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Menopause

Menopause has been medicalized into a disease. It is not. Just as menarche (the start of menstruation) is a natural process, so is its cessation also a natural process. The symptoms we associate with menopause still need to be addressed, of course, but perhaps from a slightly different angle.

It is interesting that the medical profession, which is set against treating vitamin deficiency with vitamin supplements, has no difficulty treating hormonal deficiency with hormonal supplements, even though estrogen supplementation carries a known cancer risk.

I do not think estrogen/progesterone supplements or creams are a good idea. The body’s hormonal system is a beautifully (if delicately) balanced one, and not to be messed with. If you gave me a new Porche, and I went under the hood with a wrench, I could only do harm. The same with your endocrine system.

On the other hand, frequent oil changes, good gas, save driving and lots of preventive maintenance can really prolong the life and beauty or a car… or a woman. Such a systemic approach is best done through nutrition.

Here is an overview of helpful suggestions collected by a guy who has only experienced menopause second-hand (well, at least so far, anyway):

Hot Flashes
Vitamin E
Primrose Oil

Constipation
Vegetable Juicing

Dizziness; Headache
Chiropractic
homeopathic Kali Phos

Palpitation
Magnesium and calcium

Difficult Breathing/Shortness of Breath
All of the above, and perhaps some homeopathic Aconite

Depression
Lecithin
Niacin/Niacinamide
Vitamin C
Cashews by the handful

Vaginal Dryness
Vitamin E topically

Hypoglycemia
B-Complex
Dietary Fiber
No sugar, little dairy, little meat, lots of raw veggies

Adrenal Support
(to help compensate for estrogen drop)
Vitamin C

Stress Reduction
Meditation, yoga, etc.

For further reading, I suggest the very well written segment on menopause in Balch and Balch (1990) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery, NY. p 241-2.

Andrew Saul is the author of the books FIRE YOUR DOCTOR! How to be Independently Healthy (reader reviews at http://www.doctoryourself.com/review.html ) and DOCTOR YOURSELF: Natural Healing that Works. (reviewed at http://www.doctoryourself.com/saulbooks.html )

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Andrew W. Saul

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