OH! Magazine - Australian Version June 2018 | Page 18
( HEALTH )
TOP TIPS TO MANAGE
MENOPAUSE
Fusion Health Naturopath and Holistic Nutritionist, Erika Morvay discusses the
role of herbal medicine during this natural phase of transition.
enopause is an inevitable
component of ageing, occurring
naturally in women between the ages of
45 and 55 years, with the average age of
onset at around 50 years 1 . Its hallmark
is the loss of ovarian reproductive
function - either occurring spontaneously,
as part of the normal ageing process, or
secondary to other conditions 1 .
M
The permanent end to a woman’s
menstruation and fertility, menopause
begins 12 months after a woman’s last
period. And while individual experiences
of menopause transition can vary widely,
symptoms experienced by many women
include mood swings, hot flashes, night
sweats, dryness, low libido and
insomnia 2 . These symptoms however
can also be influenced by individual
factors, such as the age at which
menopause occurs, personal health and
wellbeing,
and
each
woman’s
2
environment and culture .
Traditional
Menopause
Chinese
Medicine
and
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),
reproductive function is believed to be
governed by the Kidney organ-meridian
system. The Kidney organ-meridian is
thought of as the battery of the body –
where the body’s ‘life force’ or Jing is
stored – and is considered to be the
foundation for good health. Overwork, a
stress-driven lifestyle, insufficient fluid
intake, multiple pregnancies and
chronic illness is thought to progressively
deplete Kidney energy to the point of
exhaustion.
In Chinese philosophy Kidney Qi
declines as with age, however, if Kidney
Qi is already deficient before a woman
enters menopause, it can manifest with
various symptoms depending on the
degree in which Kidney Qi declines. As
the Kidney governs bone and bone
health, this may also decline through
this stage of life if not adequately
supported 4 .
Herbal Medicines and Menopause
Traditional herbal medicines, of Chinese,
Western and Ayurvedic origin, may offer
symptomatic relief during menopause –
some of the most common of which are
listed here:
Black Cohosh is traditionally used in
Western and Chinese herbal medicine
and may assist in the management of
menopausal symptoms including hot
flushes, perspiration, headache, fatigue,
sexual
disinterest,
irritability,
nervousness, mild insomnia, muscle and
joint pains, vaginal dryness and urinary
frequency 5 .
Kudzu is traditionally used in TCM to
clear heat, moisten dryness and generate
fluids 6 .
Dong Quai and Anemarrhena are used in
TCM for the management of menopausal
symptoms such as hot flushes, night
sweats, fatigue, headache, sexual
disinterest,
moodiness,
irritability,
nervous
tension,
mild
dizziness,
palpitations, mild insomnia, muscle and
joint pain, skin dryness, vaginal dryness,
and urinary frequency 5,6 .
Shatavari is an important Ayurvedic
Medicine used traditionally as a female
(Rassyana) revitalising tonic for women 5 .
Horny Goat Weed and Dong Quai are
traditionally used in TCM as a Kidney
meridian tonic to clear heat, to tonify the
Kidney Yang and Liver Blood, and to
support the health of bones, ligaments
and muscles. In TCM philosophy,
depleted Kidney Yang may lead to
symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain
and reduced libido 5,6 .
Diet, Lifestyle and Menopause
In addition to herbal medicines, specific
dietary and lifestyle modifications can
also help with symptomatic relief during
menopause. Consume foods rich in
vitamin D, calcium, vitamin K2, vitamin
E, magnesium and Omega 3 fatty acids,
incorporate weight bearing exercises into
an exercise routine and ensure adequate
sun exposure.
Consider
avoiding
environmental
chemicals such as phthalates – found in
common plastics, cling wrap and plastic
containers, and also in conventional
personal care products 8 , as they are
known for their xenobiotic activity. This
means that they behave as hormone-like
molecules and may interfere with
oestrogen production and utilisation in
the body 7 .
Importantly, allow self-care to become a
priority by injecting fun and mindfulness
into your day.