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Menopause
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WOMEN'S HEALTH |
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Menstruation
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WOMEN'S HEALTH |
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Hair/Nails/Skin
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A woman’s menopause is defined as the cessation of
menstruation for six to twelve months in older women.
In most
industrialized nations it is accompanied by
anxiety,
insomnia,
headaches, irritability, fatigue and vaginal dryness, not to mention hot
flashes, which 65-80% of American women will experience.
Conventional medicine view’s menopause as a disease in need of
treatment. A woman’s body ceases to produce sufficient amounts of
estrogen, one of the hormones thought to be responsible for the changes
that are taking place. The way to solve the problem, the current medical
model, is to supplement the deficiency.
Periodically, over the last ten to fifteen years, numerous studies, like
the Women's Health Initiative Study on "Effects of estrogen and
progestin on health-related quality of life" have surfaced revealing
that many of the wonderful claims regarding hormone replacement turned
out to be the figments of a drug company’s imagination. Women have
become even more confused regarding this ‘‘replacement’’ approach after
a national study had to be terminated midway due to a clear increase in
strokes, heart attacks, and
breast cancer in the hormone––treated
groups.
The use of hormone replacement therapy has major flaws. Although it can
provide symptomatic relief and some protection for women’s bones, the
list of the side affects, some of which are life threatening, is
tremendous. We need to investigate other options that can make the
menopause transition a smooth one.
questions to consider;
- First, why is it that women in industrialized
countries almost exclusively experience the complaints of menopause?
- Second, why do the majority of women in
indigenous cultures experience little, if any, symptoms?
Life of a woman in an indigenous society is one of physical exertion and
would be termed anything but sedentary. Scandinavian researchers found
that daily exercise can ward off hot flashes, while improving bone
density and energy levels. Enough could not be said regarding the
profound benefits that an exercise regimen can have. It is truly the
golden elixir for many of the problems that are ailing our society as a
whole.
Our diets differ radically from that of our indigenous counterparts.
Many of the nutritive substances that are contained in foods are removed
during their refinement and preparation process. We make a feeble
attempt at fortifying some of these foods. Many of these lost vitamins
and minerals are necessary for producing energy, protecting us from
heart disease and cancer, as well as maintaining bone density. Plants
contain many types of phytoestrogens and other which help
our bodies modify these phytoestrogens so we can use them safely.
Mineral rich foods that contain lignans, coumestans, isoflavones and
resorcylic acid lactones are what a women’s diet need to contain. These
are found in beans, fresh fruits and vegetables not in the processed
isle’s of your local supermarket. They can be found around the perimeter
where fresh unprocessed foods are put out to view.
This is where women
will find there first line of care. The more organic the better. If you
have the availability and resources by all means keep away from the
practices of petrochemicals (Xenohormones)
used in much of the food production today.
Check your intestinal flora most of the antibiotics and chemicals we
come in contact with kill our flora and leave us unable to break down
our food sources. The enzymes produced in the intestinal tract are
severely compromised, to counteract this eat organic yogurt, miso,
fermented soy or even take a good source of lactobacillus with an
enteric coating to get into your colon and past your stomach acid.
Watching the types of fats consumed, we would note a radical difference.
Many of the ‘‘good’’ fats found in nuts, seeds and fish are replaced by
the saturated fats of dairy and animal sources in the standard American
diet. ‘‘Good’’ fats are naturally anti-inflammatory as well as
cardiovascular protective, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Many
of these oils, like evening primrose, black currant, and flax seed oil,
have been used specifically for menopause-related complaints such as
vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Even when we use vegetable oils, we
often subject them to a process called hydrogenation to increase
shelf-life. The down side is that these oils are transformed molecularly
to resemble animal fats. We have not yet fully determined the long-term
effect hydrogenation has on our bodies.
After a review of all the data, soy seems to be a key ingredient in a
successful menopausal management diet, warding off hot flashes and other
complaints. The Chinese, whose menopause symptoms are rare, consume this
bean in their diet regularly. Soy can be consumed in the form of tofu,
roasted soy nuts, tempe, soy milk, and soy beans. Interestingly enough,
in those countries that consume large amounts of soy, osteoporosis is
also uncommon as well, despite the fact that cow’’s milk is rarely
consumed. Moreover, soy contains a type of protein that mimics the
body’s estrogen. However, unlike estrogen replacement therapy, which has
been linked to breast cancer, soy appears to be protective against this
common cancer. Other foods that contain similar components are fennel,
apples, rye, flax seeds and alfalfa.
It should be mentioned that the traditional medicines/herbs of the world
have much to offer in the way of effective therapies. Native Americans
have used black cohosh for many gynecological complaints. Black cohosh
has a very low side effect profile while providing excellent, clinical
results. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been treating hot flashes and
other menopause-related symptoms through the use of acupuncture and
herbal medicine for almost three thousand years. For example, dong quai,
licorice and chaste berries all contain components that mimic the body’s
own hormones. Another Chinese botanical is Gingko biloba. The leaf of
this tree received its fame for the ability to improve memory and
concentration. Gingko has also proven useful for cold hands and feet,
another common menopausal complaint.
The changes we can make to mimic an indigenous lifestyle and diet serve
as a gentle approach to managing menopause. These recommendations come
with few side effects and they have withstood the test of time.
Furthermore, the awareness of treatment options empowers women to make
an informed decision regarding her health.
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Disclaimer
This information is
provided for general medical education purposes only and
is not meant to substitute for the independent medical
judgment of a physician relative to diagnostic and
treatment options of a specific patient's medical
condition.
In no event will The DrEddyClinic.com be liable for any
decision made or action taken in reliance upon the
information provided through this web site.
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Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
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Fax. +66-53-436284
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