Menopause is the time when periods stops permanently either due to gradual natural processes or abruptly when induced by artificial means 
(surgery or radiation). Prior to the final menstrual period there is a transitional time, perimenopause, lasting up to eight years.
During this time most women begin missing periods and their menstrual cycles lengthen. A woman is usually considered postmenopausal 12 months after her last period. The entire menopausal process can take up to thirteen years. Menopausal signs and symptoms are due to the body’s inability to respond to a decrease in oestrogen, progesterone and possibly androgens such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Other hormonal changes include an increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
What are the signs and symptoms?
Menopause symptoms can include any of the following:
- Irregular and/or heavy periods
- Breast tenderness and swelling
- Dry vagina
- Low libido
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Anxiety and agitation
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Mood swings
- Behaviour or feelings, which are out of character
- Impaired memory, concentration and vagueness
- Bloating
- Headaches/migraine
- Heart palpitations
- Itchy skin
- Insomnia
- Thinning and ageing of the skin and/or hair
- Weight gain
In addition to the fluctuations in hormone levels, other possible causes of menopausal discomfort may include adrenal exhaustion and impaired liver function. If you think you may be experiencing the menopause, a blood test will tell you what your hormone levels are.
What is the aim of herbal treatment during the menopause?
- Support of the adrenal glands: As the ovaries slow down, the adrenals are capable of producing oestrogen
- Support of the nervous system to alleviate anxiety, depression and insomnia
- Reduce the number and severity of hot flushes and night sweats
- Increase vitality, where the patient is feeling tired or exhausted
- Boost liver function: Adequate metabolism of hormones by the liver helps to ease many menopausal symptoms
Herbal support for women planning to stop taking HRT
The majority of women begin taking HRT, when uncomfortable or debilitating menopausal symptoms disrupt their life. After the 2002 findings regarding the undesirable side effects of HRT, it is now recommended that for most women HRT only be used in the short term. This recommendation is questionable as it only briefly delays menopausal symptoms. The effect of the initial publications of the WHI, and also the Million Women Study (MWS), resulted in a decline in HRT use of around 50% in the UK. For those who have chosen to stop HRT, the dose should be gradually reduced in order to minimise the effects of hormone withdrawal. Ideally, herbal treatment will begin prior to any change in the
dosage of HRT. This can be done with the co-operation of your doctor. In fact, many GPs are now referring perimenopausal patients to Medical Herbalists.
How to get herbal treatment for your menopausal symptoms
There are many over-the-counter remedies such as Black Cohosh. However, this herb is only a small part of a Medical Herbalist’s prescription for the relief of menopausal discomfort and is never used in isolation. Every woman experiences menopause in a slightly different way to others so a one-size-fits-all over the counter remedy does not always get the best results. A Medical Herbalist’s prescription is tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Patients find that this approach gets the best results. This natural approach to the menopause is becoming increasingly popular and the medicine costs just £10 per week.
So why put on a brave face and suffer in silence, when there is now a safe, gentle way forward?
Deborah Grant BSc(Hons) is a specialist in the treatment of menopause and coming off HRT.
Tags: coming off HRT, herbal HRT, herbs for menopause, menopause anxiety, menopause depression, menopause insomnia, menopause problems, stopping hot flushes, stopping night sweats
