How can Naturopathy help hormone balance?

Some people have asked how naturopathy can help with the menopause and in balancing hormones.

The basis of naturopathy is to try to help the body balance itself.  Our belief is that achieving this balance will help relieve many aspects of the menopause.

Many things can put the body out of balance

In perimenopause or menopause the body is often out of balance – there may be too high or low oestrogen or progesterone, which in itself can be problematic.  At the same time the person may be stressed and exhausted.  In addition, as we age our metabolism slows down, so there may be calorie restriction as a person tries to get control of their weight, or there may be indigestion and gastric upset due to stress, anxiety and declining digestive enzymes.  All of these have the potential to impact on menopausal symptoms and aggravate our sense of wellness.

First step – assess the situation

The first step in a naturopathic approach therefore is to assess the situation with a view to addressing the compounding factors.  We look at the liver because this is the major detoxification organ in the body.  Hormones are amongst the many things the liver detoxifies.  Optimal liver function is therefore important in addressing imbalance.

We look at digestion – again if the gut is working properly, that helps the liver.  There is a lot of research in relation to the gut – brain connection.  Gut imbalance can lead to low mood and depression – often visible during menopause.

We also examine lifestyle and stress.  We can’t always address the stress source, but we can help identify measures to help manage it.

Correct Nutrition is important

Correct nutrition is very important during perimenopause and menopause.  We need protein to help with immunity, hormone function and much more.  Complex carbohydrates like vegetables help digestion and liver function.  Fibre helps elimination, a critical element in detoxification and sugar really helps nothing!  Too much sugar in the diet at this stage can lead to sugar imbalance, mood swings and low energy, which you don’t need at this time.

The naturopathic approach is personalised

For all of the above reasons, therefore, a naturopathic approach includes a full assessment of how your systems are working and your nutritional needs.  We then develop a nutritional and lifestyle programme together, which will fit within your own context.

Plant medicine may also provide support

At Fresh Perceptions our naturopathic approach includes using plant medicine to help with any hormone imbalance.  Herbs such as Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Agnus Castus, and others have been shown to help balance hormones.  We also use a class of herbs called Adaptogens.  Adaptogens are herbs which help the body adapt to change – critical at this stage.  Herbs are given in the form of a tincture – you take drops or teaspoons with water each day, so it is not a big task.

Think about a naturopathic approach to your perimenopause and menopause journey.  This is a natural time of life, which can be navigated easily for most people using the above approach.  Contact us now on info@freshperceptions.com.