Menopause is defined as the natural cessation of menstrual bleeding which normally occurs at around age 52. About 80% of women experience some kind of symptoms at this time. These symptoms include hot flashes, abnormal uterine bleeding, vaginal dryness, headaches, and mood swings. Many of these symptoms are often at their strongest in the years before menopause, as there are dramatic fluctuations in hormone levels during this time.
Women today are realizing that, like childbirth, menopause is a natural occurrence rather than a disease. They may seek out natural ways to gently rebalance their systems rather than take strong medications prescribed by their doctor.
One very basic way to feel better during menopause is through diet. If you eat a diet rich in proteins, vegetables, and legumes, you will ensure that your body is getting the fuel it needs to function well. Healthy fats are the precursors to your female hormones, so it is important to eat good natural fats from both plant and animal sources. Sodas and excessive sweet consumption may aggravate osteoporosis. "Hot" foods such as garlic, ginger, onions, pepper, as well as acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes may make hot flashes worse. So if you're not feeling your best, look at your diet first!
The menopausal years are a particularly opportune time to begin a regular program of weight-bearing exercise such as walking, T'ai Chi, or low-impact aerobics. These types of exercise can help reduce menopausal symptoms and help to maintain bone mass, which prevents osteoporosis. They also help to maintain the health of your heart. This is an important consideration as heart disease rates go up in post-menopausal women. There's no better time to start exercising than right now, so start today!
For symptoms that do not respond to these measures, many women find that homeopathic remedies restore their well-being in a gentle yet effective manner. The best way to help yourself through your menopausal transition is to see a professional homeopath who can assess your unique situation and choose the appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic remedies are highly individualized and there are literally dozens of remedies that can be useful for menopausal symptoms, depending on your unique configuration of symptoms. Here are descriptions of two of the most important remedies for menopause that could be tried at home if the
Sepia, which is prepared from cuttle-fish ink, is useful for a state of menopausal depression where the woman just wants to be left alone. She feels very irritable, snappy, and indifferent even to people she normally cares about. Sex may also seem particularly abhorrent to her; however, a vigorous physical work-out may help her to feel better. Her periods may be early and heavy, with bearing down pains.
Lachesis, prepared from a bushmaster snake, is another useful remedy during menopause. A woman needing Lachesis may suffer from outbursts of rage or jealousy. Menopausal headaches, especially if they are left-sided, often respond well to Lachesis, as do hot flashes that seem to come on from sleeping. If a woman is still having periods, and feels great relief when the menstrual flow begins, this is another clue that Lachesis is called for.
The time around menopause can be very special as it marks another transition in the life cycle, much like puberty or child-bearing. Many women use this time to reflect on their lives and their goals and make adjustments where necessary.For further information on homeopathy for menopause, please listen to my lecture on the subject.