 Menopause is nature’s way of slowing down the aging process after child bearing. According the Chinese Medical theory, a woman’s body no longer produces enough blood. Therefore the body reverses the channel that sends blood to the uterus and sends it up to the heart to nourish the spirit. In Chinese Medicine, menopause is seen as a change from “biological mother” to “mother of the community”. This is why in Chinese culture; menopausal women are seen as wise women.
Menopause is not always experienced in a smooth manner and some women may experience a variety of bothersome signs and symptoms which may include hot flashes, night sweats, depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, vaginal dryness and atrophy, osteoporosis and palpitations.
Menopause is a recognized and treatable condition in Chinese Medical theory. Menopause syndrome is one of the most easily and satisfactorily treated conditions using acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. These regimens are time-tested and safe with minimal, if any, side effects.
Conventional treatment using Hormone Replacement Therapy has recently come under fire. Based on the results of the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative Study), hormone replacement therapy such as combined estrogen-progestin or estrogen-only therapy is not recommended for long-term use because of the associated health risks. However, shorter-term use (less than five years) for the purpose of treating hot flashes is still acceptable. Although longer-term use of hormones prevents osteoporosis, there are many other medications now available for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis that do not carry the risks of hormone therapy and, therefore, are preferred over such therapy.
Estrogens can increase the risk for blood clots in the legs and lungs, stroke, and, for older women, heart disease. Estrogens also increase the risk for gallstones. Studies have shown that estrogen alone given to women with a uterus can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the uterine lining) and cancer. Progestogens protect the uterus, but some may counteract the beneficial effects of estrogen on cholesterol.
Many observational studies have suggested that there is an association between hormone therapy, particularly combined estrogen-progestin, and breast cancer, and that the risk of breast cancer increases with longer-term use (greater than five years). These findings were confirmed in the WHI, which demonstrated that in an average follow-up time of about five years, there was a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer in the women who took combined estrogen-progestin therapy (Prempro®).
A safer, effective treatment regimen consisting of Chinese Herbal Supplements, acupuncture as well as nutrition, lifestyle changes and exercise can bring the body, mind and spirit into balance. You will spend a considerable portion of your life in menopause…embrace ancient wisdom to day…and make this experience fulfilling, healthy and nourishing to the mind, body and spirit!
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