Homeopathy: Natural Alternatives To Hormone Repacement

The homeopathic approach treats menopause as a natural stage like childhood and puberty. Our bodies are generally clever enough to balance our hormones. But when they fall short as expressed in symptoms of hot flashes, insomnia, menstrual dysfunction, incontinence, migraines, and other conditions, natural homeopathic remedies can restore the balance.

Women want answers as to how they can ease the transition through menopause and minimize bone density loss. For those who prefer treatment options that are safer than hormones and prescription drugs, homeopathy offers an alternative that is effective while being both safe and gentle. Homeopathic practitioners treat people, not diagnoses. Personalized homeopathic care can make a real difference in relieving symptoms and improving overall health.

The Women’s Health Initiative study showed an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and urinary incontinence among post-menopausal women who were using estrogen and progestin. Cancer Research UK, a British-based organization, states that both estrogen-only and combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) slightly increase the risk of ovarian cancer. According to an April 2007 report in the “New England Journal of Medicine,” a reduction in HRT prescriptions was followed by a sharp decline in the rate of new breast cancer cases.

A sampling of remedies

Here are some examples of remedies that might help navigate the sea of hormonal changes. See if you fit any of these profiles:

Sepia: Women who need the homeopathic remedy Sepia are a picture of depletion. They are tired of life and are lacking passion. You will see them as disgruntled, edgy, snappy and weepy. Sex is the last thing on their minds. They experience hot flashes, constipation, vaginal dryness and itching. There is overwhelming lack of movement, interest and stimulation which is counterbalanced by a desire to move, dance, do aerobics, or exercise.

Lachesis: Women who need this remedy say they want to jump out of their skin or feel as if they are about to explode with intense, relentless hot flashes. They suffer from intense moods including rage and jealousy, and they demand attention. They may complain of waking in the morning with a splitting headache, unable to tolerate anything tight around the neck, and they experience more problems on the left side of the body.

Pulsatilla: Those needing Pulsatilla are typically sensitive, changeable and easily reactive to their environments. Women who benefit from Pulsatilla tend to be affectionate and motherly; they desire physical affection, may be quick to feel lonely, and often feel weepy. They become easily overheated, which exacerbates hot flashes, especially in a hot stuffy room. They experience bloating and usually tend to have loose stools brought on by rich foods.

Cimicifuga: The most common herbal remedy for women in menopause—black cohosh—can also be beneficial in this homeopathic form. The woman’s mood is like a black cloud descending, accompanied by an oppressive, trapped sensation. Neck pain, back pain and muscle cramps, particularly radiating down to the thighs, are common, as is the feeling of losing one’s mind. These women also have a history of very painful menses. Their painful periods follow this pattern: The heavier the flow, the more the pain.

Sulphur: This is for a woman who describes herself as a packrat and/or a day dreamer who puts off until tomorrow what she can do today, who has a mechanical aptitude, and who would much prefer surfing the internet or diving into a “Star Trek” television episode or movie than getting work done. Hot-blooded and itchy, she may find herself miserable with night sweats and may stick a foot out from under the covers at night to cool off. She is likely to be brimming with ideas and strong opinions.

What to expect from a homeopathic remedy

With the matching individualized remedy, I have seen dramatic improvement in uncomfortable symptoms with a deeper sense of wellbeing and freedom. As cases progress, these improvements tend to last a long time and the patient may not need frequent repetition of the homeopathic remedy. If I observe that symptoms are not relieved, it means that another remedy might be needed. This is why it is helpful to schedule regular visits with a homeopathic practitioner who will review your response to treatment. These visits may be four to eight weeks apart depending on the severity and length of time you’ve had symptoms.

Homeopathy can be an indispensible tool for a healthy and happy post-menopausal life for many women.

Mind-body-spirit integrative healing

Homeopathy is a natural and effective scientific system of mind-body-spirit integrative healing. And, it is a federally recognized form of medicine regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that is backed by thousands of research studies, papers and clinical trials.

Due to its success, homeopathy is widely practiced all around the world. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of modern India and an ardent follower of homeopathy, said the following: “Homeopathy effectively helps a larger percentage of people than any other science, and is beyond doubt the safest and most economical form of health care.”

The homeopathic approach recognizes the unique way each person reacts to illness as an expression of disharmony at the vital force level (energy level). Physical as well as mental and emotional signs and symptoms of disease, specific to each person, are recognized as attempts by the body to heal itself. These signs and symptoms manifest themselves because the body has been unable to restore balance from its inner resources and needs help. Homeopathy works by enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. A single, carefully chosen homeopathic remedy frequently offers the help needed to restore a state of balance and well-being.

Homeopathic consultation involves an interview in which information on physical, mental and emotional symptoms along with a medical history is collected. This information is then analyzed and evaluated to understand the essence of the unbalanced state of the individual. This process leads the homeopath to find the specific remedy for the individual.

Sujata Owens is a certified homeopath and homeopathic master clinician at Vital Force Consulting, Inc. Northfield, MN. She can be contacted by email at vitalforceconsulting4@gmail.com or by phone at (507) 581-1114. Visit her website at www.vitalforceconsulting.com.

To find a homeopath near you, visit:

www .homeopathyconsumercouncil.com/find-a-homeopath.