|
Menopause
& You
Ten years beyond,
having now 'been there, done that', I'm pleased to report there
is life before, during, and after the menopause. And it doesn't
have to involve taking manufactured hormones, or drugs, or undergoing
a hysterectomy. These measures may be necessary for some people,
but, with careful application of natural techniques, a vast
number of women can discover that the menopause is a pleasant
transition stage-one that takes them to new heights, instead
of dumping them on depression's doorstep.
In case anyone's wondering-the
word menopause comes from the Greek-meno, meaning month, and
pause, from pausis, meaning halt. However, when most people
use the term, they are referring to the whole period a woman
goes through, both before, during, and after her final menstruation,
known as perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopausal. Because
every woman is a biochemical and physiological individual, this
time of life can last from a few months to as long as fifteen
years. A specific age isn't the trigger for the menopause. It
occurs because the ovaries have used up their limited number
of eggs produced and carried from birth. This number varies
in each individual.
Through years of prayerfully
reading every article and book I could find that discussed this
phase of life, I have gained knowledge and developed a system
that works for me. Maybe it will work for you.
I'm not advocating
eliminating traditional medicine, for which I have the greatest
respect most of the time. I have found through trial and error,
that adding complimentary medicine, together with the right
food, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, nutritional supplements,
and an open-minded effort to solve problems as they arise, will
eliminate any small discomforts before they become major. When
necessary for peace of mind, I've sought a doctor's advice,
and a couple of times needed minor surgery. But I'm convinced
that if at all possible, it is far better in the long run to
keep intact the parts God originally gave us.
Some
women are at high-risk during this season of their lives,
and it is wise to seek a doctor's assessment and treatment if
in danger of heart disease and osteoporosis. Women who are moderate-to-high-risk
will possibly need some drug therapy for prevention of these
diseases; with natural therapies for treatment of more benign
symptoms, such as hot flashes, breast cysts, and mood swings.
If you fall in the low-to-low-moderate-risk category, then natural
treatments can control the whole process, reducing the risk
of disease, and significantly optimizing health.
For those women who
haven't yet reached this amazing stage of life, my advice is
make sure you keep as healthy as possible before the grand event.
That way, you will fall into the low-risk group and be able
to glide through without trauma or expense.
The
Importance of Your Diet
How grateful I've
been for the Word of Wisdom. It is definitely a menopause aid.
Articles state that smoking decreases the effectiveness of estrogen
made by the ovaries; and smokers are more likely to suffer from
osteoporosis. Colas and other fizzy drinks are packed with phosphorous,
a mineral that causes calcium to be leached from the bones.
Some phosphorous and calcium is essential for bone building,
but when either is taken in excess neither are absorbed, but
get carried out of the body. Laxatives, diuretics, antacids,
and tetracyclines also impede calcium absorption.
Taking extra magnesium
can make a big difference to good calcium metabolism. It is
a crucial element in many body processes, and can be found in
whole grains, and legumes such as lentils, beans and peas. If
taken in capsule form (avoid any hard tablets as they don't
digest well), as a calcium/magnesium supplement, make sure it
is calcium citrate (others are not easily absorbed), and in
a ratio of 300 mg calcium to 150 mg magnesium. And take less
than the suggested dose, supplemented with the right foods.
A surprise to me was
discovering that milk is not the best source of calcium for
adults because it causes a disorder in calcium metabolism. After
three generations of milk promotion, osteoporosis has reached
epidemic proportions in the Western world, but in countries
where milk is not consumed incidences are practically nonexistent.
While milk is wonderful for young mammals, as we mature, our
bodies slowly lose the ability to produce lactase, the enzyme
responsible for digesting milk sugar. According to studies,
three out of four adults in the USA have lactose intolerance
to some extent. This results in lower energy levels, excess
mucus production, mood swings, depression, and various unaccountable
aches and pains.
Consider where the
calcium in milk comes from in the first place. Cows eat green
foods-grass, herbs and other plants. One cup of broad-leafed
green vegetables (as well as lettuce, seaweeds, herbs and beetroot
tops) gives the body as much calcium as a cup of milk-in an
easily assimilated form-together with a variety of other valuable
minerals and trace elements. I'm not suggesting we're put out
to pasture, but we will benefit one hundred percent from eating
regular amounts of dark green vegetables. Explore the produce
shelves. Treat yourself to something different. Greens taste
delectable when sautéed gently in olive oil, with crushed garlic
and salt, taking only minutes to prepare.
I also add to my diet
other calcium and zinc rich items such as soymilk, crushed flax
seeds, sesame seeds, nuts, and whole grains foods (recipe below).
Postmenopausal women often have lowered concentrations of hydrochloric
acid in the stomach, causing poor absorption of calcium, and
poor digestion of food. To counteract this, try sipping a glassful
of water with meals, to which a dessertspoon of organic cider
vinegar (from the health shop, NOT the grocery store variety)
has been added. Honey can also be added if required.
There is still some
controversy about using high doses of soy in concentrated capsule
or powder form, and it is suggested that for those women who
are in danger of breast cancer, soy foods such as tofu, soymilk,
and lecithin are a safer way to go. A typical three-ounce serving
of tofu contains about 23 milligrams of isoflavones-the major
group of phytoestrogens. Phyto, or plant estrogens, mimic human
estrogens in a safer way than chemically manufactured estrogens.
However, too much phyto is not the answer either, and can lead
to trouble. It's all about balance.
The hormones estrogen,
progesterone, and testosterone are key players in this aging
process. As the ovaries dwindle in production, so the creation
of hormones fluctuates and decreases, causing bothersome symptoms
such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, libido,
and mood swings. However, it is possible for the body to maintain
an adequate production of estrogen without resorting to the
chemical variety.
