Menopause, also referred to as the “change of life”, is the point at which a
woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility.
When a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries largely stop producing the hormones
estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is commonly thought of as sex hormone
strictly tied to reproduction, but it also acts on many different organs in the body.
Cells in the vagina, bladder, breasts, skin, bones, arteries, heart, liver and brain all
contain estrogen receptors, and require this hormone for normal cell function.
Estrogen is needed to keep the skin smooth and moist, the body’s internal
thermostat operating properly and the arteries unclogged, for example, it is
necessary for the proper bone formation. Although estrogen levels drops sharply
after menopause, the hormone does not disappear entirely. Other organs take
over from the ovaries and continue to produce some estrogen and other
hormones. The organs known as endocrine glands secrete hormones to maintain
proper bodily functions.
Generally women experience “natural” menopause between the ages of 48 and
52, but some cease menstruating in their early forties while others stop in their
mid fifties. However, because of genetics, illness or medical procedures, some
women go through menopause before the age forty. Menopause that occurs
before this age, whether natural or induced is known as “premature “menopause.
Some women go through menopause with few or no noticeable symptoms.
However, many women experience short-term or acute symptoms such as hot
flushes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety,
depression, poor libido, bladder problems, virginal dryness and aging of the skin,
shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and insomnia. All of these symptoms are
due to estrogen and progesterone deficiency. Over the long term, the diminished
supply of estrogen increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease,
osteoporosis, in particular is a major problem for women after menopause.
It is important to remember that menopause is not a disease. It is a natural phase
in a woman’s life. How a woman views this time of her life can have a lot to do
with how frequent and severe her symptoms are. If menopause is viewed as the
end of youth and sexuality, this time will be much more difficult than if it is
viewed as the next, natural phase of life. When a woman is healthy, menopause
would not indicate the onset of old age and she would expect to live a third of her
adult life after menopause.
The goal of any menopausal health program is to eliminate the bothersome
symptoms of menopause as well as prevent the menopause-related problems –
osteoporosis as mentioned before and heart disease. With a proper diet, rich in
proteins, and healthy fats; natural supplements and exercise, most of the
unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized, if not eliminated.
The following herbs and vitamins have shown to help menopause:
Bitter leaf – woman friendly and is one of the best natural remedies for the
symptoms of menopause. It is good for the body either before, during or after
menopause. This herb not only takes care of such symptoms as hot flushes and
internal heat but also gives vigor. With bitter leaf around, women do not need to
take artificial estrogen which has its own serious negative side effects. Bitter leaf
does not only supply estrogen but helps the body to produce the right amount of
estrogen needed for life function. Take as fresh juice or tea infusion 2 x daily, or
use in the preparation of food.
Bitter leaf roots are also used to ease pains associated with menopause and
delayed menstruation.
Nettle- adding nettle extract powder to your meal is one of the best natural
supplements to in cooperate into your health regime. This will prevent
osteoporosis. To enhance nettles’ effects, you can mix it with equal quantity of
horsetail (Equisetum arvense), which contains silica, another bone strengthener.
Suggested dosage is 1 cup of tea two times daily.
Mistletoe – infusion of the leaves in boiled water corrects hormonal imbalance.
Take one teacup first thing in the morning and also last at night.
Ginseng – different types might help improve the quality of life during menopause.
It is reputed to improve sexual vigor, increase vitality and energy. Ginseng has
also been shown to improve sleep, boost mood, aid in relieving depression and in
the production of estrogen. Take 1 -2 capsules daily.
Passion flower – if your menopause involves stress, try this relaxing herb. This will
bring a sense of calm, relieve pains and muscular spasms. 1 teaspoon is to be
infused in boiled water for 30 minutes and taken before bedtime and be sure not
to exceed recommended dosage. The strength needed will vary from person to
person.
Flax seed – it is a good source of lignans, which tend to balance female hormones
and alleviating hot flushes. 1 teaspoon of the powder is sprinkled on foods or in hot water 2x daily.
Calcium – crucial to get enough to prevent bone loss which is usually a problem
once hormone levels drop after menopause.
Chickweed – this herb is rich in calcium and can help prevent osteoporosis. Infuse
1 tablespoon in boiled water for 15 minutes, sieve and take two times daily.
Vitamin D – this is just as important as calcium for bone health. Without this
vitamin your body cannot absorb calcium. Vitamin D is in many foods and
vitamins and also in the sun, so get some sun.
Vitamin E – a daily dose of this vitamin can help alleviate symptoms of hot flushes
Basil leaf (nchuanwu, effirin)- extracts from this herb may help reduce night
sweats due to menopause. Add freshly cut leaves to foods.
Soy products – the isoflavones in soy foods help balance hormone levels and have
some estrogenic activity.
Beans – especially black and kidney beans contain phtoestrogens, which mimic
estrogen in the body. Including these to your diet will help reduce the woes of
menopause. It will greatly benefit women before, during and after menopause.
Vitex doniana – (uchakoro in Igbo): The new leaves and fruits provide remedies for
hot flushes, dizziness, vaginal dryness and depression. The leaves may be chewed
fresh or squeezed in hot water and drunk.
Eat fruits and vegetables – plenty of freshly-made juices of fruits and vegetables in season should be included daily in your meal plan.
Drink plenty of water – this will help you stay hydrated, help prevent drying of skin
and the mucous membranes.
You may also have to limit or avoid foods and beverages that contain sugar,
caffeine and alcohol which may exacerbate your symptoms or trigger hot flushes.
Also reduce foods high in fat and go easy on smoked, salt-cured foods- these
foods contain high levels of nitrates which have been linked to cancer. All
processed, refined, and denatured foods should be completely eliminated.
Plenty of outdoor exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling is
necessary. Try as much as possible to avoid mental and emotional stresses and
worries, especially worry about getting old. Remember it is just a natural phase of
life; and as the saying goes, “this too shall pass”.
Natureal 