Menopause is not a disease. It is a host of symptoms brought on by changing estrogen and progesterone levels. We know that menopause signifies the end of menstruation, but perimenopause is less concrete. Typically, this transition begins for women in their late 40's to early 50's and may take 2-5 years, and longer for some. Perimenopause is a gradual, natural process and how a woman experiences it, is likely reflective in choices made up to this point. A focus on self-care, good nutritional and lifestyle choices may ease the symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Change of menstruation patterns...happens less frequently or closer together, flow may be heavier or lighter
Vaginal dryness
Hot flashes, night sweats
Moodiness, anxiety, depression
Sleep disturbances
Urinary problems, Joint pain
Trouble with focus and short term memory
How does Chinese Medicine view perimenopause?
Women's health is closely tied to the kidney organ system which stores the bodies energy reserves and governs growth, development, and reproduction. The Kidneys produce yin and yang energies, which may become deficient during perimenopause.
Yin has cooling, moistening, and calming functions and is related to estrogen. When yin is depleted symptoms that are hot and dry arise. Yang energy is warming and moving and is tied to progesterone. When yang energy is low so is metabolism and circulation. Yin and yang need to be balanced, just as hormones also need to be.
Kidney yang deficiency
hot flashes with cold hands & feet
low back pain
feelings of cold
fatigue, weight gain
depression, melancholy
lower leg swelling
incontinence
Yang deficiency has a tendency to affect Spleen function (in Chinese Medicine) and cause additional symptoms that can include appetite and digestive changes, fatigue, swelling, and organ prolapse.
Kidney Yin deficiency
hot flashes
night sweats
irritability
insomnia
thirst
constipation
Yin deficiency will have a tendency to affect the Liver and Heart (in Chinese Medicine), and there may be symptoms of palpitations, poor memory, blurred vision, dizziness, and panic attacks.
Stress?
The Liver in Chinese Medicine is responsible for making everything flow smoothly. When the Liver is affected by stress, energy becomes stuck. This may be the case if any of the following symptoms are present:
Emotional changes: mood swings, depression, anger, irritability, sadness, crying, moodiness
Menstrual Changes: irregular and painful periods, breast distention, PMS
Other symptoms: Frequent sighing, hiccups, nausea, belching, acid reflux.
Chinese medicine aims to treat the symptoms of menopause through acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle modifications. Treatments are geared toward nourishing and balancing kidney energies.
Nutritional Therapy
For hot flashes and night sweats (kidney yin deficiency) try adding these foods in to your diet: sesame seed, soybean, cherries, pears, apples, pineapple, watermelon, asparagus, celery, lemon, seaweed, black beans, kidney beans, and black dates.
Reducing intake of dairy, sugar, red meat (especially with added hormones), caffeine, and alcohol is also suggested.
Feeling of cold and fatigue (kidney yang deficiency): enjoy walnuts, chestnuts, raspberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, garlic, and chives.
Vitamin C: bruising and varicose veins
Vitamin E: hot flashes, irregular cycle
Magnesium & Vitamin D: to help with calcium absorption
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