Menopause Herbal Program

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Menopause Herbal Program

By Geoff D'Arcy Lic.Ac.,D.O.M.

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Menopause Facts:

75% of all women will experience sudden, brief, periodic increases in their body

temperature. Usually hot flashes start before a woman’s last period.

 

For 80% of women, hot flashes last for two years or less; 20–30% of women

describe them as severe.

 

Half of all women who have hot flashes will begin feeling them while they are

still menstruating normally, starting as early as age 40.

 

Thinner women tend to experience more severe and frequent hot flashes than do

women with more adipose tissue, probably due to the ability of adipose tissue to

transform androstenedione to estrone and estradiol.

 

Between the ages of 42 and 55, five to ten years prior to menopause, the ovaries

become less sensitive to hormonal signals which stimulate estrogen and

progesterone. And although there are still about 10,000 immature follicles left

in the ovaries, they fail to mature. Because the ovaries do not produce

consistent amounts of hormones, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular.

 

Eventually, the ovaries stop producing enough of the estrogen hormone, periods

cease, and menopause arrives, with symptoms such as:

 

Hot flashes

Vaginal dryness and atrophy

Water retention

Fat and weight gain, esp. hips, thighs, and abdomen

Sleep disturbances (insomnia, less REM-time sleep)

Decreased libido

Mood swings, depression, irritability

Short-term memory lapses

Lack of concentration

Dry, thin, wrinkly skin

Thinning of scalp hair

Some increase of facial hair

Bone mineral loss (osteoporosis)

Diffuse body aches and pains

 

What about estrogen? Though currently in vogue, the risks and potential

side-effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can include:

 

vaginal bleeding (starting or returning),

breast tenderness (which often goes away after three months),

nausea (which may resolve spontaneously),

fluid retention, changes in the shape of the eye (sometimes leading to contact

lens intolerance),

headache,

dizziness,

depression,

an increased risk for reduced tolerance to sugar and other carbohydrates, and

an increased risk for gallbladder disease.

In some women, HRT causes water retention, and thus temporary weight increase.

 

Some scientists have pointed out that there is an increased risk of breast or

uterine cancer with HRT, especially when used without progesterone.Estrogen is

also consistently associated with 30% increase in the risk of breast cancer in

women who are currently using it and have taken it for 5-10 years or longer.

 

An alternative is to use natural supplementation:

 

 

Vitamin E (1 capsule 2 x day)

Calcium / Magnesium with Vitamin D & Boron (1 capsules 3 x day).

Modifications:

 

 

 

For many women, there is no peace during menopause. Often the change of life

comes with having to weigh the risks of “medicalized” menopause.

 

Many plant foods present a safe way to help normalize hormonal activity. Er Xian

Tang, a modern formula from Shanghai, strengthens the yang and uses herbs to

nourish the yin, along with other herbs to drain the fire of hot flashes.

 

Vitex, an important herb for regulating hormonal activity, was well known in

ancient Europe.

 

A recent German study indicates that vitex has a progesterogenic effect and is

as important as those that support estrogen. Meno-Peace supports both yin and

yang dimensions The whole fruit contains several different components thought to

be medicinally active.(1)

 

Vitex, as it is commonly known, does not contain hormones.

 

Its benefits come from its action on the pituitary gland and the production of

estrogen and progesterone.

 

Vitex increases the hormone levels to help balance and regulate the menstrual

cycle.(2)

 

Dong Quai Root Chinese Angelica used in TCM for menopause. A Japanese study

showed that Dong Quai increased both estrogen and progesterone levels in women

with insufficient ovarian function(3).

 

Black Cohosh Root Cimicifuga Racemosa Considered 80% effective in relieving the

symptoms of menopause when taken for four weeks or longer, it increases vaginal

lubrication as effectively as estrogen replacement therapy.(4)

 

Black cohosh was used by Native Americans and colonists to treat gynecological

and menopausal complaints, was confirmed in a 1995 German study along with St.

John’s wort to effectively treat hot flashes and menopausal problems.

