Menstrual and Menopausal Problems

Menstrual problems

Introduction

The most common menstrual problem in western societies is pre-menstrual tension (PMT) or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). The western diet and lifestyle play a major role in the development of this condition since it is unusual in traditional societies. Fortunately these are preventable and treatable problems using nutritional medicine and help is available from Exeter Nutritional Clinic.

The Symptoms

• Tension, depression and irritability for about seven days prior to the start of the period.
• Hypoglycaemia symptoms.
• Breast tenderness.
• Headaches or migraines.
• Feeling bloated.
• Water retention and weight gain.
• Craving sweet foods such as chocolate or heavy carbohydrates.

Who is at Risk?

• All women of menstruating age.

Menopausal Problems.

Introduction

The menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she stops menstruation and ovulation, marking the end of her reproductive life.
Due to the marked and unbalanced changes in the female hormone levels in the body, both physical and psychological changes occur which predispose the individual to a wide range of symptoms and health problems.

Conventional medicine uses hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, HRT carries with it the risk of side effects. Today, more and more women are finding that the natural nutritional and herbal approach is a better and safer way to manage this problem.

Potential Side Effects of HRT are Listed below:

• Increased risk of gall bladder disease.
• Headaches or migraines.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Loss of libido.
• Breast tenderness.
• Depression.
• Candidiasis.
• Hair loss.
• Increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis).
• Vomiting and/or nausea.
• Jaundice.
• Water retention.
• Weight gain.

Osteoporosis is one of the most important adverse symptoms that affect women in western societies in the menopausal period, although its development may have started years before the menopause. However, with an appropriate nutritional approach and adjustments in the important life style factors, osteoporosis and other symptoms can often be prevented or overcome. Menopausal symptoms are many and varied, and tend to aggravate any other health problems.

The Symptoms

The main trigger for these symptoms is the withdrawal of oestrogen and/or progesterone. However, the past and present diet as well as lifestyle factors play a significant part because they influence hormone production and their function.

• Hot flushes.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Night sweats.
• Heart palpitations.
• Fatigue, a feeling of weakness and poor stamina.
• Insomnia and chronic stress.
• Cramps in the legs at night.
• Anxiety and irritability.
• Depression and wide mood swings.
• Excessive worrying.
• Memory loss.
• Poor or worsening blood sugar control.
• Hair loss.
• Poor gastric and pancreatic excretion leading to poor food digestion

Those who are pre or post menopause or have any of the above symptoms might like to consider a **Nutritional consultation.