The Nightingale Center

Alternatives for Hormones Replacement

By Dr. Lois Nightingale

As government scientists put a halt to the research conducted by the Women's Health Initiative because of health threats caused by Hormone Replacement Therapy, women who have been depending on these artificial hormones are expressing anxieties and fears. These concerns only echo what holistic health practitioners have been voicing for years.

While research continues to come in about the dangers of artificial hormones, further research is trickling in about the effectiveness of alternatives, and many natural treatments are getting acknowledged. Women and those who care about them are asking questions that have not previously been asked, such as, "What are the choices?"

Many traditional holistic health practitioners have successfully helped women through menopause with herbal remedies, acupuncture, dietary changes, life-style modifications and emotional support. Educating oneself about options is one of the healthiest things a menopausal woman can do for herself. There is no worse feeling than feeling trapped and having no alternatives. And the earlier a woman implements these natural options, the greater the benefit through menopause.

Herbs:

Traditional Eastern Medicine uses herbs and herbal combinations to bring the body back into balance. Herbs are not used to try to "trick" the body into an unnatural state, but rather to facilitate a comfortable, natural transition into the next phase of life. Herbs are used to bring about equilibrium to the body and thus alleviate or reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, excessive bleeding, sleep disturbances, weight gain, etc. Herbal remedies are used to increase energy, feelings of well-being and calmness.

A licensed acupuncturist, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, or highly trained herbalist can give individualized direction to clients. It is important to discuss any herbal treatments with your primary care physician, as some have contraindications when taken with prescribed medications.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is based on a 2000 year-old practice of medicine. The theories and assumptions about the human condition are very different from those of Western medicine. Ancient acupuncture believes that the body has a natural ability to heal itself and bring about a state of health, energy and healing. If the body is out of balance or has blockages of energy flow, symptoms will appear.

Blockages and imbalances can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, low energy, low frustration tolerance, headaches, bleeding irregularities, digestive disorders and many others. Rechanneling of energy by acupuncture can create a sense of vitality, stimulate the release of endorphins, a naturally occurring analgesic (pain killer) in the body, and can relieve insomnia and migraines.

The practice of acupuncture rebalances the body and opens energy channels so the body is able to heal and repair itself. A well-functioning , well-balanced body will not have discomfort or life-disruptive symptoms as it goes through this normal life process.

Even if a woman previously on HRT has decided, with her physician's help, to transition off artificial hormones, acupuncture and herbal support can assist in this transition.

Many ancient herbal combinations are being studied and found useful today. One example is Relora®, which helps with anxiety, tension, irritability, sleep disturbances and frustration. Others include Tang Kuei, Dong Quai, Black cohash, chaste tree, Life root, nettle, red clover, fenugreek, dandelion, hops and wild yam. It is important to remember that not all herbal remedies are recommended for all women. It is important to get accurate, individualized, professional information before beginning any herbal regime.

A licensed acupuncturist can diagnose deficiencies and imbalances in your body and recommend individualized herbs specific to your needs. Make sure the professional you work with takes a complete history and take into account any and all other supplements, and medications you may be taking.

Nutrition:

From a nutritional perspective many of the annoying or life-disrupting symptoms of menopause can be dealt with through dietary changes. Eating whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains rather than highly processed, high-fat-content fast foods, can make a remarkable difference in symptoms.

When the body has good fuel to use, it is naturally better able to cope with changes and can repair itself more quickly. If the body is expending energy to rid itself of toxins and deal with excess fat and sugar intake, it is over-taxed and less able to cope with physical needs during the change of life.

Eliminating caffeine (which can make hot flashes and anxiety worse) sugar (which adds to moods swings, low frustration tolerance and low immune response) and alcohol (which is a depressant, creates mood swings and weight gain) can make a dramatic difference in how menopausal symptoms are tolerated.

Many vitamin and mineral deficiencies can make the symptoms of menopause worse. Having your diet analyzed by a qualified nutritionist can give you valuable information about possible deficiencies. Vitamins such as Bioflavinoids, help reduce heavy bleeding, decrease water retention, ease sore joints and decrease hot flashes, and increase resistance to infections. Vegetarian women loose less bone mass, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. A low fat diet reduces the risks associated with obesity and reduces the risk of arthritis. Vitamin C helps reduce excessive bleeding, increases iron absorption, and increases tissue strength of perineal structures. Vitamin E has protective properties against heart disease, certain cancers and may reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It is important to have your own diet analyzed so excesses in vitamin and mineral intakes also do not occur.

Having an individualized menu plan, one that works with your life style, can help in weight control, stabilizing mood, increasing energy and creating healthy-looking skin and hair. Eating in a way that is right for your own personal needs can help women feel years younger.

Massage Therapy:

Therapeutic Massage can be instrumental in easing the muscle tension and the pain that may accompany menopause. Massage can help rid the body of lactic acid and toxins that add to discomfort. It can also help relieve headaches, back pain, neck and shoulder pain and reduce stress. Massage can also improve muscle tone, and decrease signs of stress in facial muscles.

A weekly massage may be one of the few times a busy woman actually stops and takes time for herself. This quiet reflective time can increase patience and a sense of well-being in the rest of her life.

Therapeutic Massage can improve circulation, which helps bring fresh oxygen to body tissues and helps eliminate waste products. When a woman takes time to relax, stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol can be effectively eliminated from the body, before they do harm to the vascular system and red blood cells.

Exercise:

Exercise is an extremely important aspect of maintaining good health for menopausal women. Exercise increases endorphins, muscle tone, immune function, and a feeling of being happy with one's body. Exercise facilitates good sleep patterns and increases energy and helps concentration and focus. Weight bearing exercises (weight lifting) have been shown to increase bone calcium levels in post-menopausal women and are also helpful in preventing osteoporosis.

A regular exercise program can reduce stress, support muscle tone and help a woman feel vital and energetic. Lack of physical exercise can create premature aging and slowing down in life long before is necessary.

Skin Care:

One of the concerns expressed by women discontinuing HRT is skin changes that may accompany aging. Taking good care of your skin can make a tremendous difference in how you appear and how you feel. Getting a professional facial or taking the time out to give yourself a complete facial treatment on a regular basis can take years off your appearance.

Many new facial techniques, such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels and relaxing moisturizers formulated to rehydrate and tighten the skin have dramatic results over time.

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water can also help skin keep a healthy glow and can assist in maintaining a desired weight. Adequate water intake is essential for the body to remove toxins that inhibit the body's natural ability to rejuvenate itself and fight infections.

A licensed esthetician can assist a woman in creating an individualized skin care regime that fits into her life style and takes into account her own personal skin care requirements. All women's skin is different. Get expert advice and learn what nutrients your skin needs to stay as youthful as possible. Looking good adds to feeling good.

As women take control of their health and look into choices as they go through natural changes in life, they will find a vital, energetic, healthy life is available to them. Educate yourself and look into your options. Let professionals help you as you make the choices that will create the best quality of life possible for yourself. You deserve it!

Dr. Nightingale is the director of the Nightingale Center in Yorba Linda, California. 714-993-5343 www.nightingalecenter.com