 

Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga Racemosa) considered 80% effective in relieving

the symptoms of menopause when taken for four weeks or longer, it increases

vaginal lubrication as effectively as estrogen replacement therapy.(11) It also

relieves headaches and muscle pain and stops irregular bleeding.(6)Traditional

Chinese and Japanese herbal medicines classify this herb as cold, as it relieves

the symptoms of heat during menopause.

 

Black cohosh is considered a leading phytoestrogen for menopausal problems by

some authors.(5,6,7, Clinical studies from Germany demonstrate that black cohosh

decreases Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which can be responsible for hot flashes and

other menopausal and perimenopausal problems.(6)

 

A review of eight human studies on the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa

(black cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause concludes it is a safe and

effective alternative to estrogen.(5)Black Cohosh has demonstrated its ability

to provide balance and prevent nervousness, hot flashes, depressed moods and

vaginal dryness associated with menopause.(9) A recent study suggests that black

cohosh actually protects animals from osteoporosis.(10)

 

COOL FLARE FORMULA (See a more detailed paper with refferences under 'Articles'

'Cool Flare, An Herbal Formula for Hot Flashes') Key Ingredients: Rehmannia Six

Formula was studied recently in China and Japan for its use in treating

menopausal problems, (13,14) there is some evidence from animal studies that

Rehmannia Six (and Rehmannia Eight), may have a positive, preventive effect for

osteoporosis as well as the hot flashes of menopause. (12,15)

 

The preventive effects produced by traditional Chinese medicines,

Hachimi-jio-gan, (Rehmannia Eight), which has two more ingredients than Rokumi

jio gan, (Rehmannia Six), on the progress of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in

rats were investigated by studying the bone mineral density of the tibia in

ovariectomized rats. The results of this study strongly suggest that the

gynecological Chinese Herbal medicines are as effective as 17 beta-estradiol in

preventing the development of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats.(12)

Black Cohosh as covered above.

 

NOURISH BONE FORMULA Key Ingredients: Alfalfa, long-used for bone disorders,

contains silica and other minerals and enzymes to help digestive assimilation.

Chlorella, a micro-algae, contains more than double the chlorophyll of any land

plant.

 

Chlorophyll (photosynthesized sunshine, the life blood of plants) performs like

the vitamin D of the plant world to regulate calcium.

 

It is rich in phosphorus and vitamins A & C, all recognized important co-factors

in calcium absorption. Kelp, a seaweed, is one the richest sources of calcium in

the plant world, and limits prostaglandin PGE2 that upsets the feminine hormone

system.

 

Black Cohosh has been shown to increase bone density in recent animal studies.

 

Suma, stimulates a safe source of estrogenic activity because of sitosterol, a

compound that helps increase estrogenic activity, yet does not stimulate an

excess. Eucommia’s effect of strengthening bones and muscles may be related to

increased collagen synthesis through its compounds of geniposidic acid and

acubin. Japanese studies are confirming it has a major ability, to prevent bone

loss.. The effect of eucommia on strengthening bones and muscles may be related

to increased collagen synthesis through its compounds of geniposidic acid and

acubin. Combined with (1,2). Asian ginseng, they find it synergistically

prevents protein metabolism, thereby slowing the aging process and reducing

joint damage.

 

Calcium / Magnesium: Magnesium (200 mg. two to three times per day or as 1:1

ratio with calcium) is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions in human

physiology. It participates in neuromuscular activity, including

excitation-contraction coupling, and energy production through carbohydrate

metabolism.

 

Magnesium enhances calcium uptake, is necessary for hormone production, and

protects the heart.

 

Magnesium may actually increase bone density. Calcium's (calcium citrate or

aspartate 1,000 to 1,500 mg. per day) physiologic role include coupling of

excitation-contraction within muscle cells, generation of transmembrane action

potentials in cardiac pacemaker and conducting fibers, and transmission of

impulses by nerve fibers. It supports bones and is considered to have a cooling

calming influence in the Body-Mind. Boron (0.5 to 3 mg. per day) helps calcium

absorption. Women at high risk for breast cancer should use boron with caution.

Vitamin D fixes the calcium in the body.

