Homeopathic Treatment

for Menopause

Written by Dr. Gabrielle Traub

In the celebration of World Homeopathic

Awareness Week

MenopauseMenopause

Menopause is the permanent Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation due to a cessation of menstruation due to a decrease in production of estrogen decrease in production of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries and progesterone by the ovaries

It normally occurs during the late It normally occurs during the late 40’s and early 50’s, however can 40’s and early 50’s, however can occur earlier for example after a occur earlier for example after a hysterectomyhysterectomy

Peri-menopausePeri-menopause

The onset of noticeable signs of The onset of noticeable signs of MenopauseMenopause

Symptoms include:Symptoms include: Irregular periodsIrregular periods Hot flushesHot flushes Night sweatsNight sweats Vaginal drynessVaginal dryness

Post-MenopausePost-Menopause

The 12 months after your The 12 months after your last menstrual periodlast menstrual period

Symptoms include:Symptoms include: Hot flushes, night sweatsHot flushes, night sweats Vaginal dryness» vaginal infectionsVaginal dryness» vaginal infections Mood swings, depression, anxiety, emotional Mood swings, depression, anxiety, emotional

liability, confusionliability, confusion Confusion, forgetfulnessConfusion, forgetfulness Sleep disturbancesSleep disturbances FatigueFatigue Decreased libidoDecreased libido PalpitationPalpitation Hair lossHair loss Skin changesSkin changes Headaches and backacheHeadaches and backache IncontinenceIncontinence Increased risk of osteoporosis and heart diseaseIncreased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease Weight gainWeight gain

Homeopathic studyHomeopathic study

In a prospective study 82% of In a prospective study 82% of patients reported improvement of patients reported improvement of menopausal symptoms after menopausal symptoms after homeopathic treatment.homeopathic treatment.

Women referred to homeopathy were Women referred to homeopathy were those who either could not take those who either could not take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for whom HRT was unsuccessful, for whom HRT was unsuccessful, who did not want HRT or who had to who did not want HRT or who had to come off HRT. come off HRT.

Main symptoms noted were:Main symptoms noted were: hot flushes and sweats, hot flushes and sweats, tiredness, tiredness, anxiety, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, sleeping difficulties, mood swings mood swings headaches. headaches. Mean length of homeopathic treatment Mean length of homeopathic treatment

was 5 months.was 5 months. Relton, C. NHS. Homeopathy Menopause Relton, C. NHS. Homeopathy Menopause

Service. Outcome study. In press.Service. Outcome study. In press.

How homeopathy is different to How homeopathy is different to regular medical treatment/herbs?regular medical treatment/herbs?

HOLISTIC- each person is an individualHOLISTIC- each person is an individual NO SIDE EFFECTS-side effects of drugsNO SIDE EFFECTS-side effects of drugs Often heals other ailments besides the ones Often heals other ailments besides the ones

being treatedbeing treated Herbs: every one get the same herb and a Herbs: every one get the same herb and a

crude dosecrude dose Wonderful, effective alternative to HRTWonderful, effective alternative to HRT

Homeopathy addresses the issue, rather than just Homeopathy addresses the issue, rather than just symptoms.symptoms.

Powerful, gentle, effective, safe, naturalPowerful, gentle, effective, safe, natural FDA approved\gentle enough even for newborns and FDA approved\gentle enough even for newborns and

the elderlythe elderly Very effective in replacing HRTVery effective in replacing HRT You don’t need to suffer with mood swings and hot You don’t need to suffer with mood swings and hot

flushesflushes You can choose a very safe, effective way to address You can choose a very safe, effective way to address

these issues without worrying about side effectsthese issues without worrying about side effects

Hormone Replacement Hormone Replacement Therapy: Therapy:

Weighing the Pros and Cons Weighing the Pros and Cons

Whether or not to undergo hormone Whether or not to undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a difficult replacement therapy (HRT) is a difficult decision for many women decision for many women

The medical community itself is divided on The medical community itself is divided on the issue. the issue.

