Do you fear the M-word? Are you concerned about menopause syndrome?… … menopause is natural.
At Essentially You Healthcare we are here to celebrate aging and support the process of menopause, the last major hormonal change – phew… A change to be nurtured, respected, and embraced
Fluctuations in hormone levels (Yes… here we go again ladies) that cause the menopause signs and symptoms below can continue for up to 10 years as a woman transition from perimenopause through menopause to post menopause.
The most known and commonly reported symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats affecting up to 80% of women. Other symptoms may include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness/ Brain fog
- Heart palpitations
- Bloating
- Vaginal dryness
- Vulvar itching/ burning
- Low libido
- Painful intercourse
- Hair loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings/ Irritability
- Joint pain
- Muscle loss
- Painful urination
- Increased need to urinate
- Headache/ migraine
- Reduction in skin thickness
- Weight gain
Western medicine relies heavily on menopause hormone therapy (MHT) also called hormone replacement therapy or HRT, is considered highly effective for treatment of hot flushes. Common non-hormonal treatments include gabapentin, clonidine, and antidepressants all of which introduce contraindications and side effects. The risks of MHT include blood clots, stroke and breast cancer.
Please discuss your own personal risk to benefit profile with your GP prior to beginning hormone therapy.
Chinese Medicine and Menopause
Chinese medicine views the female life in seven-year cycles, with menstruation beginning in the second cycle and ending in the seventh cycle at age 49. Internal organs form an integrated system reliant upon each other for health and well-being, the kidneys house the jing (essence), and are the foundation of all other organs and life processes including reproduction, temperature control, and fluid metabolism. Kidney jing is a finite inherited substance that naturally depletes over a lifetime, disturbing kidney yin/yang balance which further affects the heart, liver, and spleen leading to menopause syndrome.
Just as all women are different … so is your menopause…
That’s why – Your acupuncture journey starts with a comprehensive consultation, examination, interpretation of exhibiting signs and symptoms, and pattern differentiation, forming a treatment principle to address the root cause and manifestation of ‘your’ menopause syndrome.
Once the root cause is identified a treatment plan is developed. An acupuncture treatment may include moxibustion, cupping, herbal medicine, gua sha or a combination. If required, diet and lifestyle advice may be given.
How many visits will I need?
Acupuncture is accumulative, meaning each treatment builds on the last creating a synergy that is most effective after a period of frequent visits. For all things female we recommend weekly sessions for the first 6 weeks, tapering down to monthly or even bimonthly after three months… depending on your unique experience.
What can you do to help?
Diet
Reduce sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and coffee. Increase water, green leafy vegetables, and fruit to boost energy and cold the body. Increase phytoestrogens by eating tofu whole grains, legumes, and whole bean soy.
Stress
Do what works for you to reduce stress, meditate, walk, breathe, read a book. Avoid what causes you stress.
Exercise
As a women’s oestrogen levels drop the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease increases as does the fat around the hips and waist. Incorporating resistance training helps build and maintain strong bones and muscles while cardio helps to strengthen the heart. Exercise such as yoga, tai chi, and qi gong are great are ideal for both physical and mental health.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE – Essentially You is here for YOU