Sojourn Magazine, Menopausal Years: Seeking The Balance by Pamela Morey

ost women experience menopausal symptoms between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five. For many women this change affects not only their bodies but the roles they play in life. With their children raised, and/or finding themselves at the height of their chosen career, this age is a time for re-evaluation and focus on inner worth versus outer-directed activities. This is true even for women who still have children at home or who are caring for elderly parents. With the cessation of ovulation, the definition of womanhood begins to change. Some women feel a loss of femininity with the cessation of their monthly cycle; others feel a new sense of power in no longer being bothered by the questions: Is my period about to start? Will it happen right in the middle of my vacation? There is a new sense of freedom in no longer being under the influence of nature's desire to reproduce. For some the psychological aspects of "the change" are just as difficult as the physiological changes. I recently spoke to a close friend of many years about "going through the change." I told her that I thought I had had my final period; it felt as though my uterus were trying to turn itself inside out as it emptied for the last time. This period lasted twenty-three days. I was on the verge of consulting a physician, but after speaking to a few other women, I was informed that this can be "normal" for a final menstrual period. Because menopause is still a taboo subject, most of us do not know much about it. As I told my friend about this experience, she related to me that she was relieved to hear that I was no longer in reproductive status. Now she did not feel so alone in her inability to have a child-she had undergone a hysterectomy the previous year. For many women, the ability to have children is an integral part of their female identity. The feeling may not emerge until the ability to reproduce is gone. This is a time for transforming values and ideas of self-worth. Menopause can be a glorious time for self-examination and just BEING-free of stereotyped role-playing and cultural definitions, a time for creativity and realizing that there is much yet to harvest from life. I love springtime, with its birds, bees, flowers and new growth, but for me harvest is a time for real celebration, for it is then that I can enjoy the fruits of my labor. In puberty, as the physical, emotional and mental bodies go through changes, most young women look forward to "growing up" in spite of the inconvenience of the menstrual cycle. In contrast, many women approach menopause with dread. I remember my mother crying all the time and having fits of anger and despair during her frequent hot flashes. I was a teenager at the time, absorbed with my own growing pains, and didn't have much sympathy for her. Now, of course, I have a completely different viewpoint. Over 75% of menopausal women experience hot flashes during the change. A hot flash may last between a few seconds and several minutes, and some women sweat profusely. They can be sporadic, occuring once, twice or up to thirty times per day, and can continue over a period of a few weeks to several years. Most researchers agree that hot flashes result from hormonal fluctuations, perhaps lowered estrogen levels or higher levels of the pituitary hormones (LH and FSH). ost women who choose to stop menopausal symptoms with synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills will find that hot flashes resume when they go off hormonal therapy. This may be more than hormonal-it may be due to a spiritual as well as a physical shift in consciousness. During my own hot flashes I have seen a light flashing in the aura around my head. I believe that with the release of energy long focused in the reproductive chakra, an expansion occurs in the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Energy focused in the reproductive chakra naturally begins to move up towards the crown chakra. Many women experience a greater desire for solitude and meditation, and begin serious spiritual seeking during their menopausal years. This desire to turn inward is completely natural. Feeling more spaced-out, forgetful or emotional is also a result of shifting energy. Scientific studies reflect overall brain-wave changes during certain periods of life. Between ages seven and fourteen, children's predominant brain wave is alpha. The alpha wave is associated with the dream state during sleep and with relaxation, reverie or meditation when awake. Children live more in the moment than adults due to the predominance of this alpha rhythm. The alpha wave gradually gives way to the faster beta wave during adolescence. Becoming more outwardly directed is a necessary step in leaving childhood in order to take one's place as a socially responsible human being. Responsibility generally makes us more aware of the past and future, and lose touch with the present moment. For many teenagers, transitioning to the beta pattern of adulthood is challenging and difficult. Their craving for music and sex may reflect a natural urge to slow the brain to the familiar alpha state. Most adults have a brain wave that is 80% beta and 20% alpha. During menopause, the desire to explore the inner world through meditation, contemplation or artistic pursuits rebalances the brain back to an alpha state. As the balance shifts to alpha, we feel more childlike, playful, and creative. This brings us an opportunity for expanded