Provided a woman's
body is healthy and in good balance, estrogen continues to be
produced in fat cells, the liver, and in the adrenals. It would
seem that it is the lack of progesterone and/or testosterone
that can cause chronic fatigue, depression, hot flushes, anxiety,
and other emotional upsets. Instead of being told to 'pull herself
together', a woman needs to hear 'let's restore your hormonal
balance'.
A friend recently
went through the experience of postmenopausal bleeding. She
had never used hormone replacements from the doctor, but had
replaced milk with soy products, thus maintaining a steady source
of phytoestrogen into her body. After an investigation for possible
endometrial cancer, it was found that all was well, no cancer.
The bleeding came from a loosening of the uterus lining, built
up by extra estrogen. She was told to carry on with her diet,
and to ignore occasional bleeding unless she was worried enough
to get it checked again. The right balance of natural progesterone
could help balance the estrogen levels and prevent further build
up.
According to Leslie
Kenton, in her excellent book, Passage To Power (see
below), synthetic progestogens do not match the body's chemistry,
which isn't equipped to metabolize them properly. Synthetic
progestogen can often aggravate the very conditions it is supposed
to alleviate, causing moodiness and irritability. Natural progesterone,
on the other hand, if the right dosage is found, is apt to bring
calmness and stability. There is much confusion over these two
products, and much blame given to the natural progesterone,
when it is in fact the fake that can cause trouble.
Natural progesterone
cream made from wild yams, can be obtained from your local health
store, and when used as recommended, can give physical and emotional
well being, together with an increased sense of energy. And
contrary to some doctors' belief, it really does get absorbed
into the system through the skin. Progestogen, on the other
hand, is chemically manufactured from progesterone derived also
from the wild yam plant. Occasionally, the initial use of progesterone
cream can make you more sensitive to your body estrogens, and
for a short time symptoms such as breast tenderness can worsen.
These symptoms soon vanish as the estrogen dominance recedes,
and the system should rebalance itself.
In addition, it has
been found that when menopausal women rub progesterone cream
into the body as directed, it can often eliminate excess facial
hair, strengthen weakened nails, and develop thicker hair on
the head. It can reduce water retention because it is a natural
diuretic; will often reduce high blood pressure; and can make
the body use its own thyroid more effectively, thus removing
the need for medication. It can also remove and/or reduce fibrocystic
breast disease, ovarian cysts, and endometrial thickening together
with fibroid tumors.
It is always best
to seek professional advice before embarking on self-treatment
with any hormones as individual body needs vary. An herbalist,
homeopathic, or naturopathic doctor is recommended.
Maintaining your ideal
body weight through exercise (see previous article on Walking
To Fitness) drastically reduces the risk of heart disease,
diabetes, colon, lung and bowel cancer, and lung disease. And
it can help prevent or relieve many menopausal discomforts.
Herbal
Relief
Other herbs and nutrients
I have found to be effective during this interesting time, are
Black Cohash, Evening Primrose Oil, and Vitamin E. Read directions
and enjoy the consequences. Besides all this, I drink sufficient
purified water; use Melatonin tincture when my normal sleep
pattern is altered and needs fixing; take a quality, odor-free
garlic capsule daily (and eat raw or cooked garlic several times
a week-wonderful for lowering cholesterol); eat a daily cupful
of organic, natural yoghurt from the health store-this prevents
Candida or Thrush; and enjoy fattening treats in moderation.
I avoid using products
containing propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulphate, or aluminum.
These chemicals are found in many lotions, creams and toothpastes,
and can cause a multitude of annoying symptoms, such as headaches
and other pains. Aluminum is the main ingredient in most toothpaste.
Choosing carefully from alternative natural products from your
health store can ease numerous issues.
This season of my
life has been full to bursting with marvelous experiences. Many
of them have included opposition and its ensuing challenges,
but these have been overcome through faith in the Savior, and
through a determination not to be beaten. Through prayerfully
studying out issues relating to the menopause, using books,
health magazines, the Internet, and relevant radio and TV programs,
I have arrived at the other side of the 'big M' intact and raring
to go. I'm doing more now, by way of writing, church service,
genealogy, grand parenting, reading, and exercising, than I
ever did in previous years.
Who says this season
is the end? I believe it's the beginning of a more creative
time; a time to develop talents, improve physical health, strengthen
a marriage or friendship; and possibly serve a mission; but
above all, I feel it is a time to reflect on the goodness and
mercy of a kind and loving Heavenly Father through whom all
things are possible-even surviving the menopause.
Recipe
for English Breakfast Muesli
Enough to fill a large
storage container.
Thoroughly mix together
in huge bowl:
1 Box of bran flakes, or raisin bran
Extra scoopful of raisins and/or cranberries
Rolled Oats-organic are best (same proportion as branflakes)
Sesame seeds (to taste - I use one cup)
Pumpkin seeds (as above)
Sunflower seeds (as above)
Any combination of chopped or crushed nuts
PLUS any other healthy cereal, granola or dried fruit to taste
You can omit or add to any of these items as preferred
For one serving, scoop
out half a cupful, and add soymilk, ground flax seed (large
spoonful), and fruit in season. Great start to the day. Chew
well and ENJOY!
Some information used by kind permission
of the author, Leslie Kenton, from Passage to Power, Published
by Vermillion, £6.99. For more information and to order Leslie's
books please visit Leslie's website www.lesliekenton.com
And from The
Giant Book of Women's Health Secrets
By Kerri Bodmer and Nan Kathryn Fuchs, PhD
ISBN 1-885385-00-5
Published by Soundview Publications, Inc
P.O. Box 467939
Atlanta, GA 31146
(800) 728-2288 or (770) 399-5617
|
