Menopause, Pre-Menopause, PMS and Phytonutrients
Guidelines and Combinations
By
Ward Dean. MD
(Young adulthood-Middle Age).
Disturbances during this phase may include the following: elevated estrogen; reduced progesterone in mid and late luteal phase (that is, after ovulation); elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for 6-9 days during each period; and marginally elevated aldosterone (resulting in water retention) for 2-8 days during each period.
Menstrual and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) signs during this period include: abnormal menstrual periods (heavy, irregular, scanty or painful periods), recurring symptoms of depression, bloating, decreased energy, irritability, tension, breast tenderness, food cravings, pelvic cramps (due to uterine spasm), or altered sex drive 7-14 days prior to menses.
Suggested Botanicals to relieve symptoms:
Her Balance I: Vitex (Chaste Berry) dong quai, blue cohosh, alfalfa.
Other agents: Natural progesterone cream as needed (see the April 1997 Nutrition News, Vol 11, No. 4 1997)
PERI-MENOPAUSE
During this phase a hormonal balance shift occurs sometime from the mid-thirties to the late forties (or even early fifties). The age at which this occurs depends on heredity, environmental factors, lifestyle, diet, number of children, stress and other factors. Anovulatory menstrual cycles begin to occur. As a result, follicles stop releasing mature eggs, the levels of progesterone drop, and estrogen levels my fluctuate from high to low. Peri-menopausal signs include: Periods become more or less frequent than normal, with alterations or absence of menstrual flow. Periods may be accompanied by chronic fatigue, weight gain, water retention, mood swings, unstable blood sugar, premature aging, or sleep disturbances.
Suggested Botanicals to relieve symptoms: HerBalance I and II: Vitex agnus castus, dong quai, blue cohosh, gamma oryzanol, tribulus terrestris, soy isoflavones and other phytoestrogens (Some women may find that the full recommended dosage of both of these formulas may be required to alleviate symptoms. Others may find that a combination of each formula in half strength may be adequate.)
Other agents:
Natural progesterone cream.
MENOPAUSE
The cessation of menses takes place during this phase. Estrogen levels diminish by 40-60%, and progesterone secretion ceases. LH and FSH rise, and the FSH/LH ratio, which is greater than 1 in young adulthood, shifts to less than 1. Menopausal signs are: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, water retention, weight gain, sleep disturbances, mood swings, dry/thin skin, bone mineral loss, fatigue, headaches, and decreased libido.
Suggested Botanicals to relieve symptoms:
HerBalance II: Black Cohosh, gamma oryzanol, tribulus terrestris, soy isoflavones and other phytoestrogens.
Other agents: Natural progesterone cream.