Menopause

Although many women find periods a bit of a pain, reaching the menopause is not often considered a relief! This is because as menstruation comes to an end, many other uncomfortable symptoms can enter our lives. The most common is hot flushes. These can range from just one or two "glowing" moments a day to burning up and being drenched in sweat several times a night.

Other common symptoms are fatigue, poor sleep, mood swings, irritability, vaginal dryness, loss of interest in sex , anxiety, depression and sometimes headaches. Lots of these symptoms are attributed to declining levels of oestrogen.

Herbal medicine has been used by women for millenia to try and alleviate these symptoms.

One of the most well-known plants is Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). This was tradtionally used by Native Americans.  However, this is not always the best botanical extract for everyone. A qualified medical herbalist can work out what is best for you.

A woman is only clinically menopausal when menstruation has ceased for a year. Before this there can be signs that change is on its way with irregular bleeding and an increase in mood swings. The average age to reach menopause is 51 years old, but for many women menstruation stops somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55.

Although the menopause is an entirely natural event and to be expected, many women feel a certain sadness when it comes. Knowing there will be no more chances to have children, feeling suddenly quite old and a bit "past it" are common. Often women entering the menopause will say they feel depressed for the first time in their lives.

Because a professional medical herbalist will treat you on an individual basis, a prescription can be made up to encompass all your particular symptoms and diffculties as you go through this transition. The plant world is full of valuable herbs that women have used for centuries to try and make their post-reproductive lives easier.