Naturopathy is one of the best ways to re-balance health and hormones and adjust mentally and physically to the transition of menopause. But, one of my most frequently asked questions is, “how can a Naturopath help with menopause?”.
As a natural health practitioner, I keep several tools in my healthcare kit for helping with symptoms, in particular, for those experiencing hot flushes, anxiety, night sweats or any of the other symptoms commonly associated with menopause and perimenopause.
The founding philosophy of Naturopathy is to support the body’s natural healing process and give the body signals to trigger health and wellbeing. This philosophy is in keeping with Mother Nature; natural remedies, including food and nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle practices, are the core to whole health healing.
Herbal Medicine for menopause
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest medicines known to man, and this fascinating modality is the key to my Naturopathic practice. Today, herbal medicine is termed phytotherapeutic medicine and focuses on evidence-based medicine (EBM). I like using a combination of traditional herbal medicine practices and modern EBM knowledge. Combining old and new allows me to bring both practical treatment and textbook knowledge into custom made formations.
While a few herbs are well known for their use during menopause, such as Black Cohosh, Sage and Red Clover. I work directly with individuals to use herbs from Eastern and Western traditions to custom make herbal remedies specific for an individual’s health needs.
Nutrition and menopause
Food is considered our first medicine, and when it comes to health and wellbeing during menopause, this becomes one of the most effective tools for alleviating perimenopausal symptoms. Along with specific dietary measures, a Naturopath, such as myself, often uses nutritional supplements to support the body’s natural healing process. I have learned in practice that just a handful of well-chosen nutritional supplements are necessary for health and vitality.
Essences and menopause
I also like to use flower essence remedies; these help with emotional wellbeing and serve as a great adjunctive remedy alongside more physical remedies.
These are great for dealing with anxiety, frustration and anger (associated with menopause or not) and help get to the root cause of emotional imbalances.
Another modality that I like to use in face-to-face consultations is vibrational remedies; I find these work well to help with energetic healing and can help to address health issues from a more gentle viewpoint. I see, using these kinds of remedies, my clients experience deeper understanding and knowledge of themselves and are often the trigger for more spiritual journeys through menopause and beyond.
Yes, a Naturopath can help with menopause
So, in answer to the question “can a Naturopath help with menopause?” it is a resounding yes. Rather than looking at menopause as a disease condition, a Naturopath will use natural remedies to encourage natural healing and ease symptoms. The modalities explained here are what I use in my practice; however, other practitioners may be trained in additional modalities to maintain health and help them attain greater vitality.
As I am a Naturopath and Herbalist, my viewpoint may seem a little biased. However, what are the other options for a woman experiencing the symptoms of (peri)menopause? Yes, there is hormone therapy. Yes, there is the ‘grit your teeth and bear it’ approach. But it doesn’t have to be that way; there are so many options and so many different natural therapies that can help alleviate discomfort. If you are ready to take responsibility for your health and ready to plunge into greater happiness and vitality, naturopathy and natural medicine are the keys.