  

Benefits of HRTBenefits of HRT

Prevents OsteoporosisPrevents Osteoporosis Prevents heart diseasePrevents heart disease Relief of Menopausal symptomsRelief of Menopausal symptoms

Major risks of HRTMajor risks of HRT Estrogen therapy, unopposed by progestin, Estrogen therapy, unopposed by progestin,

increases a postmenopausal woman's chances of increases a postmenopausal woman's chances of developing developing uterine canceruterine cancer from an average of 1 in from an average of 1 in 1,000 to as much as 1 in 100. The longer period of 1,000 to as much as 1 in 100. The longer period of time the estrogen is taken the greater the risk. This time the estrogen is taken the greater the risk. This statistic is reduced if progestin is givenstatistic is reduced if progestin is given

Increases risk of Increases risk of Breast Cancer Breast Cancer (by 25% and worse (by 25% and worse in women if there is current cancer or a family in women if there is current cancer or a family history), history),

Increases incidence of Increases incidence of gallstones,gallstones, especially oral especially oral HRTHRT

Liver diseaseLiver disease Pancreatic diseasePancreatic disease blood clotsblood clots StrokeStroke Heart attack Heart attack

Relative risks: Relative risks: 

– Hypertension,  Hypertension,  – Benign breast disease,  Benign breast disease,  – Benign uterine disease, Benign uterine disease, – Endometriosis,  Endometriosis,  – Pancreatitis,  Pancreatitis,  – Epilepsy,  Epilepsy, 

Other side-effects of HRT, Other side-effects of HRT, include:include: Vaginal bleeding/spottingVaginal bleeding/spotting

Breast painBreast pain Nausea Nausea Cramping Cramping Headaches Headaches Fluid retention Fluid retention Vaginal discharge Vaginal discharge Depression Depression Irritability Irritability Weight gainWeight gain BloatingBloating Estrogen may also have adverse effects on some Estrogen may also have adverse effects on some

patients with seizure disorders and migraine patients with seizure disorders and migraine headaches. headaches.

In rare cases, it can also interfere with liver In rare cases, it can also interfere with liver function, raise blood pressure, or promote the function, raise blood pressure, or promote the growth of benign uterine fibroids. growth of benign uterine fibroids.

HRT should definitely be HRT should definitely be avoided if you:avoided if you:

Are pregnant Are pregnant Have a family history of or have had Have a family history of or have had

uterine, ovarian, or breast canceruterine, ovarian, or breast cancer Have large fibroids, or benign uterine Have large fibroids, or benign uterine

tumors tumors Have venous thrombosis, or blood Have venous thrombosis, or blood

clotting problems clotting problems Have gallbladder or liver disease Have gallbladder or liver disease

What does the research What does the research show?show? In July 1992, Shocking news was released In July 1992, Shocking news was released

from a major clinical trial of more than 16,000 from a major clinical trial of more than 16,000 women. Just five 'years into the trial, which women. Just five 'years into the trial, which was originally planned to run for eight-and-a-was originally planned to run for eight-and-a-half years, the women were told to stop half years, the women were told to stop taking hormone medication, after tests taking hormone medication, after tests revealed that the six million American women revealed that the six million American women currently taking the drugs might be at risk. currently taking the drugs might be at risk.

To the surprise and disappointment of To the surprise and disappointment of researchers and women all over the world, researchers and women all over the world, new data show that the commonly prescribed new data show that the commonly prescribed combination drug containing estrogen and combination drug containing estrogen and progestin may cause more harm than good. progestin may cause more harm than good.

Researchers were stunned to find the therapy Researchers were stunned to find the therapy did did not decrease the risk of coronary heart not decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, as was anticipateddisease, as was anticipated. In fact, women in . In fact, women in the treatment group saw their risk of heart attack the treatment group saw their risk of heart attack increased by 29 percent. Hormone replacement increased by 29 percent. Hormone replacement therapy also increased a woman's risk of invasive therapy also increased a woman's risk of invasive breast cancer by 26 percent; strokes by 41 breast cancer by 26 percent; strokes by 41 percent; and blood clots by 100 percent. percent; and blood clots by 100 percent.