 

Dietary Guidelines:

 

Substitute red meats with cold water fish and organic white meat

use organic soy based alternatives, substitute tofu

substitute extra virgin olive oil for butter, lard and other saturated fats

eat organic fruits and vegetables daily

cut down on all refined sugar and white flour products

use sea salt

drink herbal teas, green tea, or vegetable juices instead of soft drinks and

coffee

Eat more cold water fish and take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed daily.· Salmon,

mackerel, herring, halibut are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is

a good source of alpha linolenic acid, an omega 3 oil that the body can convert

to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

 

Eat 5 or more servings of a combination of organic vegetables and fruits.

Numerous studies show that a diet high in carotene rich and flavonoid rich

fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.

 

Green leafy vegetables, yellow-orange colored fruits and vegetables, such as

carrots, apricots, mangoes, yams and squash.

Red and purple vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, red cabbage, berries, and

plums.

 

Legumes, grains and seeds are rich sources of carotenoids.

Good sources of flavonoids include: citrus fruits, berries, onions, parsley,

legumes, green tea and red wine.

 

Increase the intake of fiber and complex carbohydrates by eating 6 or more

servings per day of organic whole grain breads, cereals, and legumes.

 

Eat foods rich in calcium.

 

The chart below lists relative amounts of calcium per serving of various foods.

 

Calcium in Milligrams Hijiki* 1,400 Sunflower seeds 174 Walnuts 99

Wakame* 1,300 Watercress 151 Okra 82

Kelp* 1,099 Garbanzo beans 150 Salmon 79

Kombu* 800 Quinoa 141

Black beans 135 Organic Eggs 56

Dried wheat grass . or barley grass 514 Pistachios 135 Brown rice 33

Sardines 443 Pinto beans 135 Bluefish 23

Agar-agar* 400 Kale 134 Halibut 13

Nori* 260 Spirulina 131 Free Range or Amish Chicken 11

Almonds 233 Organic Yogurt 121

Amaranth grain 222 Mackerel 5

Hazelnuts 209 Collard greens 117

Parsley 203 Sesame seeds 110

Turnip greens 191 Chinese cabbage 106

Brazil nuts 186 Organic Tofu 100

 

*These sea vegetables are now available in most whole-food stores

 

Calcium Leechers:

 

Soft drinks are loaded with phosphorus, which is an essential and widely

available nutrient. The problem is that too much " phosphorus " itself causes

calcium to be " lost " from the bones.

 

Excess salt.

Too much salt is another component of the average diet and a bone-killer as

well.

 

Excess sugar.

Americans ingest approximately 139 pounds of refined sugar each year, about 41

teaspoons of sugar per day, or 19% of all of the calories we consume.

 

A diet high in animal protein.

When over 85,000 American women were followed for twelve years, those who ate

the most animal protein (meat, poultry, and dairy) had a significantly higher

risk of osteoporotic fractures.(16)

 

Higher protein intake correlates with increased hip fracture in studies

comparing different cultures.(17) When dietary protein increases, so does the

loss of calcium in urine,

(though this extra calcium loss is not always statistically

significant).(18,19,20)

 

Many nutritionally oriented doctors recommend a move toward vegetarian diets for

people wishing to avoid osteoporosis or those already diagnosed with it.

 

Smoking . Women who smoke generally experience menopause up to a year and a half

earlier than nonsmokers, and thus face a longer period of estrogen deficiency

and accompanying bone loss.

 

Smoking also hampers efficient processing of calcium.

 

Alcohol.

Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks daily can decrease calcium absorption.

It also interferes with the vitamin D synthesis that helps the bones absorb

calcium.

 

Lactose intolerance.

This problem is caused by the deficiency of the enzyme, lactase, which aids in

the digestion of milk products.Sixty percent of women with osteoporosis (but

only 15 percent of the general population) are lactose intolerant.

 

Medications.

Commonly prescribed steroids like cortisone and prednisone, thyroid for

hypothyroidism, and phenobarbital or phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizures all

interfere with the body's " ability " to absorb calcium from food or calcium

supplements.

 

Medical conditions.

Women with anorexia, Celiac disease, (an intolerance of certain grain products),

diabetes, chronic diarrhea, kidney, or liver disease are all more likely to

develop osteoporosis.

