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Homeopathy is an alternative medicine use to treat many conditions really successfully. Having used homeopathy myself I ask the lovely Moitza to give us some advice on how homeopathy can help during menopause.
The definition of menopause is the cessation of menstrual periods. However, it is not a disorder but, like puberty, a period of physical and emotional change which affects some women much more than others.
Menopause tends to occur around the age of 50; but for some women it’s as early as 40 and for others as late as 58.
Menopause begins when the ovary has exhausted its supply of follicles (which during each ovulation mature and become a fertile egg). At first, the levels of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) rise in an effort for the ovaries to produce enough oestrogen and progesterone. After that the cycle becomes more and more irregular and ovulation becomes unpredictable. As the ovaries produce less oestrogen, this function is taken over by the adrenal glands and the fat cells in the body, but to a much lower level than in fertile years.
Menopause can also be iatrogenic, meaning that it happens as a result of surgery (such as hysterectomy), radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Or it can be premature, which can happen as a result of familial tendencies, autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s disease, or Addison’s disease can be linked to this).
The changing hormonal levels the body can have some repercussions on the woman’s wellbeing. These can be immediate, functional disturbances such as hot flushes, excessive sweating, fatigue, headaches, weight changes, alteration of skin and hair, vaginal atrophy and insomnia and depression. In the long term, issues linked to the menopause can be ageing, osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems (before the menopause women are not generally at risk of heart attacks, but after the menopause the risk is equal to that of men).
Conventional medicine sees the menopause as a “lack”of hormones, so treats the resulting symptoms with hormone replacement therapy. This approach can be successful for some women, but does entail certain risks (1).
Homeopathy is an alternative, complementary system of medicine, founded at the beginning of the XIXth century by German physician dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the law of similars, which establishes that a substance that produces a set of symptoms in a healthy individual, will cure those same symptoms (e.g. coffee produces sleeplessness and agitation, jittery nerves, etc - the remedy Coffea helps with insomnia, restlessness due to overexcitement, etc). The homeopathic remedies are prepared from natural substances like minerals, plants and from the animal kingdom (such as venoms, milks, etc), and through a process of successive dilution and succussion, until there’s no material trace of the original product. Homeopathy does not treat a named disease; it treats the person by matching each individual’s particular set of symptoms it gently stimulates the body’s own healing power back into homeostasis (healthy balanced state). A homeopath will take a patient’s case by trying to find out all symptoms that a person has, on a physical, mental and emotional levels. They will also enquire about lifestyle, stressors, any big events in a person’s life that have led them to the present moment. With all this information, they will prescribe the most indicated remedy, in the minimum possible dose.
Homeopathic treatment usually lasts a time proportionate to the time person has been experiencing their issues. It is a process, not an event, meaning it usually takes more than one visit to the homeopath.
Homeopathy can be used for acute or chronic problems. Acutes are self limiting conditions that usually get better in 7-10 days, and are easy to treat with a little bit of knowledge at home using a homeopathic kit. These kits usually carry the most commonly used remedies in a 30c potency (intensity of the remedy). Chronic issues are when a problem does not resolve after a month. In this case it is best to make an appointment with a professional, registered homeopath.
The typical dosing of homeopathic remedies is 1 pill every hour and up to 6 doses; if after this time the symptoms haven’t changed, then a different remedy might be needed. As soon as symptoms improve stop taking the remedy, and only repeat when symptoms worsen.
Homeopathy does not replace conventional medicine, but works really well alongside it. If you’re being treated by a doctor, do not stop medication or treatment without discussing this with the professional you’re seeing. In cases of emergency (uncontrolled bleeding, high fever that lasts more than 36-48 hrs, seizures, accidents that produce open skin wounds, etc) go to the nearest A & E department.
As with any other symptom picture, to find the right remedy for ourselves during the perimenopausal time we need to match the way we feel with the remedy that has the most similar picture.
The following are some recommendations for home prescribing. The remedies are to be taken every 12 hours for a week. If there is no improvement, then a professional homeopath should be contacted for a full consultation.
In terms of nutrition, it is best to avoid acidic foods and beverages (such as coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, red meat, spicy foods), and favour fibre rich, whole foods. You may want to supplement with a good multivitamin and mineral (e.g. Menopause Multinutrient by BioCare), Omega 3 fish oil (for its anti-inflammatory properties) and primrose oil.
Exercise is an excellent way to feel better and fight osteoporosis - weight bearing exercises strengthen the bones and give us endorphins, while also helping us maintain a healthy weight.
My name is Moitza Kobi and I’m a homeopath. I graduated from the Centre for Homeopathic Education (CHE) at the University of Middlesex in 2015 with a BSc (Hons) in Homeopathy. I have a special interest in female and mental health. At present, I’m a homeopath at Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy, a clinical assistant at CHE, and I run a private, international practice from home, where I see people in person or over Zoom.
I’m a mum to 3 amazing humans and a lovely Golden retriever, and have lived as an expat for 15 years, before retraining as a homeopath. I speak English, Spanish, German and Slovenian, and I’m happy to help with questions big and small - just get in touch.
You can have a look at my website, moitzakobi.com, or, if you’re interested in finding out more or to book a consultation, please use the follow link: MKobiHomeopathAppointments.as.me
(1).Yana Vinogradnova et al, Use of hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer: nested case-control studies using the QResearch and CPRD databases. BMJ 2020; 371 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m3873 (Published 28 October 2020)
Menopause is more than just a hormonal transition; it impacts every aspect of your body, including your skin. At Rachel Staggs Aesthetics, we have 25 years experience in menopausal skin care, working closely with clients to create personal treatment plans for real results. Whether you're just noticing a bit of dry skin on your face, or tackling something like menopausal breakouts, this article is the perfect place to start to support your skin's health during this pivotal time!
