Menopause
Symptoms of the menopause can be extreme and cause many women to feel like they have ‘lost themselves’ during this transition.
There are many symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, memory problems, fatigue along with loss of libido and vaginal dryness and recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections. Heart health, bones and brain health are very important to consider.
Key Facts
- Nutritional support and herbal supplements can be highly effective at reducing the symptoms of the menopause. There is no need to ‘suffer through’ the menopause
- Phytoestrogens in foods and supplements may help when natural oestrogen levels decline
- It is important to adapt your diet to protect your heart health, bones and brain health when oestrogen is reduced. Functional medicine testing around this time can help to personalise your protocol and what steps to take to plan for healthy ageing
- The lack of oestrogen also has an impact on our healthy microbiomes, especially in the vaginal and urinary tract. This can cause dryness, discomfort, recurrent infections or urinary issues.
- Regular blood tests do not always give sufficient information about hormones. We use functional medicine tests such as the DUTCH comprehensive hormone test to provide useful information about whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be safe or effective if you chose to use it. Genetic testing can also identify additional risk factors.
- Weight management can become more difficult but a functional medicine approach with support or coaching may help to maintain a healthy weight
Best Test Options
Patient Story
History
Deirdre attended our clinic experiencing significant symptoms of the menopause including night sweats that would require changing clothes and bed sheets. Hot flashes were bothering her during her work day along with memory issues and fatigue. She felt that she just wasn’t herself anymore and was struggling to function as she had.
Tests
Deirdre carried out a Functional Nutritional Profile blood test to check on her current intake of nutrients to support healthy ageing. She had low levels of zinc, magnesium and B vitamins required for resilience to stress and low vitamin D which is very important for bone health.
Deirdre was referred for a DEXA scan via her GP to assess her bone density.
Plan
Deirdre commenced a herbal tincture specifically designed by our clinic with our herbalist/ pharmacist collaborator to reduce menopause symptoms. She adapted her diet to support her energy and stress levels, including phytoestrogens and increasing sources of zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. She was also recommended specific supplements to restore deficiencies.
Outcome
Within three months Deirdre’s menopause symptoms had markedly improved. The night sweats were almost eliminated and her hot flashes abated. Deirdre reduced her herbal support to an easier maintenance plan gradually over the next six months. Deirdre was surprised to later learn that she had osteopenia. She continued to attend our clinic in relation to managing her bone health and supplement plan. She carried out bone turnover testing to ensure this maintenance plan was optimal for her.
“I’m very happy to continue on my plan for the future. I’m delighted I’m feeling a lot better but I also want to continue to maintain my bones and health as I get older, it’s important”
Our expertise in this area includes:
