During the menopause there is a decrease in hormone levels
that can result in a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, hot flushes,
insomnia and night sweats, mood disorders and low libido. Decreased oestrogen
levels can also lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis, where the bones
become weak and are more likely to break.
Conventional treatment includes hormone replacement therapy
(HRT) and, in some cases, antidepressants; however, HRT carries the risk of increased
rates of breast and ovarian cancer, while antidepressants may cause weight
gain, digestive upset and low libido. There is another way, however, and there
is no need to suffer in silence and accept menopause symptoms as a part of
life.
Herbal medicine is a comprehensive healthcare approach that has
been used for many years to promote well-being. Herbal medicines, such as black
cohosh, wild yam and red clover, have been particularly well studied with
regards to their effects on menopausal symptoms as they contain
phyto-oestrogens that can help negate the effects associated to decreased
oestrogen levels. Other herbs have successfully been used to improve sleep,
regulate mood and increase libido in menopausal women, including Ayurvedic
herbs such as Shatavari and Ashwagandha.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how herbal
medicine or Ayurveda could help you, you can book an appointment to see Lois
Bradnam, our Medical Herbalist and Naturopath who specializes in women’s
problems, including the menopause. Initial consultations cost £50 and
personalized herbal remedies are priced at £6 per week. Alternatively, you can
book a free 15-minute chat with Lois
to find out more about her, as well as how herbal medicine can be of benefit
during the menopause.
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