Menopause

The most important thing I want to convey about menopause is that it is a natural and normal part of women's life cycle. Like puberty, it is a time for acceptance, patience, and growth. Menopause is not a condition to be cured or avoided.

So, what is menopause? Clinically, it is defined as the the cessation of menses due to hormonal and body changes. This may occur naturally or through surgery/pharmaceutical treatment Menopause is official when a woman has gone without menses for 12 months.

Women may experience temporary signs or symptoms such as headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, urinary incontinence, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections. I want to emphasize the use of the word temporary. For example, hot flashes will discontinue over time without intervention in most women.

However temporary a symptom can be, it may still be disruptive & affect your quality-of-life. Symptom treatment can be important to keep women active & functioning.

Common Treatments:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This treatment consists of estrogens derived from horse urine. This is a very well-studied intervention. For more information, go to the Women's Health Initiative: http://www.whi.org/. HRT has risks including blood clots, heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, and breast cancer. The side effects include breast tenderness, bloating & vaginal bleeding.
• Bio-Identical Hormones: This is a Wild Yam-derived estrogen treatment. It has been made famous by popular culture icons/authors. The risks and side effects have not been sufficiently studied at this time.
• Botanical Medicine: These are plant-based treatments often emphasizing phyto-estrogens and other plant constituents to address various symptoms. Phyto-estrogens are chemicals that mimic or act as weak estrogens in the body.
• Nutritional Support: Overall improvement of diet is suggested. Elimination of aggravating food allergies/intolerances can be very helpful with symptom management. The addition of certain foods (a famous example would be soy) can be helpful for some women.
• Stress Management/Relaxation Therapy: Stress has been known to exacerbate many menopause symptoms.

It is important to work with your doctor to find the appropriate intervention(s) for you.

Women’s attitudes about menopause are important. Cultural and historical beliefs can greatly impact how a woman views this time of change.

Women who have social support (friends & family) for discussion of menopausal signs & symptoms have improved attitudes of menopause. This social factor is discussed in the article Predictors of Midlife Women's Attitudes Toward Menopause. By: Theisen, S. Carol; Mansfiedl, Phyllis Kernoff; Seery, Brenda L.; Voda, Ann. Health Values: The Journal of Health Behavior, Education & Promotion, May/Jun95, Vol. 19 Issue 3, p22, 10p; (AN 6237811)

Whether you have had children or not, your body has been using vital energy each month to prepare for reproduction. This has been an long job & menopause is your retirement. It is a time for introspection and self-care. Your energy is for you, no longer split between you and your reproductive potential. This is a powerful time for women. Think of the hot-flash as a metaphor for this power & returned energy.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies ebb and flow dramatically during the Spring and early Summer. Weather patterns, environment and air quality have huge impacts on allergy sufferers. Why is this?

Plant/tree pollen release is often linked to weather patterns. Have you ever noticed that your allergies are worse on the first sunny day after a bout of rain? Many plants release their pollen on these sunny day reprieves. In addition, windy weather will also stir up allergens. Outdoor activities can be torture when pollen counts are high. On the other hand, humid environments can create allergens in the home, mold being the main culprit.

What are allergies, anyway? Your body is being exposed to tiny particles or allergens from the environment. Your immune system encounters these particles and says, "Hey, that's not me! I will attack the invader." In essence, allergies result when the immune system over-reacts. This leads to inflammation in the sinuses, respiratory tract, and any mucosal area in contact with the outside world - you get runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, sore throat, coughing, etc. These allergic reactions can really impact asthmatic people, leading to asthma attacks.

The Naturopathic Approach:

• Address the Cause: Go to a physician - allergy tests can tell you the types of pollens/allergens that affect you. A naturopath can make a complete health assessment, looking for clues as to why your immune system is over-reacting.
• Natural Re-enforcements: Herbs, supplements & other treatments (NAET) can be used to calm the immune system over-reaction. A naturopath would want to look at your complete health profile to assess the best treatments for your individual needs.
• Remove the Barriers: It is important to limit your exposure to the allergens (those invaders.) Removing the particles can help - nasal rinses, gargles & eye drops. Your naturopath can discuss the most appropriate method for you.
• Structure Your Environment: This is actually a sub-heading of Removing the Barriers.

1. Check with weather bureau websites to find when pollen counts are highest & reduce your outdoor time on those critical days. Some sites may give you a break-down of pollen types (helpful to you after allergy testing!)
2. If you have been outside on a high-pollen day, shower & change your clothes when you come home. The pollen sticks to hair & clothing - bringing the allergies home with you.
3. Use air filters that remove small particles and allergens.
4. Vacuum frequently during high-allergen times.

This is part of the natural approach to seasonal allergies. Your doctor will certainly have valuable input, so be sure to consult him/her. Happy Summer!