CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, HOLISTIC PROTOCOLS

DEFINITION MENOPAUSE: 12 Consecutive months without a menstrual period, or no period after removal uterus and/or ovaries.

CAUSES Occurs when no eggs (aka follicles - the cellular housing of the eggs) remain in the ovaries. Results in reduced production of estrogen and progesterone. Pituitary gland thus increases its secretion of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). FSH and LH continue to secrete in large quantities after menopause, which causes ovaries and adrenal glands to secrete increased androgens. Androgens are converted to estrogens by fat cells of hips and thighs. This accounts for most postmenopausal circulating estrogen.

SYMPTOMS PERI-MENOPAUSE - Unpredictable estrogen production leads to irritability, anxiety, palpitations, poor sleep and memory, and hot flashes when estrogen production is too high..

SYMPTOMS, CONTINUED POST-MENOPAUSAL -“Retirement” of ovaries causes diminished estrogen production, resulting in symptoms of vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy or thinning, loss of sexual interest, muscle pain, fatigue, poor memory and hot flashes.

HOLISTIC PROTOCOLS

HERBAL PROTOCOLS Phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds) bind weakly to estrogen receptors and have a balancing effect on estrogen levels in the body. These include: Black cohosh, soy, red clover, and hops. These herbs have been shown to reduce hot flashes in post-menopausal women.

HERBAL PROTOCOLS A diet rich in calcium, vitamin B, vitamin E, and vitamin C is helpful for menopausal symptoms. Herbs rich in calcium include alfalfa, chamomile, cayenne, and chives. Herbs rich in vitamin E include alfalfa, dandelion, kelp, red raspberry and rosehips. Herbs rich in vitamin C include Alfalfa, burdock, catnip, cayenne, chickweed and dandelion.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY BENEFITS: HRT offers relief from menopausal symptoms and also offers a significant reduction in the development of osteoporosis for those at risk. RISKS: Increases a woman’s chance for developing cancer, especially breast cancer, and for developing gallstones and blood clots. For women with severe symptoms or those at risk for developing osteoporosis, HRT may be an option.

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES Bioidentical hormones are “derived from non- human sources but identical in molecular structure to human hormones.” Thought to be safer than synthetic or equine hormones, which are not identical to human hormones in molecular structure. Estradiol is a bioidentical hormone derived from plant sources that was recently patented.

REFERENCES November 13, 2009 article – Bioidentical Hormones for Menopause Symptoms Stirs Up Needless Fear. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, revised 2 nd edition, Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Nat 303, Menopause.