Menopause is considered premature if it occurs before the age of 40 and early between 40 and 45 years. Australian women on average experience it around the age of 51 years. Early menopause can be triggered by a number of factors including after a hysterectomy, poor diet, heavy smoking, shock, surgery for endometriosis, ovarian cysts or cancer and autoimmune conditions such as lupus. It tends to run in families with long limbed, fine boned women tending to start menopause earlier than pear and apple shaped women. With the onset of menopause ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone which, as well as being vital for reproduction are also protective against cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. To help overcome problems women should do more weight bearing exercise such as walking, tennis or weight lifting, maintain a healthy calcium rich, low saturated fat diet and give up smoking.
Consult a doctor or naturopath for advice and guidance.
Drug Free Relief
Take a soy isoflavone supplement each day and eat a few soy based foods. Herbal supplement containing black cohosh, red clover, vitex, dong quai, licorice, panax ginseng, false unicorn root and wild yam can be helpful. For insomnia consider a formula containing valerian, hops, skullcap and passionflower. For general relief supplement with vitamins C, B complexand E as well as calcium and evening primrose oil. Drinking sage tea regularly can be helpful especially for hot flushes and St john’s wort for depression. Avoid alcohol, chocolate, spicy foods and coffee to reduce the severity of hot flushes. Yoga, meditation and the Bach Flower remedies to help relaxation and emotional balance