The results of the trial (the Women's Health The results of the trial (the Women's Health Initiative - WHI) were published in the July 17 Initiative - WHI) were published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Association.

Reference material:Reference material: MSNBC News, Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSNBC News, Washington Post, Seattle Times,

Women's Health Alert, published by Public Women's Health Alert, published by Public Citizen's Health Research Group, Citizen's Health Research Group, www.worstpills.org, www.Public Citizens Health www.worstpills.org, www.Public Citizens Health Research Group.comResearch Group.com

Although natural hormone replacement is many times Although natural hormone replacement is many times safer and can be more effective than synthetic HRT, safer and can be more effective than synthetic HRT, natural bioidentical hormone preparations are still natural bioidentical hormone preparations are still synthesizedsynthesized from natural substances. from natural substances.

The body knows the difference between a wild yam The body knows the difference between a wild yam and something synthesized from a wild yam. and something synthesized from a wild yam.

The Homeopathic approach uses remedies made up of The Homeopathic approach uses remedies made up of substances intended to support the body self-healing substances intended to support the body self-healing abilities. abilities.

Minute amounts of these healing substances cannot Minute amounts of these healing substances cannot act to replace the body's hormones but instead serve act to replace the body's hormones but instead serve as catalysts (agents) that, in effect, kick-start the as catalysts (agents) that, in effect, kick-start the body's own appropriate production of hormones.body's own appropriate production of hormones.

What exactly is Homeopathy?

While 60% of homeopathic medicines While 60% of homeopathic medicines do originally come from plants, they do originally come from plants, they act very differently to herbal act very differently to herbal medicines.medicines.

Only a small amount of the original Only a small amount of the original substance is used, thus homeopathic substance is used, thus homeopathic medicine has medicine has NO side effectsNO side effects and can and can even be safely used during even be safely used during pregnancy, when under the pregnancy, when under the supervision of a homeopathic supervision of a homeopathic practitioner.practitioner.

Homeopathic medicines are derived Homeopathic medicines are derived from plants, minerals, animals, from plants, minerals, animals, viruses, etcviruses, etc

There are over 6000 different There are over 6000 different homeopathic medicines and new homeopathic medicines and new medicines being discovered and medicines being discovered and “proved” all the time.“proved” all the time.

The process of potentization makes The process of potentization makes homeopathic medicines more homeopathic medicines more powerful, reducing the need for daily powerful, reducing the need for daily doses.doses.

However, unlike allopathic medicine, However, unlike allopathic medicine, where drugs are continuously removed off where drugs are continuously removed off the market and replaced by new ones the market and replaced by new ones once there side effects have been once there side effects have been discovered, homeopaths are still using the discovered, homeopaths are still using the same tried and tested homeopathic same tried and tested homeopathic medicines we used 200 years ago, medicines we used 200 years ago, however are adding to our continuously however are adding to our continuously growing materia medica, allowing us a growing materia medica, allowing us a greater scope of practice.greater scope of practice.

Homeopathy is actually over 200 years old.Homeopathy is actually over 200 years old.Homeopathy originated in GermanyHomeopathy originated in Germany

In 1796 a German doctor, Samuel In 1796 a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to the cure of the sick, which he approach to the cure of the sick, which he called homeopathy (from the Greek words called homeopathy (from the Greek words meaning ‘similar suffering’). meaning ‘similar suffering’).

Women who use

Homeopathy

A drug-free treatment for the

symptoms of Menopause

• The most effective way to treating menopause, is with constitutional treatment.

• Your homeopath will select a remedy especially chosen for you, as an individual, based on the totality of your symptoms as well as your physical, mental and emotional state.

• This remedy strengthen the immune system to restore a healthy balance and sense of well-being.