 

 

REFERENCES:

 

 

 

Monograph Agni casti fructus (Chaste tree fruits). Bundesanzeiger May 15, 1985

(no. 90), Dec 2, 1992 (no.226).

Sliutz G, Speiser P, et al. Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactic secretion of

rat pituitary cells. Horm Metab Res 1993; 25:253-55.

Koyama, et al, Study, American Journal of ,1988

 

Shirota,F., Cyong,J.C. What is Kampo? The role of Kampo Medicine in Japanese

Healthcare Tokyo:Tsumura and Company 1996, pp. 121-124

 

Lieberman S. A review of the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh)

for the symptoms of menopause.J Womens Health 1998 Jun; 7(5):525-9.

Duker E.M., Kopanski L., Jarry H., Wuttke W. Effects of extracts from Cimicifuga

racemosa on gonadotropin release in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats.

Planta Med 1991 Oct; 57(5):420-4.

Lehmann-Willenbrock E., Riedel H. Clinical and endocrinologic studies of the

treatment of ovarian insufficiency manifestations following hysterectomy with

intact adnexa. Zentralbl Gynakol 1988; 110(10):611-8.

Einer-Jensen, N., Zhao,J., Andersen,K.P., Kristoffersen,K., " Cimicifuga and

Melbrosia lacloestrogenic effects in mice and rats " Maturitas 25(2), 149-153

(October 1996).

Lehmann-Willenbrock, E., Riedel, H.H., " Clinical and endocrinologic studies of

the treatment of ovarian insufficiency manifestations following hysterectomoy

with intact adnexa, " Zentralblatt fur Gynakologie, 110(10), 611-618 (1988).

Kadota S, Li JX, Litt Y et al. Effects of cimicifugae rhizome on serum calcium

and phosphate levels in low calcium dietary rats and on bone mineral density in

ovariectomized rats. Phytomed 1996/7; 3: 379-85.

Hudson, T., " Naturopathic specific condition review: menopause, " Protocol

Journal of Botanical Medicine, 1(4), 100 (Spring,1996).

Cool Flare Formula:

 

Hidaka S., Okamoto Y., Nakajima K., Suekawa M., Liu S..Y Preventive effects of

traditional Chinese (Kampo) medicines on experimental osteoporosis induced by

ovariectomy in rats Calcif Tissue Int 1997 Sep; 61(3): 239-46. Department of

Oral Biochemistry, Fukuoka Dental College, 15-1, Tamura 2-Chome, Sawara-Ku,

Fukuoka, 814-01, Japan.

Wu X.N., Zheng H.Y., Xu R.Q., Zhou Z.J., Li Y.Y., Wang Y.F. Comparative

effectiveness of Chinese H3 (CH3) and liu wei di huang wan (LWDHW) in female

climacteric and their mechanism of action. J Tradit Chin Med 1987 Dec;7

(4):266-8.

X.N. Effects of liu wei dihuang wan and some other TCM drugs on bone

biomechanics and serum 25 (OH) D3 content in rats. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih

1986 Jun; 6 (6): 336-8.

Chen Y, Qu C, Zhong H, Xue Y, Zhou C, Li W, Cheng X J Institute of Orthopedics

and Traumatology, China Academy of Traditional , Beijing. Tradit

Chin Med 1994 Dec; 14 (4): 298-302.

Calcium Leechers:

 

Feskanich D, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA. Protein consumption and bone

fractures in women. Am J Epidemiol 1996;143:472–79.

Abelow BJ, Holford TR, Insogna KL. Cross-cultural associations between dietary

animal protein and hip fracture: a hypothesis. Calcif Tissue Int 1992;50:14–18.

Heaney RP. Nutrient interactions and the calcium requirement. J Lab Clin Med

1994;124:15–16 [editorial/review].

Kerstetter JE, Allen LH. Dietary protein increases urinary calcium. J Nutr

1990;120:134–36.

Draper HH, Piché LA, Gibson RS. Effects of a high protein intake from common

foods on calcium metabolism in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Nutr Res

1991;11:273–81.

_________________

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