Menopause is a normal and natural part of aging. But for many women, menopausal symptoms can be more than a daily nuisance. Hot flashes, irritability, depression, difficulty sleeping, and weight gain can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life. Luckily, there are many natural and effective treatment options that can make this transition as smooth and symptom-free as possible.
Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries slow down their production of hormones, especially estrogen. While it is normal for these hormones to decrease with age, a rapid decline in estrogen coupled by an imbalance in the complementary hormones progesterone and testosterone is often what leads to uncomfortable symptoms.
Many women experience significant relief in their menopausal symptoms when taking bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes as well as improve mood, sleep, and energy. After testing for imbalances of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA, the doctors at Core Vitality Clinic can prescribe BHRT at appropriate levels for each patient. We compound the bioidenticals to your personal dosage, and we monitor and adjust as necessary. While BHRT is considered much safer than synthetic hormone therapy, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement with you and help you decide if this is the best course of treatment.
There are many natural supplements that can also give women significant relief from menopausal symptoms. Herbs like Maca, Black Cohosh, and Dong Qui can support the natural balance of female hormones and decrease hot flash severity. Phytoestrogens from soy and flax seeds modulate estrogen levels, and B vitamins can relieve menopausal stress. Homeopathic remedies that are specific to a woman’s menopausal symptoms can also help to improve mood, sleep, and hot flash severity. In addition, your doctor may prescribe herbs and nutrients that support liver function, as your liver is the primary filter of your body’s hormones.
The bottom line is this: there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for menopause. It is important to have a physician who understands your symptoms and can advise you on the risks verses benefits of hormone therapy based on your personal health history. For more information on how natural medicine can help you, call Core Vitality Clinic today to schedule a free 15-minute consult with one of our physicians.
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