Case of SepiaCase of Sepia A 40 year old successful business women came to see A 40 year old successful business women came to see

me for low libidome for low libido She was going through menopause and experiencing She was going through menopause and experiencing

the following symptoms:the following symptoms: Hot flushesHot flushes Vaginal drynessVaginal dryness Completely lost all interest in sexCompletely lost all interest in sex Aversion to her husbandAversion to her husband She was becoming increasingly irritable and She was becoming increasingly irritable and

indifferent to her family and felt guilty for it and was indifferent to her family and felt guilty for it and was very tearfulvery tearful

She had weakness in the muscles of her pelvic wall She had weakness in the muscles of her pelvic wall (Kegel exercises do not help)(Kegel exercises do not help)

On taking her case, it came out that she had had 2 On taking her case, it came out that she had had 2 horrible pregnancies in the past-hated being pregnant horrible pregnancies in the past-hated being pregnant and had suffered from post-partum depressionand had suffered from post-partum depression

She was much better for exercise and craves picklesShe was much better for exercise and craves pickles

On analysis of the case with On analysis of the case with repertorization, I chose the remedy, repertorization, I chose the remedy, SepiaSepia

SepiaSepia Wonderful remedy for women with hormonal imbalancesWonderful remedy for women with hormonal imbalances Commonly used to treat menstrual problems, ailment of Commonly used to treat menstrual problems, ailment of

pregnancy (and post-partum) and symptoms of Menopausepregnancy (and post-partum) and symptoms of MenopausePatients needing Sepia often complain of:Patients needing Sepia often complain of: Hot flushesHot flushes Irregular menstrual flow or floodingIrregular menstrual flow or flooding Lack of libidoLack of libido Irritability, indifference to loved ones Irritability, indifference to loved ones vaginal dryness that causes pain during sex, vaginal dryness that causes pain during sex, yeast infections. yeast infections. chills, chills, tearfulness, tearfulness, hair losshair loss They feel better from eating, sleeping, exercise, hot They feel better from eating, sleeping, exercise, hot

compresses, they sometimes tell me that they feel better compresses, they sometimes tell me that they feel better in stormy weather.in stormy weather.

They crave sour foods, pickles and lemonsThey crave sour foods, pickles and lemons

Follow upFollow up After one month there is no change. After one month there is no change. After 2 months of treatment she is less After 2 months of treatment she is less

irritable and the intensity of her hot flushes irritable and the intensity of her hot flushes is lessis less

After 3 months her vaginal dryness had After 3 months her vaginal dryness had improved and she was becoming far more improved and she was becoming far more loving towards her husband. She is losing loving towards her husband. She is losing her temper less with her childrenher temper less with her children

After 5 months of treatment, she feels like a After 5 months of treatment, she feels like a different person. Her transition into different person. Her transition into Menopause has been smooth and her Menopause has been smooth and her symptoms have been alleviated. Her symptoms have been alleviated. Her husband called me up to say: “Thank you husband called me up to say: “Thank you for giving me back my beautiful wife” for giving me back my beautiful wife”

A case of LachesisA case of Lachesis A 40 year old peri-menopausal women A 40 year old peri-menopausal women

came to see me for hot flushescame to see me for hot flushes Her symptoms are always much worse Her symptoms are always much worse

before her periods and they improve as before her periods and they improve as soon as the flow comes onsoon as the flow comes on

She also suffers from left-sided headaches She also suffers from left-sided headaches that come on before her periods and are that come on before her periods and are ameliorated when the flow beginsameliorated when the flow begins

She is loquacious, has intense feelings of She is loquacious, has intense feelings of jealousy and is convinced that her jealousy and is convinced that her husband is cheating on herhusband is cheating on her

She cannot bear tight or constrictive She cannot bear tight or constrictive clothingclothing

Follow-upFollow-up Initially her symptoms got intensely worse for 3 Initially her symptoms got intensely worse for 3

days: she had intense hot flushes, she was more days: she had intense hot flushes, she was more jealous and weepyjealous and weepy

2 weeks later she started to feel better2 weeks later she started to feel better 6 weeks later her hot flushes were considerably less6 weeks later her hot flushes were considerably less 4 months later her menstrual pain and bloating are 4 months later her menstrual pain and bloating are

gone. This is the first time in her life that she is not gone. This is the first time in her life that she is not experiencing PMS. Her hot flushes are so mild that experiencing PMS. Her hot flushes are so mild that they no longer bother herthey no longer bother her

