Description
Menopause is commonly
defined as the cessation of the menstrual cycle in women for a
period of one year and typically occurs between the ages of 40 and
55. Perimenopause is
the transition period prior to and during menopause, while postmenopause refers to
the period of time following menopause.
Common conditions
associated with menopause include:
- Hot
flashes
- Loss of
libido
- Memory
loss
- Inability to
concentrate
-
Insomnia
-
Osteoporosis
- Cold hands and
feet
- Anxiety /
irritability
-
Depression
-
Headaches
- Atrophic
vaginitis
It is unclear whether
the symptoms of menopause are a natural part of aging. It is interesting to note
that women in many cultures around the world do not experience them,
even though they have hormonal patterns similar to women in
industrialized countries.
Dietary and/or environmental factors may play a significant
role in the development of these symptoms.
Causes
Primary:
- Changing hormone
levels as the result of no longer ovulating
Factors that can worsen
symptoms:
-
Smoking
- Nutrient
deficiencies
- Toxin exposure -
e.g., heavy metals
- Physical
inactivity
My Treatment
Approach
- Shift to an
anti-inflammatory diet.
- Supplement to help
manage symptoms and avoid deficiencies, e.g.:
-
Vitamins
-
Minerals
-
Essential fatty acids
-
Herbals
- Avoid future
toxin exposure, and safely / properly reduce existing toxin levels
in the body.
- If smoking, try to
stop on your own or join a smoking cessation
program.
- Incorporate regular,
moderate exercise.
- Optimize sex hormone levels using
bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.