Homeopathy for Menopause

Menopause is a normal change in a woman’s body that signals the end of menstruation and the gradual decline in the production of the hormone estrogen. As women approach menopause, their menstrual periods become irregular until they cease altogether. Symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia, mood swings, cold feet and hands, changes in skin tone, and forgetfulness. Because there is controversy regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to assist women through this time, some women are turning to more natural solutions for dealing with menopausal symptoms. Homeopathy offers a safe and simple solution for addressing these concerns and restoring balance to a woman’s body.

How Can Homeopathy Help During Menopause?

Some women sail through menopause, while others experience imbalances in their bodies. Homeopathy can help smooth a woman’s path through this transformative time by matching her individual symptoms with specific remedies. Consult a homeopathic physician before attempting any remedies. Only use one remedy at a time.

General Menopausal Symptoms
For generalized menopausal symptoms, the following might be helpful:

Bellis perennis is indicated when a woman frequently feels tired and has a constant backache.

Cimicifuga racemosa is for the woman who is restless and talkative, whose emotions swing from happy to troubled, and who feels fearful of disease or death. She frequently experiences headaches and a feeling of doom centered in her stomach.

Sanguinaria can help a woman whose right side of the body is more troubled than the left; who itches all over; and who has heavy vaginal discharge and sore breasts.

Sepia can help when a woman is worn out and weak and displays indifference toward her family or job. She may also feel cold, despite flushing often, and avoids intercourse because it is painful or difficult for her.

Other general remedies include Amyl Nitrosum, Belladonna, Cactus Grandiflorus, Caulophyllum, Gelsemium, Glonoine, Kali Carbonicum, Kreosotum, Lachesis, Murex, Nux Moschata, Nux Vomica, Oophorinum, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Ustilago, Maydis, or Zincum Valerianum.

Emotional Symptoms
For depression, nerves, or irritability during menopause, the homeopath might prescribe one of the following:

Aconitum napellus for restlessness, sleeplessness with tossing and turning, nightmares, anxieties, and fears. The woman feels better after resting or being outside, but worse at night or when lying on her left side.

Arum Metallicum for a depressed woman who has recurring thoughts of suicide and who feels unloved.

Chamomilla for irritability and hypersensitivity to pain. The woman tends to be inconsolable, feels sleepy during the day, and has insomnia in the evening. Symptoms are worse when the woman is angered but are relieved by riding in a car and by heat.

Ignatia Amara for emotional stress accompanied by sighing and nervousness. Symptoms seem worse with smoking, touch, and emotionalism but are improved by eating, swallowing, and urination.

Other remedies include Lachesis Mutus, Nux Vomica, Passiflora Incarnata, Septa, Stramonium, or Viburnum Opulus.

Anxiety remedies might include Arsenicum album or Borax. For emotional issues, consider Pulsatilla or Stramonium.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
During hot flashes, a woman occasionally feels extreme heat, mostly in the upper parts of the body, accompanied by drenching sweats. These symptoms can continue for one or two years, but for some they may continue for up to five years. Homoeopathic medicines Sepia, Amyl Nitrite, and Lachesis can provide relief. Nux Vomica, Sulphur, Populus Tremuloides, Salvia, or Pilocarpus Microphyllus can address night sweats. For profuse perspiration, use Lachesis, Sepia, Sulphuricum, or Acidicum. Remedies for both hot flashes and night sweats include Sepia, Lachesis Mutus, Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Valeriana, or Ferrum Metallicum.

Insomnia
Insomnia might respond to Aconitum Napellus, Arsenicum album, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Coffea crude, Lycopodium clavatum, Passiflora Incarnata,
Sulphur, or Viburnum Opulus.

Constipation, Incontinence, and Vaginal Dryness
Constipation can be relieved by Sepia, Hydrastis, Magnesia Muriatica, Magnesia Phosphorica, or Iris Versicolor. After menopause, a thinning bladder may cause involuntary urination. The occasional minor leaking of urine is normal. If the problem is worse, Pulsatilla or Zincum Metallicum might be prescribed. Vaginal dryness can be addressed by Belladonna, Bryonia, Lycopodium, Aconitum Napellus, Apis Mellifica, Ferrum Phosphoricum, Hydrophobinum, Natrum Muriaticum, or Spiranthes.

Osteoporosis
A primary concern for a woman after her periods stop is the potential for the gradual onset of osteoporosis, which weakens bones. Bone mass losses can average 1 to 2 percent annually and can easily result in fractures, pain in bones, and backaches. The homoeopathic medicine Calcarea Carb can assist women by decreasing the loss of calcium from bones and increasing the absorption of calcium from food.

What Happens During Menopause?

During menopause, which usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 52, the body gradually stops producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Other hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormones and luteinizing hormone, are produced in greater quantities, creating symptoms for about 80 percent of women. These symptoms might include night sweats and hot flashes. Some women also experience weight gain, mood swings, irritability, depression, fatigue, vaginal dryness, panic attacks, palpitations, and muscle and bone pain.

What Happens When Meeting with a Homeopath?

A homeopath will ask questions about any problems the patient has that might be related to menopause, including emotional issues and physical problems as well as life situations. The patient as a whole person must be considered before a remedy is selected. Homeopathy is a natural approach that fits in well with other treatment options, such as a change in diet, an exercise program, and supplements. This path enables the patient to control her life and take charge of her health. When using homeopathic remedies, take one dose and wait for a response. If the body responds, allow the remedy to work. When the remedy wears off, take another dose. Sometimes a dose may be needed several times an hour, or maybe only once a day. If no improvement is seen within a reasonable period of time, seek another remedy.