Menopause

What is Menopause?

Menopause refers to the time when women end their reproductive cycle — ending menstruation. The ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, and the adrenal glands and fat cells take over sex hormone production. The body is designed to accommodate this natural process, but can only do so if the body is in a healthy state. For many women, menopause can be a time of tremendous physical, emotional and social change and support is needed to help them through the hormonal transition.  

What are Common Symptoms of Menopause?

• Hot flashes & night sweats
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness
• Low libido
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Foggy memory
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety

What Contributes to Menopausal Symptoms? 

A major cause of menopausal complaints is estrogen dominance. This occurs when there is too much estrogen or not enough progesterone to balance its effects. Estrogen dominance is caused by exposure to potent, environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens), found in plastics, pesticides, cleaners, detergents, body care products, meat and dairy products, stress, anovulation, poor diet, obesity, microbial imbalances, as well as synthetic hormones from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

Foreign estrogens are much more potent than estrogen made by the ovaries. Artificial estrogens activate receptors to stimulate a hormonal effect or occupy the receptor and block natural estrogen from doing its job, thereby disrupting normal endocrine function. Xenoestrogens can accumulate over time, are absorbed through the skin, are difficult to detoxify, and are stored in fat. While endogenous estrogens are biologically active only during the years of sexual maturity, have a life expectancy measured in days, and fluctuate month to month, xenoestrogen exposure starts with fetal development and can be around for decades.

Other factors such as stress, adrenal fatigue, neurotransmitter imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, poor diet, sluggish bowels and sluggish liver function can all play a role in contributing to uncomfortable menopausal complaints.

Supplements That Support Symptoms of Menopause

Pathway WOMEN'S HORMONE BALANCER

Pathway WOMEN'S HORMONE BALANCER is a comprehensive female specific formula. Ingredients such as vitex, polygonum and black cohosh, along with DIM and chrysin protect and support beneficial estrogen aromatase activity. Calcium-D-glucarate promotes the proper elimination of excess estrogens. Rosemary, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and EGCg from green tea are included for maximum antioxidant protection. Vitamins B6, B12, and folates (NatureFolate™ blend) promote proper cell differentiation. And, magnesium and calcium are also included to help support bone and hormone health.

Pathway Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil provides an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA helps to promote the production of anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body and may be helpful for hormone balance, joint pain and swelling, various skin conditions, and to nourish hair and nails.

Pathway Liver Detox

The liver plays an important role in cleansing and detoxifying the body. Optimal liver health is also important for hormone balance, digestive health, bowel regularity, and much more. This comprehensive formula combines key herbs to stimulate the liver and support healthy detoxification.

Pathway Adrenal Support

Stress can weaken health by demanding excess work by the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. Taking nutrients that help the body adapt to stressful challenges can greatly help to restore energy and vitality. This formula contains key adaptogenic herbs along with select B vitamins to support the body’s stress response. 

Pathway Crème de Femme

Natural progesterone cream promotes healthy hormone balance. Pathway CRÈME DE FEMME provides natural progesterone in an easy to use pump. The cream may be applied wherever the capillaries are close to the surface – the face, neck, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, wrists, and behind the knee. CRÈME DE FEMME is paraben free and contains natural ingredients.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is an all-natural alternative to traditional hormone replacement. Advantages of using bio-identical hormones include the benefits of traditional hormone replacement therapy without unwanted side effects and risks.

Our Village Green team of compounding pharmacists specializes in providing individualized compounded prescriptions to fit each woman’s exact needs. Call us today at 800-869-9159 x1012 for more information.

Natural Therapies for Menopausal Symptoms

Exercise

60 minutes of moderate to intense exercise 3 times per week can help to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal complaints.

Diet

We recommend that you maintain a healthy diet that will improve not only menopause symptoms but will also support energy levels. Village Green provides a full range of solutions to meet everyone’s specific dietary needs. Because you’re biochemically unique, our trained nutritionists will work to develop the right diet plan – just for you.

Foods that promote healthy hormone balance include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (wild salmon, flax, walnuts, etc.)
• Dark leafy greens (bok choy, collards, kale, turnip greens, dandelion greens, spinach, etc)
• Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, arugula, etc.)
• Colorful fruits and vegetables (berries, citrus, melons, pears, apples, beets, carrots, etc.)
• Whole grains (brown rice, millet, quinoa, whole wheat, corn, etc.)
• Legumes (lentils, soy, black beans, pinto, garbanzo beans, etc.)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
• Sea vegetables (wakame, kombu, hijiki, arame, nori, dulse, etc.)
• Healthy fats (eggs, avocados, butter, flaxseed oil, nuts and seeds, nut butters, etc.)
• Organic dairy foods / dairy alternatives (milk made from almonds, rice, hemp, oats, soy, etc.)
• Phytoestrogen rich foods (legumes (soy), flax, etc.)
• Organic/hormone-free protein (meat, poultry, grass-fed beef, fish, eggs, cheese, etc.)

Holistic Treatment for Menopause Symptoms

At Village Green Apothecary, our nutritionists and doctors work with patients to create optimal health by using natural remedies, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and homeopathic treatments. They also recommend tailored diet plans, exercise routines, lifestyle tips, specialized testing, as well as natural or bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to address the root cause(s) of imbalances.

We’re here to help! 

Schedule a consultation with one of Village Green’s naturopathic doctors or certified nutritionists for a personal assessment of your unique situation. During your appointment (either by phone or in-person), our professionals will:

• Review your menopause symptoms and health history
• Examine your diet and lifestyle
• Recommend specialized testing
• Assess possible drug-nutrient interactions or depletions
• Answer any questions you may have
• Evaluate hormone balancing options
• Create a customized plan that includes natural solutions, diet and lifestyle recommendations, and custom compounding.

  Contact a Village Green nutritionist to help you design the best diet plan for your needs by calling 800-869-9159.

  Learn more about our nutrition counseling and wellness services.