Menopausal Symptoms

Available therapies

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the function of the ovaries ceases.

The process of menopause does not occur overnight, but rather is a gradual process; the transition period is called perimenopausal and is the period when most of the symptoms take place.

In order to be menopausal, a woman must have had no menstrual periods for 12 months; the average age of menopause is 51 years old.

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The symptoms of menopause can be divided into early and late onset symptoms.

Early symptoms (perimenopausal) include:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding

• hot flashes

• water retention

• mood changes.

Late symptoms (postmenopausal) include:

•  vaginal dryness and irritation

• osteoporosis

• Heart disease

Conventional Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms include:

• HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can be helpful for the symptoms of perimenopause and also in preventing osteoporosis. However doctors are now reluctant to prescribe HRT for long periods as it is implicated in higher risks of strokes and cancer of the breast and ovaries.

• Other treatment is directed toward the particular symptoms presenting

Complementary Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms include:

• Reflexology - Reflexology works by treating reflex points on the feet which correspond to the whole body, it can help by relieving symptoms and encouraging the body's hormonal balance. 
• Aromatherapy - massage is helpful in relaxation and reducing the stress associated with menopausal symptoms; using aromatherapy oils will make this even more effective.
• Phytoestrogens - these plant substances that have effects similar to those of oestrogens
• Herbal remedies - there are a number of these but care should be taken to check for safety and for interactions with other drugs for example there have been recent concerns that Black Cohosh may in rare cases cause liver damage
• Homeopathy - This is a safer option than herbal remedies, a good homeopath will treat holistically.

Useful Links about Menopause  

http://www.the-bms.org/consensus1.htm

http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/

 http://www.yorkshiremenopause.co.uk/

http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/hrt/hrt_reflexology.htm