Staying healthy at every stage of your life is the aim for those seeking optimal health. The menopause is a particularly challenging time of life when great changes can cause considerable discomfort. It is important to remember that this is just a phase in your life and not a disease. The tendency to pathologise the menopause has led to the widespread use of synthetic hormone in the form of Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT. It has become clear in the past few years that this practice is not only wrong, it significantly increases risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The Million Woman study was one landmark study which showed up these risks and also that the expected protective effect on heart disease was infact a myth. HRT actually increased heart attacks and strokes rather than the reverse.

We are very fortunate in working with Dr Marilyn Glenville, a world expect on natural alternatives to HRT who has worked in this area for 30 years. Her book “ Natural Alternatives to HRT” has been translated into 20 languages and sold throughout the world.

Dr Glenville’s approach to the menopause fits perfectly with the nutritional medicine we practice at The Essential Health Clinic.

She emphasises the importance of achieving nutritional balance, correcting any nutritional deficiencies and then looking at whether there is a requirement for symptomatic relief. Often controlling blood sugar levels and stopping stimulants such as caffeine can be enough to considerably reduce the symptoms of flushing and sweating that accompanies the drop in oestrogen that occurs at this time of life. If symptoms persist then increasing phyto oestrogen intake in the diet but adding flax seed and soya  based foods. There may even be a place for herbal remedies but these must be built on a firm nutritional foundation.

This approach to the menopause is not only safe, it brings with it many other advantages for your health. Improved mental health, heart health and improvements in skin appearance are just some of the benefits from following this programme.