Coffee With ChrissyWellbeing
Many concerns were raised about the use of HRT after the Women’s Health Initiative Study in 2001. These included increased risk from breast cancer, and cardiovascular events such as stroke. Women are left wondering what to do when faced with yet another sleepless night of sweat filled sheet or thinking of another excuse when their partner feels "in the mood". Not to mention the long term health consequences of lowered oestrogen levels, such as low bone mineral density.
Menopause is the date of the last menstruation, and can be determined a year after not having had a period. It usually occurs between 45 – 55 years of age. Perimenopause is the period most people refer to when they are experiencing the following symptoms -
From Oestrogen Withdrawal:
For some women, the transition into menopause is without symptoms. Our western society has a rather negative attitude to menopause, which can bring the expectations of suffering. Some cultures celebrate this passage of women as a great accomplishment and entitlement, and women experience fewer symptoms as a result. However, this is all and well if YOU happen to be grumpy and a mini-furnace, so there are some positive steps to take to both treat or reduce symptoms:
The adrenal glands that produce our flight and fight response hormones (like adrenaline and cortisol) take over some of the hormone production when the ovaries begin to fail. If you are strung out working until all hours, not eating properly, and falling asleep on the couch at 8pm, it's likely your adrenals are overworked and not backing up healthy hormone production. So try to maintain a healthy work-life balance, eat mainly unprocessed foods (see diet later), find some "me" time regularly (e.g. meditation, a lavender bath or massage), and exercise.
There has been some recent work presented on the use of Bowen therapy to balance hormones, with some specific moves for hot flushes and mood swings (see www.bowtech.com).
Regular exercise is imperative. It has been shown to reduce hot flushes, decrease bone loss, enhance mood, relieve stress, and boost self-esteem and energy levels. Weight bearing exercise (like walking, aerobics and step classes) is important for cardiovascular health and bone density, while resistance exercise (like Pilates, yoga and weights) is important to maintain muscle mass. Muscle is a biomarker of ageing (like having good cholesterol levels and a healthy blood pressure) and as we age if "we don’t use it, we lose it". I highly recommend yoga as it helps control stress levels as well.
Ask yourself –
Conclusion: Menopausal symptoms occur as the body readjusts to lowered hormone levels. They WILL improve, and how long this takes depends on how you think and live, with a little outside help sometimes. If you arent coping, or need some personalised guidance, I recommend an empathic professional who deals with these issues from a reputable association such as ANTA (www.anta.com.au), and NHAA (www.nhaa.org.au).
By Doreen Schwegler
Doreen was a medical scientist before becoming a naturopath in 1989. She has been practicing in Essendon Vic, since then and focuses on Natural Fertility Management, weight loss and Bowen therapy. She works in a multi-disciplinary clinic with a dietician, naturopath, remedial masseuse and PSYCH-K practitioner. See www.alldegreesofhealth.com.au. 03 93310951 References available upon request. Recommended reading: Women’s Bodies Women’s Wisdomby Dr. Christianne Northrup ISBN 0-7499-1925-
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