hormones and menopause
perimenopause extends from well before the period ends to afterward (as long as there are symptoms of menopause). bioidentical hormones, those that are similar to the ones in the body are much better than synthetic hrmones. When we are looking at our own hormone levels, typically pre menopause is a time of excess estrogen similar to pre menstrual syndrome with irritability, breast swelling, bloating and weight gain as some of the symptoms. this usually represents estrogen excess and progesterone deficiency. after the cessation of periods estrogen level is reduced and symptoms such as poor memory, insomnia, heart palpitations and hot flashes occur. this represents estrogen and or progesterone deficiency.

Also stress can increase cortisol levels which influences the hormones by increasing estrogen. Low thyroid further complicates the picture. A salivary hormone analysis can reveal alot about the current hormone functioning.

But hormone repacement is only one of the options. de-stressing is very important and isoflavones such as soy and red clover modulate or improve the hormone balance. Also assessing the pulse, tongue and symptoms as in chinese medicine can
determine if a person is out of balance. Forinstance a typical scenario is called yin deficiency fire. this means a deficiency in the nurturing and moisturizing qualities of yin resulting in an overabundance of yang which often rises to give headaches and dizziness. the fire of yin deficiency may result in hot flashes, heart palpitiaions and sore "bones". By adding herbs rich in yin quality and nourishing oneself the yin can be restored over time to help restore harmony and increase vitality.

posted by Owen Schwartz MD at 1:59 PM