9 months later she is still feeling good and she feels 9 months later she is still feeling good and she feels much more secure in her marriage, she no longer much more secure in her marriage, she no longer has intense jealousy and is getting along better with has intense jealousy and is getting along better with her sister too (I later found out that she has a her sister too (I later found out that she has a younger, very pretty sister whom she hated ever younger, very pretty sister whom she hated ever since she was born as she took away the attention) since she was born as she took away the attention)

Individualistic treatment, the Gem in Homeopathy

While you may relate to features in one or both cases; it is important to realize that Homeopathy is extremely individualistic, and that there are many homeopathic remedies to treat Menopause

The remedy that will be best suited for you is the one that not only matches your specific symptoms, but also matches you as a person.

The best way to find the right remedy for you is by having your case taken by a professional who is trained and experienced in Homeopathy

Homeopathy-a natural solution for Menopause:

Safely, Gently, Naturally, Effectively

A healthy Lifestyle makes a difference

• Stress management and exercise can help reduce symptoms

• Weight bearing exercise and a calcium-rich diet prevents against osteoporosis

• Wear cotton clothing for night sweats• Vaginal lubricants reduce vaginal

dryness and alleviates pain during intercourse

Diet• Sugar, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol may

aggravate hot flushes• Soy products contain Phytoestrogens,

similar in structure to estrogen and can reduce symptoms, however avoid in if you have soy allergies or a history of breast cancer

Incontinence

• Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and help with urinary incontinence.

A new beginning

• Many women today find that the years after menopause offer new recognition and fresh beginnings.

• To have a positive attitude towards menopause as a natural, essential and healthy phase of womanhood is important.

Questions???Questions???

The information in this lecture is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care practitioner.  This lecture is not intended to diagnose any condition.  Speak to your doctor or healthcare practitioner before discontinuing any medication that has been prescribed for you. Inform your health care provider before taking any of the remedies or supplements recommended in this lecture.

Recommended reading:Andrews, Lynn– Women at the Edge of Two Worlds

Brady, Maureen– Midlife Meditations for Women

Cameron,Judy– The Artist's Way

Canfield, Jack, et al.– Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul

Cobb, Janice– Understanding Menopause

Cutler, Winnifred– Menopause: A Guide for Women and the Men Who Love Them

Fisher, Rosemary– Recipes and Research on Osteoporosis, Heart Disease,& Cancer

Greenwood, Sadja– Menopause, Naturally

Lark, Susan, M.D.– The Estrogen Decision

Lee, John R.– What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause

McCain, Marian Van Eyk– Transformation Through Menopause

Myss, Caroline– Anatomy of the Spirit

Nachtigall, Lila, M.D. and Hellman, Joan– Estrogen

Northrup, Christine, M.D.– Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom

Painter, Charlotte– Gifts of Age

Porcino, Jane– Growing Older, Growing Better

RECOMMENDED READING ON HOMEOPATHY

For self-prescribing (treating acutes):Everybody’s guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Cummings and Ullman Homeopathy: A pictorial Guide: Self help for common ailments by Vivienne Rawsley & Judith Scott; Little London Partners, ISBN: 1-872407-005The Homeopathic Emergency Guide by Thomas Kruzel Homeopathic Self-Care: The quick and easy guide by Ullman and Reichenberg-Ullman

For understanding homeopathy:The Science of Homeopathy by George VithoulkasImpossible cure by Amy LanskyPortraits of Homeopathy By Catherine CoultierA Patient's guide to Homeopathy by Dana Ulman

You can obtain most homeopathic books from: Minimum Price BooksTel: 1800 663 8272Website: www.minimum.com (It is often cheaper to order online)

For more information about

World Homeopathic Awareness Week,

visit:

www.whomeopathy.org

Bibliography

Boericke, W: Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi, 1929.

Vermuelen, F: Concordant Materia Medica