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Easing Menopause

Integrative approaches can help relieve
typical symptoms.

M

enopause and peri-menopause
of acupuncture vs. Effexor for the manage-
are natural-occurring processes
ment of hot flashes for patients undergoing
that take place when the secre-
treatment of breast cancer. In this study,
tion of estrogen and progesterone in a
50 patients were assigned either to receive
woman's body diminishes. As a
acupuncture twice a week for two
result, menstrual cycles become
weeks followed by once a week
irregular and eventually stop.
for four weeks or take Effexor.
Menopause becomes "official"
Both groups experienced
when a woman has not had a
significant decreases in hot
cycle for one year.
flashes, depressive symptoms
Symptoms of menopause can
and other menopausal quality-
vary from woman to woman.
of-life symptoms, indicating that
However, typical symptoms
acupuncture is at least as effective
include hot flashes, night sweats,
as Effexor; with none of the side
vaginal dryness, changes to
effects commonly associated with
skin and hair, sleep and mood.
Julie Silver
this medication.
Symptoms vary from woman to
Most remarkably, the dura-
Special to the
woman as does their length and
tion of reduced symptoms lasted
Jewish News
severity. Many women are look-
much longer with acupuncture
ing for an integrative approach to
(two months) vs. Effexor, in
managing peri-menopause and menopause.
which most symptoms returned within two
Here are some available options.
weeks after the medication was discontin-
ued.
Acupuncture
A study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital
Black Cohosh
and published in the Journal of Clinical
Black Cohosh (Remifemin), a perennial
Oncology (Vol. 28, No. 4) compared the use
plant, is often used very successfully in the

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LAKES URGENT CARE

When your health concerns can't wait.

management of menopause symptoms.
There have been a number of clinical stud-
ies that indicate Black Cohosh may be as
effective as Hormone Replacement Therapy
(HRT) in reducing hot flashes, night sweats,
related occasional sleeplessness, irritability
and mood swings associated with meno-
pause. This includes a study by R. Osmers
in 2005 that followed 304 women over a
12-week period who experienced statisti-
cally significant improvement in menopausal
symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic,
"The British Herbal Compendium recom-
mends 40-200 milligrams of dried Black
Cohosh root daily in divided doses, although
traditional doses have been as high as 1
gram three times daily"

Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol, the active ingredient of the
bark from a pine bark tree, has been used
with great success in the treatment of symp-
toms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
According to a recent study published in the
Journal of Reproductive Medicine (2013, Vol.
58, pages 39-46), using 60 mg of Pycnogenol
for 12 weeks significantly reduced meno-
pausal symptoms for peri-menopausal
women. Pycnogenol is often administered as
an individual supplement or part of a larger
group of supplements called OPCs.

nents and is found in everything from crack-
ers, breads and cereals to shampoos and
bath products. Of the healthy components,
flax seed is best known for containing essen-
tial fatty acids, lingans and fiber. Lignans
are plant compounds that are similar in
structure to estrogen and may help manage
menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes
and night sweats. Recommended dose: two
tablespoons of ground flax daily; it can be
mixed in yogurt, cereal or a smoothie.

Coconut Oil
One common symptom of menopause is
vaginal dryness and dry skin. Vaginal dry-
ness can result from a thinning of the vaginal
wall due to a lack of estrogen. Coconut oil,
when inserted vaginally, can provide relief
and management of symptoms stemming
from vaginal dryness.

Meditation
Incorporating meditation into a daily prac-
tice can be very effective in reducing meno-
pausal symptoms. Meditation is good for
the mind and body. Calming the mind can
help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown that as little as 10 min-
utes a day has widespread benefit in health
and wellness.

❑

Julie Silver is president and founder of Michigan

Flax Seed
Flax seed contains many healthy compo-

Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative
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June 26 • 2014

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