Menopause – Can We Turn Back The Clock?

Menopause – Can We Turn Back The Clock?

Hot flushes, irregular periods, mood swings, insomnia and weight gain are some of the frustrating symptoms a lot of women go through around the time of menopause. This happens most commonly to women in their 40s or 50s. This is the stage when reproductive hormones decline until the ovaries stop producing eggs. The menstrual period will eventually stop. Hence, ‘meno’ pauses. On average the age of menopause is about 51.2. Menopause is a normal process of ageing. However, menopausal syndrome, though common, is not normal. Why do some women get it and others don’t? Researchers say diet, lifestyle and cultural habits may have a role to play. Is there any way we can delay menopause and keep the hormones for a bit longer?

“My Period Came Back!”

The first time I came across the power of Chinese medicine in premenopausal women was during my training many years ago. Women in their 40s or 50s sought help for hot flushes, irritability, low moods and poor sleep. After a couple of weeks their symptoms improve but, to my surprise, some of these women started having regular periods again! They stayed youthful for longer. Although Chinese medicine cannot stop the biological clock, it has helped many people feel stronger and younger for longer. The use of Chinese medicine for menopausal symptoms goes back a few centuries. The treatment addresses regulating hormonal imbalance, improves blood flow and energy. Given the correct diagnosis and careful treatment plan, side effects are rare.

How Do I Know If I Am Going Through Menopause?

If you are 40+ and experience several of the symptoms below, you could be approaching menopause. It would be best to confirm with your practitioner.

Hot flushes

Irregular Periods

Mood Swings

Urinary Tract Infection

Loss of Libido

Dryness

Hair Loss

Insomnia

Itchy Skin

Poor Memory

Weight Gain

Joint Pain

Osteoporosis

HRT vs Chinese Medicine

HRT (Hormonal Replacement Therapy) is given to women to control menopausal symptoms. It boosts the body’s hormone levels or oestrogen and/or progesterone. While it can improve mood changes, hot flushes, and sleep and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, HRT has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and heart attack.

On the other hand, Chinese Medicine and acupuncture work at regulating hormonal balance for the menopausal women in a more holistic and gentle way. Some of the herbs also boost natural hormones. But because they are wholesome plants, they produce a more gentle and steady improvement without harsh side effects. I often compare taking vitamin C tablets with eating a whole orange. The former involves a massive dose of vitamin C alone while the latter is nature’s blend of beneficial fibre, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, thiamin and flavonoids. I prefer eating oranges, though there are times when a big sharp dose of a single substance is called for. I have been taking Chinese medicine for delaying menopause almost daily for a few years. Most herbs are quite safe to take given the correct diagnosis and treatment principle.

Having said that, my mentor and I would always avoid strong oestrogen inducing herbs if the woman has a family history of breast cancer, just to be on the safe side.

The Yin and Yang of Menopause

If you are reading this, you might have heard the words, Yin and Yang. In laymen’s terms, this is a way of categorising matters according to two opposite forces. Yin and Yang produce each other, control each other and rely on each other in order to produce balance. For example, water is Yin. Fire is Yang. Women are Yin. Men are Yang. Night is Yin, cool, dark and perfect for sleep. Day is Yang, hot, bright and perfect for activity. Yin food is more nourishing and cooling. Yang food is boosting and warming. We need both. Yin and Yang are necessary for maintaining balance.

What is the Yin and Yang in Menopause? As we get older, our Yin nourishing hormones decline. With the lack of Yin controlling Yang, Yang temperature control centre gets overactive and results hot sensations. We can increase the Yin aspects by adjust our diet, exercise and sleep patterns.

Yin Yang Balance – A Smoother Menopause

• Have 7-8 hours sleep as sleep engenders Yin.
• Sleep at night by 11 am to maximise Yin production in line with nature.
• Exercise half an hour daily improves moods, concentration and sleep.
• Eat and drink warm food, soup and drinks as they enrich Yin.
• Avoid deep-fried and burnt food as they are fiery and can burn Yin.
• Avoid too much spicy food as they have a hot nature that can burn Yin.
• Warm cooked fresh vegetables and fruits are usually Yin in nature.
• Eating more protein than empty carbohydrates reduces inflammation and gives the bones a boost.
• Daily relaxation such as meditation, prayer and listening to music is helpful as stress injures Yin.

With a more holistic lifestyle and diet, menopause can be a lot easier.