Menopause is a natural process that the female body undergoes when the pituitary ovarian loop changes to stop ovulation. In a normal, healthy, non-fatigued body, the common symptoms of menopause don’t occur or happen only mildly. Symptoms occur when the adrenals are already fatigued and are unable to produce adequate levels of hormones to supplement those lost from the normal fluctuation of an ovulatory cycle. The symptoms are actually the result of the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone, typically not deficiency of these two hormones. Western medicine’s traditional treatment for the symptoms of menopause is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is quite a risk because the hormones most commonly used, known as Premarin, are derived from pregnant mares’ urine, which has over 40 different hormones, many of which take over receptors but don’t have the desired effects.  They also tax the detoxification system. Ten million women take Premarin in pill or patch form. Additionally, the therapy has been proven to only be effective for 5 to 7 years after menopause. Further therapy is useless. Synthetic estrogen, another method of HRT, has been proven to increase the risk of breast cancer by almost 33 percent. Natural treatment, however, which makes synthetic hormones unnecessary, focuses on support of the adrenal system, blood sugar balance, and elimination of hidden infections because they are the roots of the issue.

Menopause occurs when a woman experiences 6 months without a menstrual period. Symptoms of menopause occur when estrogen & progesterone fluctuate because levels are not compensated for by the adrenals (small walnut sized glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, & aldosterone). Because the adrenals are taxed when there is chronic stress, intestinal problems, blood sugar imbalances, and dietary overindulgence in things like caffeine & chocolate they are often already fatigued when entering perimenopause. Perimenopause puts further strain on the adrenal system and they often become overwhelmed and unable to keep up adequate production of needed hormones. This is when we see symptoms.

Symptoms of menopause range from hot flashes, dry skin, mood swings, depression, irritability, vaginal dryness, night sweats, bladder infection, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and fuzzy thinking. When estrogen levels soar, hot flashes occur. When they fall, the result is painful intercourse. To treat the symptoms, we must first treat the problem of poorly functioning adrenals. Once the adrenal stress syndrome is treated, the symptoms will normally resolve but occasionally will require additional support. To treat the symptoms of menopause, we use natural supplements, herbs, nutrients, and diet and exercise programs to balance the root of the issue and alleviate associated symptoms.