Due to the concerns with Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) use, it is understandable that the transition into menopause is a time where many women may seek out complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Of course the holistic approach incorporates diet and lifestyle modifications, exercise and mind-body techniques. Unfortunately for many women these protocols commonly only offer minor benefit. For centuries across many cultures the use of medicinal herbs have been an accepted and welcome practice.
A Herbal Approach
A unique, proprietary blend of herbal extracts has shown positive results for alleviating some of the most common menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, fatigue, mood changes, memory and concentration, urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (difficult or painful intercourse), joint pain, formication (sensation of crawling on the skin), paraesthesia (numbness and tingling) and dyspepsia.
Mood, Sleep and Cognitive Disturbances
Disturbances to mood, sleep and cognitive function are commonly reported by many menopausal women. Night sweats due to hormonal changes can lead to insomnia, and menopausal women with insomnia tend to report more mood disturbances; including anxiety and depression, diminished tolerance to stress, as well as memory and cognition issues.
Cardiovascular
Research shows an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) following menopause.14 One study found that women had substantial increases in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein-B within the 12 months prior to, and 12 months following the final menstrual period, consistent with menopause-induced changes.15 Vascular tissue contains estrogen receptors (ER), and oestradiol (E2) has been shown to exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system; playing a role in the prevention of early atheroma (fatty streak formation). The beneficial actions of oestrogen in normal arteries includes: preventing the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, decreasing endothelial permeability and dysfunction, preventing apoptosis and accelerating endothelial healing.
Musculoskeletal
Osteoporosis is considered to be a significant public health issue and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.27 The rapid decline in sex steroids and oestrogen which occurs at menopause often leads to an increase in bone resorption and a rapid decline in bone mineral density (BMD); placing menopausal women at an increased risk for fracture and osteoporosis.14 Structural and functional joint changes are common during peri-menopause, leading to an increased prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) post-menopausally. Oestrogen plays a role in regulating the expression and activity of key intracellular signalling pathways in articular and other joint tissue, thus influencing the metabolism of cartilage. These oestrogen-related effects on articular structures significantly decline with the drop in oestrogen levels at menopause.
For a personal assessment on how to best relieve your peri-menopausal or menopausal symptoms, arrange an appointment at True Medicine by calling 07 5530 1863.