Menopausal Symptoms & Naturopathic Medicine: The Perfect Pairing

Menopause is a significant life transition for women, marked by the end of menstruation and the onset of various physical and emotional changes. Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, can vary greatly among women and may last for several years. During this time, women also experience an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia. Women need a short-term plan to address symptoms and a long-term plan to prevent chronic disease. Naturopathic medicine is the perfect discipline to deliver on these goals. Here are several reasons why it is so well-suited to a menopausal patient.

Holistic Approaches & Personalized Care

Naturopathic medicine views the body as an interconnected system, emphasizing the importance of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach aligns well with the complex nature of menopause, which affects all systems in a woman’s body – not just hormones. In this way, naturopathic medicine is inherently individualized and each menopausal health plan is as individual as the woman herself. Unlike conventional treatments that often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, Naturopathic Doctors spend significant time understanding the specific needs of each patient, based on their health history, preferences, and concerns. 

Longer visits for Menopausal Symptoms

Menopausal patients are multifactorial and complex cases. It takes time, comprehensive blood work, and a lot of discussion to untangle which symptoms could be connected to menopause and which could be due to something else. Even the conversations regarding hormonal therapy are very nuanced and require time to discuss the pros and cons. The thought that all menopausal symptoms, concerns, and treatment options could be covered in a 15-minute visit is impossible. Giving my patients time to be heard and understood is one of the most important aspects of my job.

Emphasis on Nutrition and Lifestyle

Lifestyle Medicine is central to naturopathic care. Many menopausal symptoms such as weight gain, insomnia, and brain fog, can be alleviated by dietary and lifestyle changes alone. Lifestyle modifications need to be the backbone of every plan for a menopausal woman because the changes her body is going through are permanent. For example, regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce anxiety, but strength training will build muscle which is paramount in menopause. An exercise plan needs to adapt to the patient’s current level of fitness, desires, abilities, and schedule. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all exercise program for menopausal women because each woman’s circumstances are so different.  

Focus on Preventing Disease

Another hallmark of naturopathic medicine is its emphasis on prevention. Naturopathic Doctors  are trained to help women take proactive steps toward long-term health, particularly during menopause. This might include helping women maintain bone density, manage cardiovascular health, and prevent cognitive decline.  All of these are areas of concern as women age. 

Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Health

One of the most satisfying aspects of naturopathic medicine is the way it encourages women to take an active role in their health. During menopause, many women feel out of control due to the rapid changes happening in their bodies. When women feel educated about the changes of menopause and start to build a plan for their future health, they feel empowered. Reframing the menopause experience as a time for incredible self-growth and transformation, is powerful. 

Naturopathic medicine offers a personalized, holistic, and comprehensive approach to managing menopause, making it an ideal choice for women seeking an integrative and holistic form of care. By focusing on the whole person – physical, emotional, and mental – Naturopathic Doctors can help women navigate the challenges of menopause with confidence, providing relief from menopausal symptoms and promoting long-term health. For women who are looking for an alternative to conventional treatments, naturopathic medicine presents a viable and effective option for embracing this significant life transition with optimal health and vitality

Dr. Angela Hunt is a Naturopathic Doctor and NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner. She manages the Bioidentical Hormone Program at KIHC and facilitates the popular Menopause Group Classes, designed for current naturopathic patients. 

*Photo by RDNE Stock Project