Chinese Medicine and Menopause: Balancing Hormones Naturally
Hormonal imbalances are something that I discuss daily in clinic. As a woman, I understand firsthand how our hormones can be quite sensitive and fluctuate throughout the month. Men also experience hormonal changes, but they tend to notice them more in their 50s when testosterone levels drop. Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to a range of issues such as high blood pressure, depression, mood swings, fatigue, and bloating. It can even cause problems specific to women like premenstrual syndrome and the discomfort of menopause.
For those of us who have suffered from premenstrual syndrome since our younger years, the challenges during menopause can be even more difficult to handle. You see, premenstrual syndrome is a sign of hormonal imbalance, particularly a lack of progesterone during the menstrual cycle. So when the hormones become imbalanced during menopause, these symptoms can become even worse.
Menopause is a powerfully transformative time in a woman's life! The tidal wave of changes due to shifts in the body's chemistry are nothing you have to suffer through or “go it alone.” Chinese Medicine views this change as a natural process. As we age, our body's energy slowly declines, starting around the age of 35 and continuing until about 60, causing imbalances to occur. But just because it’s a natural process doesn’t mean that there isn’t many ways in which we can make the transition smoother.
When our body's cooling system starts to decline, we naturally experience symptoms related to heat, such as mood swings, insomnia, heart palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats and restlessness. Thankfully, there are natural approaches, like Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, that can help us address these hormonal imbalances and find relief.
Chinese Medicine can help balance your hormones with:
Acupuncture: This ancient practice stimulates our nervous system, encouraging the release of the right hormones and neuromodulators into our bloodstream.
Herbal Medicine: Using herbs is another effective way to naturally correct hormonal imbalances. As a Chinese Medicine Practitioner, I prescribe specific herbal remedies based on your unique symptoms and health concerns. These traditional practices have been trusted for centuries, giving us confidence in their effectiveness. Some noteworthy herbs for hormonal imbalance include:
Dong Quai: Also known as "women's ginseng," this herb is rich in phytoestrogens and helps restore hormone balance.
Vitex: It supports progesterone balance and stimulates hormone release from the pituitary gland.
Black Cohosh, Rehmannia, Wild Yam, and Red Clover: These herbs are known to aid in hormonal balance.
Chinese Medicine plays a crucial role in treating hormonal imbalances by providing us with natural remedies available in different forms. A skilled Chinese Medicine Practitioner or Herbalist will conduct a thorough assessment of our health condition before recommending the right herbs and dosages tailored to our specific needs.
When it comes to managing menopausal symptoms, together we will identify the changes in your energy and determine which organs are imbalanced. Once identified, we can use natural therapies like dietary adjustments, Qi Gong, meditation, herbs, or acupuncture to correct these imbalances. These methods have proven to be effective and safe, helping to achieve hormonal balance and leading to a more balanced, healthy, and joyful life.