Alternative Medicine and Menopause

One of the most common uses for alternative medicine is in the management of chronic illness. Many of the alternative medical systems work hand in hand with conventional treatments for illnesses like cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and diabetes. Most of the chronic conditions are considered incurable, and treatment is aimed at slowing the progress of the disease and alleviating symptoms.

Most official bodies of medicine that deal with chronic disease have adopted the attitude that providing information on alternative therapies is the best policy. Thus, you’ll find information about the use of alternative therapies, ongoing clinical trials and ways that treatments like massage, aromatherapy, herbal medicines and other complementary therapies can impact treatment or ease side effects and symptoms of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation on the NIMH web site as well as on other government web sites that offer information on health.

While menopause is not strictly speaking a disease or a disorder, the symptoms that accompany this natural life process are often uncomfortable to the point of debilitating. Mood swings, night sweats and hot flashes can make life hell for the several months or years that it takes the body to shift from reproductive state to post-menopause. Conventional therapy for menopause includes estrogen replacement therapy, but for many women, the side effects are worse than the symptoms of menopause. Alternative therapies offer other options that can help reduce the symptoms that make the months leading up to menopause uncomfortable for many women.

Nutrition Based Therapies
Soy based foods contain isoflavones that are similar to estrogen. Called phytoestrogens, they appear to reduce hot flashes, improve cholesterol and reduce bone loss. The recommendation is to include soy foods in the diet rather than to take soy supplements. Flaxseed also contains phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acid, and may reduce the symptoms of menopause as well as help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

In addition, the National Institutes of Health recommend that menopausal women include at least 1000 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily to prevent bone loss. Magnesium, boron and vitamin K may also be helpful in alleviating symptoms and helping to prevent bone loss.

Herbal Medicines
There are several herbal extracts that have shown promise in treating the symptoms of menopause. Of these, the most beneficial appears to be black cohosh. It is considered to be a safe and effective substitute for estrogen replacement therapy. Other herbs that may alleviate some symptoms include evening primrose oil, dong quai, red clover, wild yam, licorice root and saw palmetto.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps facilitate the release of endorphins and help balance hormones and relieve hot flashes.

Massage and Relaxation Techniques
Stress relief and pain management are two benefits of relaxation and meditation techniques. Both are valuable in treating the symptoms of menopause.

Any herbal or nutritional therapies should be discussed with your doctor to avoid drug interactions.