Menopause and the Female Climacteric Period
Herbal Remedies for Symptoms of the Peri and Post Menopausal Period
Aug 15, 2009
A term that few women are familiar with is climacteric. The climacteric period in a woman’s life is that period which begins as a counterpoint to puberty, and ends sometime after menopause. It encompasses the series of physical, emotional and psychic changes a woman encounters during her later sexual maturity.
How does the Climacteric Period Relate to Menopause?
Just as one goes through a series of changes leading up to and through puberty, culminating in reproductive maturity, a woman also has a climacteric period which transitions her from ovarian function, to hormonal decline, and through termination of fertility (menopause). Menopause takes place within the climacteric period.
Menopause is a biological “event” heralded by the cessation of menses and the termination of fertility, which can take from 1 – 7 years to complete, and generally occurs between the ages of 48 and 52. The climacteric is a long series of changes that may last from 15 – 20 years and generally falls between the ages of 40 and 60.
What Happens During the Climacteric Period and Menopause?
As menopause approaches, a woman’s monthly cycle begins to change due to changes in ovarian function. It is usual for the cycle to shorten from an average of 28 days to approximately 26 days by the time she reaches her early forties. During this period ovaries begin to lose their ability to produce estrogen and progesterone in quantities and ratios that would produce mature eggs, and fertility drops.
The menstrual cycle becomes irregular for most women. It is typical to have both longer and shorter periods between menstruation, and heavier and lighter menstrual periods, until eventually menstruation ceases.
While various difficulties are sometimes associated with both times in a woman’s life, it is important to understand that neither menopause nor the climacteric period are health problems that need to be corrected. Both processes are normal aspects of female physical maturity.
The climacteric period can, in fact, be looked upon with optimism as the beginning of a new phase in life—a rite of passage that opens new opportunities for redefining and recreating oneself.
What are the Symptoms of the Climacteric Period and the Approach of Menopause?
Following are some of the most typical physical symptoms associated with menopause:
- A reduction in normal cervical mucus
- Firmness and shape of the breasts change
- Thinning of hair may occur
- An increased loss of skin tone and wrinkling
- Some atrophy of the uterus, vagina and cervix may occur
- The vaginal wall becomes thinner and begins to lose muscle tone
- The bladder and rectal sphincter muscles may lose tone
- The metabolic rate will slow down
- Bone may be lost (osteoporosis)
- Body fat is redistributed
During this period of change, however, sometimes specific and particularly aggravating symptoms can present themselves. These might include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, general fatigue, depression, painful intercourse, bladder weakness, increased urinary frequency or urgency, high blood pressure and palpitations.
Helpful Herbs and their Actions Can Relieve Climacteric and Menopausal Symptoms
Some of the symptoms women encounter as the climacteric period advances toward and through menopause can be eased by herbal actions. Herbs that are nervine relaxants, uterine tonics, and antidepressant, can be most helpful for women experiencing such symptoms.
- Chasteberry – (vitex agnus-castus) has properties which act by stimulating the pituitary gland to inhibit the production of prolactin, and cause a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone. It works to stabilize declining hormone levels that sometimes occur in the years leading up to, and following, menopause. Its actions can help to reduce symptoms such as mild depression, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, breast changes and fibroids. Sugar, alcohol, and marijuana can block chasteberry’s action on dopamine receptors, markedly reducing the herb’s ability to be of help.
- St. John’s Wort – (hypericum perforatum) can act as a sedative, and is anti-inflammatory, astringent and antidepressant. It is often used to ease neuralgia and depression.
- Life Root – (senecio aureus) acts as a uterine tonic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. This herb can be used where uterine strengthening is desired and is especially useful in cases of menopausal disturbances of any kind.
- Motherwort – (leonurus cardiaca) acts as a cardiac tonic, antispasmodic, nervine and diuretic. It is said to relieve palpitations, dissolve blood clots and promote healthy blood circulation.
- Black Cohosh – (cimicifuga racemosa) acts as an antispasmodic and alterative, and can be used in instances of nervousness, spasms and neuralgia. It is especially effective in relieving symptoms of hot flashes. Having estrogen-like properties, one study conducted by Lehmann-Willenbrock and Riedel found black cohosh extract to be as effective as various hormone replacement therapies in relieving symptoms. (Tierra, 1990)
The above herbs, and others, can be used as “simples” (on their own) to relieve many symptoms of menopause. However, many times an herbal approach which employs a few synergistically acting herbs, together, has a more well-rounded positive effect. These blended herbal preparations can readily be found online and in health-food stores in the form of teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Reference
- Hoffmann, D. 1993, An Elders' Herbal: Natural Techniques for Promoting Health & Vitality. Healing Arts Press, One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
- Tierra, M. 1990, The Way of Herbs. Pocket Books, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Disclaimer
Information in this article is persented for educational purposes only. No diagnosis or treatment should be undertaken without first consulting a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Neither suite101 nor the author will be responsible for readers' actions.
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