consciousness, along with the ability to love and contemplate God's creation. According to the authors of Menopause: A Self-Care Manual, Santa Fe Health Education Project, 1989: "During the change, many women take estrogen and other hormones. They are under tremendous pressure to do so. Estrogen is prescribed in birth control pills as well as hormone replacement therapy. The cumulative effect of taking estrogen, no matter what the form or the dose, is not known." Synthetic hormone replacement therapy can have serious health side effects. "In 1975, studies were published showing that estrogen users were six to fourteen times more likely to develop endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer than nonusers." These women were taking a popular form of estrogen made from pregnant mare's urine. Some researchers have suggested that the use of progesterone decreases the hazards of estrogen alone. However, "there is no acceptable evidence that adding progestogens decreases the risk of endometrial cancer." "Because there have not been long term (twenty years or more) studies done with large numbers of women, hormone replacement therapy-estrogen and progesterone together-must still be considered experimental at best. Remember, women over forty are a large market in a consumer oriented society. Somebody makes a lot of money when women buy so-called antidotes to the normal aging process." o one would suggest stopping puberty to remain in the childlike state; yet in our culture it is considered beneficial to stop menopause by "treating" it with synthetic drugs. Again, from Menopause, A Self-Care Manual: "If you must use synthetic estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), the aim is to take the smallest dose for the shortest period of time. During ERT, periodic examinations are necessary to check on the effects of the drug, to decide whether the dosage should be changed, and to evaluate the need for continuing therapy. A woman needs to discuss with her doctor the merits of a trial period without estrogen." According to Susun Weed, author of Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way, "Black cohosh root tincture, 30-60 drops taken up to four times daily, is as effective in relieving hot flashes as ERT." Black cohosh is only one of many herbs that can be used to relieve severe hot flashes and night sweats. A new product called Pro-Estron mimics the 8-1-1 ratio of estrogens recommended by progressive physicians. Since menopausal symptoms are temporary, many researchers consider it better and safer to use herbs. As symptoms lessen, one can taper off the use of herbs. This is a good time to get to know your body's strengths and weaknesses. An herb that works for a friend may not be right for you. We each have a unique biochemistry. Mother Nature has provided us with a wealth of herbs and foods to support us in remaining strong and beautiful during menopause. "Hot flashes deplete vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Frequent use of red clover or oatstraw infusions will replace these needed nutrients." One of my favorite teas has long been oatstraw, which is high in silicon. To obtain the proper amount of silicon, you need to boil the herb for ten minutes. I don't know of anyone who has experienced any side effects from this herb. Oatstraw is a calming, high-magnesium tea that is good for the skin, hair, nails, brain, eyes, and liver as well as the nerves. It has a mild and pleasant taste, and does not need sweetening. Dandelion leaf helps the liver deal with hormone fluctuations and is wonderful for relief of water retention. It is specifically recommended for strengthening the spleen, thymus gland, pancreas and gall bladder. Dandelion leaf should be picked fresh in the spring. Next to hot flashes, the most common symptoms during the menopausal years are mood swings, heart palpitations, night sweats, chills, vaginal dryness, insomnia, hypothyroidism, depression, sore breasts, dry skin, osteoporosis, lack of libido, and memory loss. Many of these symptoms are signs of adrenal stress. The ovaries are not our only source of estrogen and progesterone. Reduced levels of these hormones can be compensated for by production elsewhere in the body-especially by the adrenal cortex. Few Americans have healthy adrenal glands. We tend to wear them out by age forty due to stressful lifestyles and overuse of caffeinated beverages. Exhausted adrenals are unable to perform their function of easing the transition into menopause as the ovaries shut down. The 25% of women who experience few if any menopausal signs may be those women with relatively healthy adrenal glands. first step to remaining healthy through middle ageis to provide the adrenal glands nutritional support before, during, and after menopause. Nutrients most needed by the adrenal glands include vitamin C complex with bioflavonoids, pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5; an excellent source is royal jelly), vitamin E (mixed tocopherols for better absorption), and vitamin F (unsaturated fatty acids: linoleic, linolenic, archidonic). The best source of Vitamin F is organic, high-lignan flaxseed oil. These nutrients have the added benefits of slowing down aging. Dr. Johanna Budwig, a West German biochemist, and multiple Nobel Prize nominee is internationally recognized as the world's leading authority on fats and oils. She attributes the escalating rate of heart disease, cancer, and stroke to deficiency of unsaturated fatty acids. She discovered that food