Homeopathy and Menopause
Homeopathy is a highly researched medical system, and is a useful tool for treating menopausal symptoms. Consider these remedies:
- Lachesis is excellent in reducing hot flashes, anxiety and headaches.
- Sepia is useful for the woman who is typically dark complected, enjoys exercise and is experiencing irritability.
- Pulsatilla, Natrum mur, Aurum mur, and Sanguinaria are other remedies to consider.
Lower potencies-- 3X, 6X, or 12X-- taken three to four times daily usually provide good results. Obviously, it is best to consult a homeopathic Materia Medica or your health care practitioner to find the appropriate remedy for your case or constitution.
It's Not a Program Without Diet and Exercise!
Diet is also of the utmost importance during this transition. The excessive use of caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes are all important lifestyle choices that worsen the symptoms of menopause. And refined sugar, red meat and chocolate don't really help either! Your foods should be prepared simply, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and reducing high fat foods. You should replace frying with steaming or baking.
Exercise is also essential. If you do nothing else before, during, or after menopause-- EXERCISE! An increasing number of clinical studies have shown that weight-bearing exercise improves bone density and should be used as part of a program to prevent osteoporosis (8). This means running, brisk walking, or low impact aerobic workouts of at least 30 minutes, three times each week. And exercise will not only help your bone density, it will reduce your risk of cardio-vascular disease (9).
A Rotational Program for Menopause
So, you ask, what should I do today? Although all cases of menopause may need to be treated individually, the following is a simple rotational program for women who are in their menopausal years (ages 42 to 55):
The Basics:
- Do aerobic, weight-bearing exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Use a Calcium/Magnesium supplement
- If menopausal symptoms are occurring, select the appropriate homeopathic remedy.
In addition, simultaneously follow this rotational program:
- WEEK 1
Herbal support:
1. Use a Dong Quai-based formula
Suggested use: One dose, three times daily
- WEEK 2
Nutritional support:
1. Use a Vitamin E supplement
Suggested use: 25-100 iu, three times daily
2. Use a Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) supplement
Suggested use: 50-100 mg, three times daily
- WEEK 3
Herbal support:
1. Use a Dong Quai-based formula
Suggested use: One dose, three times daily
- WEEK 4
Nutritional support:
1. Use a Vitamin E supplement
Suggested use: 25-100 iu, three times daily
2. Use a Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) supplement
Suggested use: 50-100 mg, three times daily
Note: If menopausal symptoms are acute, use both herbal and nutritional support remedies at the same time. If you suffer from insomnia and nervousness, use the relaxing herbs Valerian, Passionflower, and Chamomile as directed above, as needed. A Vitamin B Complex may be used during week one and three for additional nutritional support.