Other Names:
Climacteric, Change of Life

Symptoms:
Hot flashes, insomnia, disturbances in calcium metabolism, irritability, mental instability, dizziness, backaches, headaches, bladder problems, dryness and aging of the skin, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Some have almost no symptoms at all.


Cause:
Menopause is the cessation of ovarian function, the stopping of the menstrual cycle, and the end of reproductive years. This is caused by glandular changes, and is a natural event in a woman's life; this usually occurs between 42 and 55. The average age is about 50, and the transition is generally up to 5 years.

There tends to be a hormone starvation at that time, since menopause usually results from a decreased production of the female sex hormones.

The lessened supply of estrogen increases the possibility of cardiovascular disease, vaginal atrophy, and osteoporosis.

It is popular to take estrogen supplements, to prevent or postpone menopausal symptoms. But keep in mind that there is an increased risk of cancer when this is done.

If estrogen (hormone replacement) therapy is begun, take vitamin E several hours earlier or later, not at the same time.

In addition, generous amounts of vitamins B6, C, folic acid, pantothenic acid, PABA, and B12 will make the estrogen therapy more effective.

Oral estrogens should not be accompanied by progesterone because they increase the cancer induction risk.

Keep in mind that synthetic, not natural, estrogens are given in hormone replacement therapy. These tend to accumulate in the body, and also can cause metabolic changes in the liver. This can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and blood clots. But natural estrogens are available; one is equine estrogen, and is extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. But it is very powerful, and may also cause changes in the liver. Do not use it if you are obese, smoke, or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or varicose veins.

The safest natural estrogens are estropipate (Ogen) and estradiol (Estrace, Emcyt, and Estraderm); these are all metabolized more easily by your body. Be sure and use the smallest possible dose, and take it only every other day.

It is coming to be recognized that it is often more important to replace the lessened progesterone than the lessened estrogen. Natural progesterone creams (from the herb, wild yam) provide a simplified way to do this. Many, many, have been helped by doing this!

When the menopause proceeds normally, the adrenals and liver increase their output of female hormones and make up the difference from the lost ovarian function.

Proper diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, and adequate rest can minimize the effects of menopause.

Treatment:
Vitamin E (up to 1,200 IU daily) is especially important at this time.

• Vitamin C, working with bioflavonoids, maintains capillary strength.

• The B complex vitamins, especially pantothenic acid and PABA, relieve nervous irritability.

• It is very important that sufficient calcium be taken, to maintain a proper calcium-phosphorous balance. Not doing so can also result in a broken hip later.

• An increase in protein and reduction in carbohydrates is recommended at this time.

• Maintain an adequate intake of vitamin D, iron, and magnesium.

• Eliminate all processed, refined, and junk foods. This includes white sugar and white-flour products.

• Raw fruit and vegetable juices, brewer's yeast, lecithin, kelp, and cold-pressed vegetable oils are needed. The diet should be at least 50% raw food.

• Avoid animal products and dairy products.

• Do not use alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, sugar, and hot soups and drinks. They make the emotional swings worse and the blood more acidic. This causes the bones to release extra calcium, to balance blood pH and weaken the bones if extra calcium is not taken.

• Substitute garlic and onion powder for salt. Consuming salt increases urinary excretion of calcium.

• Drink 2 quarts of water each day, to help prevent drying of skin and mucous membranes.

• After menopause begins, you will not have as much calcium in your body, due to the lessened estrogen; it is important that you henceforth supplement with calcium. Of the 250,000 hip fractures that occur in the U.S. every year, 80% are due to osteoporosis.

• Avoid mental and emotional stress and worry. Be happy with the blessings you have, and thank God for them.

• Get plenty of outdoor exercise and sufficient rest. Lay down and rest a little before lunch and supper. A lack of exercise weakens bone density.

• Especially important are vitamins E, C, A, and B complex, including PABA and pantothenic acid.

• Hypothyroidism is common during menopause, and is responsible for a number of the symptoms. Be sure and take additional amounts of Nova Scotia dulse or Norwegian kelp.

• Helpful herbs include lady's mangle, motherwort, and St. John's wort.