vitamins, and immune support).
Individualized therapy is very important. What works for one woman may not be appropriate or work for the next. Find a practitioner who is skilled in dealing with menopause symptoms who can help you find the right solution for you.
We are accepting new patients and would be happy to assist you to achieve a healthier life.
Dr. Amy Davis M.D.
Crossing Back to Health
485 Wildwood Parkway Suite 2
Ballwin, MO 63011
636 778-9158
www.crossingbacktohealth.com