processing has a detrimental effect on essential fatty acids: "Essential fats, when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, are transformed into totally saturated, altered fats (hydrogenated transisomers)." These hydrogenated fats in the diet cause a deficiency of vitamin F, which has been linked to both breast and colon cancer. She recommends mixing flaxseed oil with a sulfured protein (e.g., high-quality lignan flaxseed oil mixed with low-fat yogurt) for best assimilation. I suspect that the essential fatty acid deficiency in the American diet is also depriving the adrenal glands of the nutrients they need to function properly. Surveys suggest that most Americans are obtaining only about 10% of what they need for optimal health. Everyone, regardless of health status would benefit from including essential fatty acid-rich flaxseed oil in their diet. Herbs often recommended for menopausal women that are also good for the adrenal glands include: licorice root, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, and dang guei (Angelica sinensis root). Although it isn't well known, males also experience a "menopause" at roughly the same age as is common for women. According to Susun Weed, "Both men and women benefit from dang guei's yin blood nourishing and from ginseng's yang chi tonifying, the more so as we age, and we can all benefit from dang guei and ginseng's rich store of minerals, plant hormones, and vitamin B complex. Modern herbalists suggest taking dang guei for four weeks and then ginseng for two weeks, alternating in this fashion for up to two years or until your menopausal transformation is complete. Alternating is highly recommended for women experiencing premature menopause, natural menopause or menopause through surgery or drugs." Chinese herbalists recommend that dang guei be taken in combination with other herbs. This is important to avoid side effects. Weed gives the ancient recipe of equal parts of dang guei, rehmannia root, ligusticum, and peony root. recently came across another dang guei formula that is helpful for the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, tension and anxiety. Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, also known as "Free and Easy Wanderer Plus," seems to be helpful to women at different stages of menopause whether in their 40s, 50s, 60s or even 70s. I found it strongly relaxing and was able to reduce the dosage considerably with good results. Susun Weed says dang guei is specific for hot flashes, to relieve uterine pain, revivify thin, dry vaginal tissues, restore a youthful face and complexion, reduce headaches, relieve water retention, eliminate palpitations, reduce high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, ease insomnia, restore emotional calm, soothe aching joints, and tonify the liver. She cautions against using dang guei during menstruation if bleeding is heavy, if you have fibroids or diarrhea, or if you are bloated or experience breast tenderness after taking it. In my own experience, I did have breast soreness taking dang guei alone, but not while taking it in combination with other balancing herbs. There are cautions about licorice root and siberian ginseng as well. Do not use licorice root if you have hypertension (high blood pressure). Do not use siberian ginseng if your blood pressure is 180/90 or higher. Panax ginseng can have an effect on the adrenals much like that of caffeinated beverages, and may give you the jitters. Siberian ginseng does not have this effect. Panax is more yang. Siberian ginseng is balanced and therefore more appropriate for women. Remember, everyone's biochemistry is unique. The combination of proper study and knowledge of your body is integral to restoring and maintaining balance during the menopausal journey. A nutritionist, herbalist, iridologist, homeopath, Naturopath, Oriental Medicine Doctor, M.D. or acupuncturist may assist you in identifying tissues, organs and glands that are in need of nutritional support. Other hormone-balancing herbs that may be useful during menopause promote estrogen production. These herbs also help with a scanty or irregular menstrual flow. They include black cohosh, damiana, licorice, alfalfa, sage and rose. Soybeans in the form of tofu, soy milk or tempeh are also helpful in maintaining the estrogen balance, according to recent research. The phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) found in soy and the other plants above act as modulators. When estrogen levels are low, they help in supplementing estrogen in the body. Herbs that promote progesterone production are sarsaparilla, wild yam and yarrow. According to Susun Weed, "these herbs are helpful when menopausal or when menses come too frequently." Vitex or chaste tree (monk's hood) deserves mention as an herb that helps to balance estrogen/progesterone levels by increasing LH and decreasing FSH hormones. It is often used in herbal formulas containing both estrogen and progesterone-promoting herbs for its balancing effect. The generation now experiencing menopause is huge in number. It is estimated that by the turn of the century there will be fifty to sixty million women in menopause. Opinions on this subject are sure to change, so try to stay as current with the research as you can, and take time to better know yourself. Don't overlook the tried-and-true Chinese herbal formulas that have been tested for thousands of years. Pamela Morey is an Iridologist and Health Educator living in Westport, with a private practice in Mendocino.

