Most women turn to their GP or friends when it comes to advice about menopausal symptoms, but there’s so much a woman can do on her own or with the support of a naturopath that doesn’t involve MHT (the new HRT) and can lead to huge improvements in the overwhelm that often accompanies menopausal “symptoms”.
One of the major differences between a doctor and a naturopath is the length of time of your first consultation. For example: when you book an appointment with Mardi – the Natural Healer your first appointment will last for 90 minutes where I take time to understand your unique circumstances an discuss all aspects of your health. Most doctor appointments occur in 10-15 minute time slots (even a “long” consultation is only 30 minutes). No wonder most women are sent away with either a prescription for anti-depressants or MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy). In my opinion, this really isn’t complete medical care, as this time of life is quite complex: there is so much going on for each woman, that it requires a complex and well considered plan.
Here’s some more detail on how a naturopath can help menopausal women:
- Hormone balancing: Naturopaths can use natural supplements – vitamins and minerals to help balance hormones and alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
- Stress management: Naturopaths teach stress-management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Diet: Naturopaths provide guidance on diet to improve menopausal symptoms, such as reducing sugar and processed foods, and increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. There are specific foods that can trigger menopausal symptoms so it is important to let your naturopath know all the things you are consuming (even the “naughty” things!)
- Other Supplements: Naturopaths may recommend supplements such as vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids to support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which is a common concern for postmenopausal women.
- Herbal medicine: Naturopaths may use liquid or tablet forms of herbal medicine to help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. This is one of my favourite treatment options as it can support the re-balancing of multiple body systems at once.
- IV Therapy: Naturopaths can not administer IV therapy but will work in conjunction with your GP to support the delivery of high dose of vitamins to help combat fatigue, improve energy levels, and support overall health.
- Anxiety and mindset: Naturopaths help women manage the mental chatter that often comes with the beginning of the menopause transition – the perimenopause. Many women don’t realise that this is a common ailment women suffer during the menopause transition.
It’s important to note that every individual is different and a naturopath may use a combination of therapies to help alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve overall health. Naturopathic medicine is a valuable resource for women during menopause, as it focuses on promoting optimal health and wellness through natural and holistic means.
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