Menopause made easy: how homeopathy can help

Posted by Fiona Gavine on the 18th March 2014


By Joanne Brown, homeopath

If you need help with the symptoms of menopause, contact us.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual, usually in tablet form. Based on individual symptoms, I will match the most appropriate remedy to each patient. Remember, homeopathy can be used safely alongside conventional medication, and is completely non-toxic and non-addictive.

How homeopathy can help menopause symptoms

Homeopathy can be used to help both emotional and physical symptoms including hot flushes, sweats, tiredness, anxiety, sleep problems, mood swings and headaches.

An NHS Wellwoman Study carried out in Sheffield (2005) found that 81% of patients reported improvements in these menopause symptoms after homeopathy.

A safe alternative to HRT

Current research has demonstrated dangers in using HRT treatments for prolonged periods of time and more and more GPs are reluctant to prescribe them. A major US Study of over 16,000 women had to be stopped early because of the health risks involved. In 2005, an NHS-led “Million Woman Study” confirmed the link between breast cancer and combined HRT. Oestrogen-only HRT also carries a significant risk of endometrial cancer (Lancet 2005).  In considering homeopathy, you are supporting your body naturally and holistically.

Homeopathic remedies are uniquely tailored to each patient but there are some proactive steps you can try independently

  • Soya isoflavones: these provide hormone balancing. Soya isoflavones can lock into oestrogen hormone receptor sites – although weaker than body oestrogen, they are useful balancers when the body goes into ‘overdrive’ with hormone surges.  Good for hot flashes, heart health and bone structure
  • Mexican Wild Yam: adds progestogenic action to balance oestrogen levels
  • Black Cohosh: useful in long term management of hot flashes
  • Red Clover needs at least three months: helps manage hot flashes, bone density and heart health

Getting any of these symptoms? Some useful tips

  • Mood Swings – avoid sugar highs and lows, which lead to abnormal levels of cortisol in the body. This can interfere with sex hormones and create mood swings. Exercise and avoid sugar to maintain hormone levels. If there is any anxiety present, avoid caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants: keeping the liver as clean as possible helps! Remember the liver has to process all that we ingest. The Chinese believe anger lives in the liver – a liver cleanse can help irritability and mood swings enormously.  St Johns Wort will also help if your mood is really low – but can interfere with some contraceptive medications – check with your GP.
  • Hot Flashes – sage has been known to help, as do the supplements outlined above. One of the most practical steps is to cut out caffeine for at least three weeks as a trial.
  • Weak  Bones – isoflavones of course help in part, but weight-bearing exercise is important and perhaps a calcium supplement such as one which includes vitamins A, D, & K. Always make sure your calcium supplement is twinned with magnesium, and a ‘citrate’ version is more ‘body ready’ than the calcium carbonate versions, as it comes from a natural source. Fizzy drinks are known to increase the rate calcium is leeched from the bones.
  • Low libido – can be exacerbated by vaginal dryness, fatigue and mood changes – some studies show 400IU of vitamin E daily for at least three months can help. Also essential fatty acids can be very useful – try to include 3, 6 and 7.
  • Weight gain – blood sugar balance, insulin, cortisol and thyroid function are all linked to hormone function and impact on weight gain. Dandelion and nettle for cleansing and as a mild diuretic may be useful. Tryptophan can be a useful amino acid to support thyroid function – but dropping fizzy drinks can also help enormously. Studies have shown the havoc fizzy drinks can have. Physiologically the body doesn’t know the difference between chemical sweeteners and sugar – neither are to be recommended. Also consider whether you simply need to cut down a little?

The above are just a few suggestions on how you can manage this special time in your life. If you would like me to develop a tailor-made remedy entirely for you, taking into account your medical history, current situation and lifestyle factors, call One Allan Park Wellbeing Clinic on 01786 359 188 and we can arrange an appointment.