ost women experience menopausal symptoms between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five. For many women this change affects not only their bodies but the roles they play in life. With their children raised, and/or finding themselves at the height of their chosen career, this age is a time for re-evaluation and focus on inner worth versus outer-directed activities. This is true even for women who still have children at home or who are caring for elderly parents. With the cessation of ovulation, the definition of womanhood begins to change.

Photo by Miriam Grossman Some women feel a loss of femininity with the cessation of their monthly cycle; others feel a new sense of power in no longer being bothered by the questions: Is my period about to start? Will it happen right in the middle of my vacation? There is a new sense of freedom in no longer being under the influence of nature's desire to reproduce.
    For some the psychological aspects of "the change" are just as difficult as the physiological changes. I recently spoke to a close friend of many years about "going through the change." I told her that I thought I had had my final period; it felt as though my uterus were trying to turn itself inside out as it emptied for the last time. This period lasted twenty-three days. I was on the verge of consulting a physician, but after speaking to a few other women, I was informed that this can be "normal" for a final menstrual period. Because menopause is still a taboo subject, most of us do not know much about it.
     As I told my friend about this experience, she related to me that she was relieved to hear that I was no longer in reproductive status. Now she did not feel so alone in her inability to have a child-she had undergone a hysterectomy the previous year.
    For many women, the ability to have children is an integral part of their female identity. The feeling may not emerge until the ability to reproduce is gone. This is a time for transforming values and ideas of self-worth.
   Menopause can be a glorious time for self-examination and just BEING-free of stereotyped role-playing and cultural definitions, a time for creativity and realizing that there is much yet to harvest from life. I love springtime, with its birds, bees, flowers and new growth, but for me harvest is a time for real celebration, for it is then that I can enjoy the fruits of my labor.
     In puberty, as the physical, emotional and mental bodies go through changes, most young women look forward to "growing up" in spite of the inconvenience of the menstrual cycle. In contrast, many women approach menopause with dread. I remember my mother crying all the time and having fits of anger and despair during her frequent hot flashes. I was a teenager at the time, absorbed with my own growing pains, and didn't have much sympathy for her. Now, of course, I have a completely different viewpoint.
     Over 75% of menopausal women experience hot flashes during the change. A hot flash may last between a few seconds and several minutes, and some women sweat profusely. They can be sporadic, occuring once, twice or up to thirty times per day, and can continue over a period of a few weeks to several years. Most researchers agree that hot flashes result from hormonal fluctuations, perhaps lowered estrogen levels or higher levels of the pituitary hormones (LH and FSH).

ost women who choose to stop menopausal symptoms with synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills will find that hot flashes resume when they go off hormonal therapy. This may be more than hormonal-it may be due to a spiritual as well as a physical shift in consciousness. During my own hot flashes I have seen a light flashing in the aura around my head. I believe that with the release of energy long focused in the reproductive chakra, an expansion occurs in the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Energy focused in the reproductive chakra naturally begins to move up towards the crown chakra. Many women experience a greater desire for solitude and meditation, and begin serious spiritual seeking during their menopausal years. This desire to turn inward is completely natural. Feeling more spaced-out, forgetful or emotional is also a result of shifting energy.
     Scientific studies reflect overall brain-wave changes during certain periods of life. Between ages seven and fourteen, children's predominant brain wave is alpha. The alpha wave is associated with the dream state during sleep and with relaxation, reverie or meditation when awake. Children live more in the moment than adults due to the predominance of this alpha rhythm. The alpha wave gradually gives way to the faster beta wave during adolescence. Becoming more outwardly directed is a necessary step in leaving childhood in order to take one's place as a socially responsible human being. Responsibility generally makes us more aware of the past and future, and lose touch with the present moment. For many teenagers, transitioning to the beta pattern of adulthood is challenging and difficult. Their craving for music and sex may reflect a natural urge to slow the brain to the familiar alpha state.
      Most adults have a brain wave that is 80% beta and 20% alpha. During menopause, the desire to explore the inner world through meditation, contemplation or artistic pursuits rebalances the brain back to an alpha state. As the balance shifts to alpha, we feel more childlike, playful, and creative. This brings us an opportunity for expanded consciousness, along with the ability to love and contemplate God's creation.
