Perimenopausal
symptoms
During
the months (or years) of transition into menopause, a variety of
symptoms can manifest even in healthy women. These can range across
the board, but are usually related to rapid and intense hormonal
cycling and spiking. Thus, the cornerstone of treatment is balancing
hormonal output.
Treatment
Goal(s):
· Balance hormonal profile; decrease specific symptoms.
Primary
Treatment:
· Vitex agnus-castus, in tincture, administered at a dose
of one teaspoon twice daily.
· Administer Chamaelirium luteum (False Unicorn root, Helonias
root) and Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam).
Supportive
Treatment:
· Use a good-quality essential fatty acid supplement (Flax
seeds and/or oil are helpful).
· Support liver function so that hormonal secretions are
appropriately metabolized by the physiology using cholagogues such
as Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion), Curcuma longa (Turmeric),
or Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). This is especially important if
there is or has been use of hormone replacement therapy.
· Use a tea of Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady’s mantle),
especially if there is excessive bleeding.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· For hot flashes, use Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh), Salvia
officinalis (Sage), and Trifolium pratense (Red Clover).
· For vaginal dryness, use Avena sativa (Oats) and evening
primrose oil; Calendula oil externally.
· For anxiety and depression, use Avena sativa (Oats) and
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort).
· If there are concerns about bone strength, use Equisetum
arvense (Horsetail), Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion) and Avena
sativa (Oats).
· There can sometimes be prolonged vaginal hemorrhaging during
perimenopause. Use Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Capsella bursa-pastoris
(Shepsherd’s purse) and Alchemilla (Lady’s mantle) alongside
hormone-balancing herbs. Prolonged hemorrhage may also be linked
to uterine malignancies, which need to be ruled out.
