Menopause - when a woman's menstrual periods stop. A woman is in menopause when she hasn't had a period for 12 months in a row. Symptoms experienced around this time include hot flushes and night sweats, sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort and urinary symptoms such as cystitis.

Mr Stefan Chmelik on Menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis

The stopping of the menstrual cycle is not meant to be the start of a time of misery and suffering, and it is a fact that women in traditional and non-indistrialised countries experience significantly less problems than modern women. The reasons for this are both simple and complex, but include differences in diet and exercise, stress levels, and hormone exposure, as well as cultural and social differences.

Hormone Replacement therapy works very well for some women and is poorly tolerated by others, but is at best a trade off for one risk for another: in other words, HRT may reduce the incidence of some problems, but at the risk of increasing other diseases by the same degree. It is also worth noting that although HRT appears to increase bone density, some studies suggest that the actual fracture risk is not reduced.

So what options do you have? Some real and viable ones in fact. Natural, holistic and Chinese Medicine have a great deal to offer women here, both in terms of symptom control as well as long term health. Acupuncture is excellent for hot flushes, insomnia and anxiety and depression, and even more effective when used in conjunction with herbal medicine, dietary therapy and nutritional supplements. Other issues such as dryness, bone strength, weight or energy changes can also be treated using the same methods.

Dr Brian Kaplan on Menopausal Symptoms:

Homeopathy: I have found homeopathy most helpful in treating menopausal hot flushes and sometimes no other treatment is needed.

Nutritional Medicine: I often ensure that women at this time of life are getting the ideal nutrition and this may include a few supplements of vitamins minerals and EFA’s (essential fatty acids) Nutritional advice can also be very effective in getting a dramatic reduction in symptoms.

Autogenic Therapy: Menopause can be stressful for some women. Even for women with many children, the idea of a line being drawn under the reproductive ability can be distressing. Autogenics, a powerful form of deep relaxation, can transform this sort of stress completely. Stress reduction in menopause often results in you feeling much happier and often is most useful in ensuring that you continue to have a fulfilling sex life too.

Orthodox Medicine: also has a role to play – especially in osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, I will ensure that you are getting the optimal medical advice and that the condition is getting the correct monitoring.

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