     According to the authors of Menopause: A Self-Care Manual, Santa Fe Health Education Project, 1989: "During the change, many women take estrogen and other hormones. They are under tremendous pressure to do so. Estrogen is prescribed in birth control pills as well as hormone replacement therapy. The cumulative effect of taking estrogen, no matter what the form or the dose, is not known." Synthetic hormone replacement therapy can have serious health side effects. "In 1975, studies were published showing that estrogen users were six to fourteen times more likely to develop endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer than nonusers." These women were taking a popular form of estrogen made from pregnant mare's urine. Some researchers have suggested that the use of progesterone decreases the hazards of estrogen alone. However, "there is no acceptable evidence that adding progestogens decreases the risk of endometrial cancer."
     "Because there have not been long term (twenty years or more) studies done with large numbers of women, hormone replacement therapy-estrogen and progesterone together-must still be considered experimental at best. Remember, women over forty are a large market in a consumer oriented society. Somebody makes a lot of money when women buy so-called antidotes to the normal aging process."

o one would suggest stopping puberty to remain in the childlike state; yet in our culture it is considered beneficial to stop menopause by "treating" it with synthetic drugs. Again, from Menopause, A Self-Care Manual: "If you must use synthetic estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), the aim is to take the smallest dose for the shortest period of time. During ERT, periodic examinations are necessary to check on the effects of the drug, to decide whether the dosage should be changed, and to evaluate the need for continuing therapy. A woman needs to discuss with her doctor the merits of a trial period without estrogen."
     According to Susun Weed, author of Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way, "Black cohosh root tincture, 30-60 drops taken up to four times daily, is as effective in relieving hot flashes as ERT." Black cohosh is only one of many herbs that can be used to relieve severe hot flashes and night sweats. A new product called Pro-Estron mimics the 8-1-1 ratio of estrogens recommended by progressive physicians. Since menopausal symptoms are temporary, many researchers consider it better and safer to use herbs. As symptoms lessen, one can taper off the use of herbs.
     This is a good time to get to know your body's strengths and weaknesses. An herb that works for a friend may not be right for you. We each have a unique biochemistry. Mother Nature has provided us with a wealth of herbs and foods to support us in remaining strong and beautiful during menopause.
     "Hot flashes deplete vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Frequent use of red clover or oatstraw infusions will replace these needed nutrients." One of my favorite teas has long been oatstraw, which is high in silicon. To obtain the proper amount of silicon, you need to boil the herb for ten minutes. I don't know of anyone who has experienced any side effects from this herb. Oatstraw is a calming, high-magnesium tea that is good for the skin, hair, nails, brain, eyes, and liver as well as the nerves. It has a mild and pleasant taste, and does not need sweetening.
     Dandelion leaf helps the liver deal with hormone fluctuations and is wonderful for relief of water retention. It is specifically recommended for strengthening the spleen, thymus gland, pancreas and gall bladder. Dandelion leaf should be picked fresh in the spring.
     Next to hot flashes, the most common symptoms during the menopausal years are mood swings, heart palpitations, night sweats, chills, vaginal dryness, insomnia, hypothyroidism, depression, sore breasts, dry skin, osteoporosis, lack of libido, and memory loss. Many of these symptoms are signs of adrenal stress. The ovaries are not our only source of estrogen and progesterone. Reduced levels of these hormones can be compensated for by production elsewhere in the body-especially by the adrenal cortex. Few Americans have healthy adrenal glands. We tend to wear them out by age forty due to stressful lifestyles and overuse of caffeinated beverages. Exhausted adrenals are unable to perform their function of easing the transition into menopause as the ovaries shut down. The 25% of women who experience few if any menopausal signs may be those women with relatively healthy adrenal glands.

first step to remaining healthy through middle ageis to provide the adrenal glands nutritional support before, during, and after menopause. Nutrients most needed by the adrenal glands include vitamin C complex with bioflavonoids, pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5; an excellent source is royal jelly), vitamin E (mixed tocopherols for better absorption), and vitamin F (unsaturated fatty acids: linoleic, linolenic, archidonic). The best source of Vitamin F is organic, high-lignan flaxseed oil. These nutrients have the added benefits of slowing down aging.
     Dr. Johanna Budwig, a West German biochemist, and multiple Nobel Prize nominee is internationally recognized as the world's leading authority on fats and oils. She attributes the escalating rate of heart disease, cancer, and stroke to deficiency of unsaturated fatty acids. She discovered that food processing has a detrimental effect on essential fatty acids: "Essential fats, when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, are transformed into totally saturated, altered fats (hydrogenated transisomers)." These hydrogenated fats in the diet cause a deficiency of vitamin F, which has been linked to both breast and colon cancer. She recommends mixing flaxseed oil with a sulfured protein (e.g., high-quality lignan flaxseed oil mixed with low-fat yogurt) for best assimilation.
