October is Menopause Awareness Month and the 18th of October is World Menopause Day, so it seems an appropriate time to post about how herbal medicine, prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist can help women to manage the uncomfortable symptoms experienced by many women as they pass through this stage of life. 

A recent study shows that herbal treatment led to significant improvements for many women.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803319300326?via%3Dihub

The menopause affects women in different ways and there is a wide range of symptoms of varying intensity. Common symptoms include:

• hot flushes – short, sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck and chest, which can make your skin red and sweaty
• night sweats– hot flushes that occur at night
• difficulty sleeping – this may make you feel tired and irritable during the day
• a reduced sex drive (libido)
• problems with memory and concentration
• vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
• headaches
• mood changes, such as low mood or anxiety
• palpitations – heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable
• joint stiffness, aches and pains
• reduced muscle mass

Treatment with HRT prescribed by the GP is not a treatment choice for many women, either because it is contraindicated, or they prefer a more natural form of treatment. Many women want an effective alternative and one they feel comfortable taking for a longer duration. However, whilst individual herbs such as black cohosh, red clover and sage bought over the counter can relieve menopausal symptoms not everyone finds them beneficial and the evidence is contradictory. These formulations do not meet the individual requirements of each woman.

The variation in women’s experience of the menopause supports the need for treatment to be tailored to each individual. The study showed how this was provided by a medical herbalist who, following a full consultation, selected several different herbs most beneficial to the patient.  The medical herbalist was able to respond to the needs of the patient and the symptoms experienced, and vary the herbal prescription and protocol as necessary. Selecting an individualised mixture of herbs also allows treatment of other organ systems that may be affected by the menopause and not just those associated with decreasing oestrogen levels.

The women in the study reported not just an improvement in menopausal symptoms but improved wellbeing and the ability to carry out a chosen activity thus enhancing their quality of life.

I love supporting women going through the menopause: Seeing the relief on their faces when they are listened to and reassured that they aren’t going mad and that there is something they can do about the myriad of symptoms; helping them understand what is going on; discussing the treatment options (so that they can make an informed choice about what they want to do to improve their wellbeing) and sharing their joy when symptoms improve or disappear! After an initial consultation I prepare a bespoke mix of herbs to work long term to improve hormone balance as well as directly addressing individual symptoms. No two prescription are the same as every patient has different constitutions, a different pattern of symptoms and different priorities.  We also talk about lifestyle and dietary changes that can help improve symptoms and wellbeing.  At a follow-up consultation to see how things are going I often add an extra level of advice and may well tweak the prescription depending on levels of improvement – that is the real art of herbal medicine – being able to fine-tune dosage and herb combinations to suit individual need.  

If you would like to know more about how herbal medicine can help you navigate the menopause please get in touch 

For an appointment please email info@bespokebotanicals.co.uk or call me on 07801 071641