iHealthCast > Physicians<br>& Specialists > Heartbeats Blog - <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Manage Your Peri-Menopausal Symptoms Naturally</span>

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Posted by: Dr. Chris Meletis, ND	12/8/2009 4:20 PM
It is important for women young and old alike to know that the changes associated with menopause happen well before the loss of one’s period. The gradual decline of hormones (particularly estrogen and progesterone) begins months and often years prior to significant symptoms. As women near closer to the stage of Peri-Menopause in their life, they can be unsure how to manage the accompanying symptoms and reluctant to use prescription drugs. All women know the symptoms of menopause that is frequently associated with hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, anxiety or depression, lowered sex drive and changes in memory. Furthermore, the most common symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause do not affect all women the same way or with equal degrees of severity. In my clinical practice, one of the biggest factors that I have discovered relative to symptoms of menopause is the level of stress that a woman has experienced in the years and months prior to menopause. A well nourished and nurtured body transitions through the change of life much more harmoniously. The adrenal glands that produce adrenaline, cortisol and DHEA must be supported in order to prepare properly for menopause, and the pre-menopause era termed 'peri-menopause'. First and foremost, one must lessen all controllable burdens to your wellness. That means getting plenty of sleep, eating a minimum of 5 to 7 servings of fresh veggies and fruit per day, drinking 2 liters of purified water per day, use of a good daily multi-vitamin and minimizing caffeine intake to the equivalent of a cup of coffee per day. Secondly, specific nutrients need to be consumed from my experience including vitamin C, B complex and targeted adrenal botanicals called Adaptogens. Adaptogens by definition include herbals such as ginseng, ashwaghanda, rhodiola and various Chinese mushrooms such as Cordyceps. Ideally, a third step will also be taken where regular moderate exercise and weight optimization will also be actively pursued. My patients also routinely perform a salivary hormonal panel that includes DHEA, Cortisol (4X measures throughout the day), Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone. Testing and not just guessing as to what the body needs allows for a strategic approach towards wellness and allows for re-measurements to help establish a strong foundation for the next phase of living life to its fullest.
Copyright ©2009 Dr. Chris Meletis, ND
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