A Holistic Approach to Menopause
In today’s world, hormone imbalance seems to take the blame for every symptom under the sun. If you have acne, it’s because your hormones aren’t balanced; if you have fatigue, it’s because your hormones aren’t balanced; if you’ve experienced unexplained weight gain, it’s because your hormones aren’t balanced. This is certainly the case for women going through menopausal symptoms, as traditional medicine often associates menopause solely with changes in hormone levels.
As a result, the widespread use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings has been normalized. However, as I discussed in my previous blog, the modern experience of menopause has become more complicated, influenced by a variety of factors beyond the hormonal changes typically associated with it.
Despite its potential short-term benefits, there are significant limitations and risks associated with the use of HRT that should be considered. In today’s blog, we’ll explore options for how women can take a more integrative approach to managing menopausal symptoms, with a specific focus on herbal medicine.
A Historical Perspective of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Historically, menopause was not always seen as a problem. Before the 1950s, women often welcomed menopause as it marked the end of menstruation and was typically associated with increased energy, libido, and a slowing of the aging process. However, around the mid-20th century, a shift occurred. Women began reporting a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, night sweats, and fatigue, which were not commonly associated with menopause prior. It was this sudden and profound emergence of symptoms in women that led to the belief that they were inherent to menopause itself and caused by hormonal imbalances or fluctuations. This idea that these symptoms were purely hormonal in origin led to the rise of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a treatment for women.
Limitations of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Initially hailed as a solution, HRT was later found to have significant limitations and risks that warrant careful consideration.
One major limitation of HRT is its potential to increase the risk of certain cancers. Studies have shown that long-term use of HRT, particularly therapies that include both estrogen and progesterone, can increase the risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Another issue is the cardiovascular risks associated with HRT. Research indicates that HRT may increase the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart disease, particularly in older women or those who begin therapy long after menopause starts. Moreover, HRT is often viewed as a temporary solution rather than a long-term treatment. While it can be effective at reducing menopausal symptoms in the short term, it does not stop the aging process or prevent the long-term symptoms of menopause.
One reason why HRT is not a long-term solution is that it is a one-size-fits-all tool and may not effectively address the root cause of symptoms. As I discussed in detail in my previous blog, many menopausal symptoms are not exclusively due to hormone depletion but can also result from other health issues, such as thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, poor liver health, and low-grade viral infections. In these cases, HRT may alleviate some symptoms without addressing the underlying health problem, potentially leading to incomplete or temporary relief. Additionally, HRT can become a fuel for pathogens, essentially feeding one of the main causes of menopausal symptoms. Another reason why only temporary relief may be experienced with HRT is that concentrated hormones act as low-grade steroid compounds in the body. As a result, they suppress the immune system, reduce inflammation, and temporarily mask symptoms and deeper issues.
Even with these risks, however, the narrative that menopause-related discomfort is primarily due to hormonal imbalance has persisted. A more comprehensive strategy that includes holistic health measures may provide a safer and more effective way to manage menopause.
Balancing Hormones with Herbal Medicine
While hormonal imbalance is only one part of a much larger puzzle when it comes to menopausal symptoms, it is true that when a woman’s body reaches the stage where it is ready to move out of fertility, hormones like progesterone, estrogen, estrone, estradiol, and testosterone do shift in their balance.
Generally speaking, proper hormone balance within the body is essential to overall health. For example, hormone levels can influence the risk of certain cancers. Extremely high levels of estrogen, for instance, are linked to breast cancer in certain circumstances. On the other hand, low progesterone levels can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, breakthrough bleeding, and trouble conceiving.
Using specific herbs that are known for their hormone-harmonizing properties can make a significant difference in how we experience menopause and our overall level of health!
- Dong Quai
Dong Quai, an herb used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, is often called the “female ginseng” due to its notable benefits for reproductive health. It serves as a hormone regulator, helping balance estrogen levels in both men and women. For women, Dong Quai is particularly known for alleviating symptoms related to PMS and menopause, such as cramps and hot flashes.
Beyond reproductive health, Dong Quai is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and folate, making it excellent for strengthening the immune system and tackling the deeper causes of menopause.
- Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf is a powerful adaptogenic herb known for its remarkable ability to support reproductive, adrenal, and hormonal health. Rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, nettle leaf helps boost the body’s resilience during times of stress by nourishing the adrenal glands. These glands play a key role in hormone production, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in women, making nettle leaf particularly beneficial for balancing hormones and supporting the reproductive system.
In addition, it helps remove toxic estrogens from the body, which can accumulate from external sources such as plastics and pesticides. This makes nettle leaf a potent ally in promoting reproductive health, particularly by enhancing egg production and supporting the endocrine system.
- Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf is widely regarded as a powerful herb, particularly for reproductive and hormonal health. Often consumed as tea, raspberry leaf is known to support the endocrine system and balance hormone production. This makes it highly beneficial for women dealing with menstrual issues, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms.
Moreover, raspberry leaf is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It is also valued for helping to cleanse the body and support women when dealing with menopausal symptoms.
- Vitex (aka Chaste Tree Berry or Chasteberry)
Vitex is a powerful herb primarily used to support women’s reproductive health and hormone balance. Its primary action is on the endocrine system, which it nourishes and supports to help regulate menstrual cycles and improve overall hormonal harmony. Vitex is widely recognized for alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, including headaches, bloating, irritability, fatigue, and depression. Moreover, this herb can help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, making it an effective aid during menopause.
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