      I suspect that the essential fatty acid deficiency in the American diet is also depriving the adrenal glands of the nutrients they need to function properly. Surveys suggest that most Americans are obtaining only about 10% of what they need for optimal health. Everyone, regardless of health status would benefit from including essential fatty acid-rich flaxseed oil in their diet.
     Herbs often recommended for menopausal women that are also good for the adrenal glands include: licorice root, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, and dang guei (Angelica sinensis root).
     Although it isn't well known, males also experience a "menopause" at roughly the same age as is common for women. According to Susun Weed, "Both men and women benefit from dang guei's yin blood nourishing and from ginseng's yang chi tonifying, the more so as we age, and we can all benefit from dang guei and ginseng's rich store of minerals, plant hormones, and vitamin B complex. Modern herbalists suggest taking dang guei for four weeks and then ginseng for two weeks, alternating in this fashion for up to two years or until your menopausal transformation is complete. Alternating is highly recommended for women experiencing premature menopause, natural menopause or menopause through surgery or drugs." Chinese herbalists recommend that dang guei be taken in combination with other herbs. This is important to avoid side effects. Weed gives the ancient recipe of equal parts of dang guei, rehmannia root, ligusticum, and peony root.

recently came across another dang guei formula that is helpful for the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, tension and anxiety. Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, also known as "Free and Easy Wanderer Plus," seems to be helpful to women at different stages of menopause whether in their 40s, 50s, 60s or even 70s. I found it strongly relaxing and was able to reduce the dosage considerably with good results.
     Susun Weed says dang guei is specific for hot flashes, to relieve uterine pain, revivify thin, dry vaginal tissues, restore a youthful face and complexion, reduce headaches, relieve water retention, eliminate palpitations, reduce high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, ease insomnia, restore emotional calm, soothe aching joints, and tonify the liver. She cautions against using dang guei during menstruation if bleeding is heavy, if you have fibroids or diarrhea, or if you are bloated or experience breast tenderness after taking it. In my own experience, I did have breast soreness taking dang guei alone, but not while taking it in combination with other balancing herbs.
     There are cautions about licorice root and siberian ginseng as well. Do not use licorice root if you have hypertension (high blood pressure). Do not use siberian ginseng if your blood pressure is 180/90 or higher. Panax ginseng can have an effect on the adrenals much like that of caffeinated beverages, and may give you the jitters. Siberian ginseng does not have this effect. Panax is more yang. Siberian ginseng is balanced and therefore more appropriate for women. Remember, everyone's biochemistry is unique. The combination of proper study and knowledge of your body is integral to restoring and maintaining balance during the menopausal journey. A nutritionist, herbalist, iridologist, homeopath, Naturopath, Oriental Medicine Doctor, M.D. or acupuncturist may assist you in identifying tissues, organs and glands that are in need of nutritional support.
     Other hormone-balancing herbs that may be useful during menopause promote estrogen production. These herbs also help with a scanty or irregular menstrual flow. They include black cohosh, damiana, licorice, alfalfa, sage and rose. Soybeans in the form of tofu, soy milk or tempeh are also helpful in maintaining the estrogen balance, according to recent research. The phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) found in soy and the other plants above act as modulators. When estrogen levels are low, they help in supplementing estrogen in the body. Herbs that promote progesterone production are sarsaparilla, wild yam and yarrow. According to Susun Weed, "these herbs are helpful when menopausal or when menses come too frequently." Vitex or chaste tree (monk's hood) deserves mention as an herb that helps to balance estrogen/progesterone levels by increasing LH and decreasing FSH hormones. It is often used in herbal formulas containing both estrogen and progesterone-promoting herbs for its balancing effect.
     The generation now experiencing menopause is huge in number. It is estimated that by the turn of the century there will be fifty to sixty million women in menopause. Opinions on this subject are sure to change, so try to stay as current with the research as you can, and take time to better know yourself. Don't overlook the tried-and-true Chinese herbal formulas that have been tested for thousands of years.

Pamela Morey is an Iridologist and Health Educator living in Westport, with a private practice in Mendocino.