By Allison Maslan, Rshom(NA), CCH
Copyright © 2006

Hormonal issues are a major topic these days. have seen an increase of women in my practice over the last few years with premenstrual and menopausal concerns. I recently lectured on this topic at a homeopathic conference in Colorado. Many attending homeopaths commented on experiencing the same increase in hormonal complaints in their practices. Why is this happening? The fact is, at this time, there are more woman entering menopause than any other period in history. The baby boomers are entering midlife. We also are barraged with hormones added to our meat and milk products. Children are beginning puberty earlier and earlier, and women are choosing to have children later. Breast cancer is on the rise over the last five years and so is societyˇ¦s use of estrogen. All these factors are affecting our endocrine system and our total picture of health.

Women are constantly inundated with information on menopause and hormone replacement therapy. The information on the benefits and side effects are changing all the time because we just do not have the long- term statistics of the use of hormones, natural or chemical, on our bodies. It all becomes very confusing. Women have been convinced that menopause is an inherent disease that must be eradicated. A healthier view is that menopause is a natural life process that can be supported and balanced, rather than altered.

Before I share with you the process of supporting menopause and other hormone related issues with homeopathy, here are the most current pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy.

The Pros of Estrogen

- Keeps skin and hair looking younger by promoting
   moisture retention in tissues.
- Keeps vaginal and mucous membranes moist
- Helps maintain bone mass and prevents osteoporosis
- Decreases the incidence of heart disease by retarding
   the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries.
- Reduces hot flashes

The Cons of Estrogen
- Promotes buildup of lining of the uterus increasing the risk of
   uterine cancer, especially when administered without progesterone.
- Increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Increase in gall bladder disease
- Can cause migraine headaches
- Can cause unusually heavy bleeding
- Can cause depression

The Pros of Progesterone
- Promotes discharge of accumulated uterine tissue,
  thus reducing the risk of uterine cancer.
- Protects bone mass (new research shows this information is questionable)
- Reduces hot flashes

The Cons of Progesterone
- Leads to fluid retention and weight gain
- Can cause vaginal bleeding
- Can cause severe depression, restlessness, anxiety and even psychosis.
- Increase in acne and unwanted hair
- Can reduce sex drive.

Each person will react individually to hormonal changes and hormone replacement because our systems are unique. Our own sensitivity level and history of hormonal issues along with many other factors, including genetics and our emotional state, create our personal picture of health. This is why homeopathy is an ideal way of balancing and supporting all types of hormonal issues from PMS and painful menses to post-partum depression and menopause.

How does this work? Homeopathy treats each case individually by addressing the whole person: the physical, the mental and the emotional. Do you find that what ever is a core emotional issue for you tends to worsen around your period or during hormonal changes? For example, if you have occasional feelings of low self -confidence and depression or carry around resentment or anger, you may notice them heightening around the times of your hormonal changes. Your hormones may be intensifying these feelings, often a great deal, during these times. Homeopathy not only addresses the imbalance of your hormones, but heals the underlying mental or emotional pain that you may be harboring underneath. This phenomenal system creates a sense of equilibrium by healing on a deep level, rather than just treating or suppressing outward symptoms. With the correct homeopathic remedy, the body and mind will regain the vitality and balance it once had without the use of chemicals or guesswork on our systems.

In your initial consultation, your homeopath will ask you many questions concerning your current and past symptoms, your emotional and physical history, your childhood, and much more to gain a complete picture of you. Then the practitioner will find a homeopathic medicine that matches your individual picture. There are over 4000 homeopathic medicines. (Homeopathic remedies are all FDA approved and over the counter. They are completely safe with no unwanted side effects. ) Homeopathy addresses all the issues of menopause including hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings and more.

Let me give you a picture of one of my patients.
Female, age 32.

She had been suffering from extremely painful periods since age 14 when she began her menses. During this time, she would have to remain in bed due to the severity of her symptoms. She was a very sensitive child that carried feelings of abandonment from her father into her relationships as she grew into adulthood. And especially during the time just before her period, these feelings of insecurity and neediness would intensify. Now as a married woman with a young child, these feelings were beginning to interfere with her relationship and ability to cope as a mother. She began homeopathic treatment that addressed her entire picture. After a few months, everything started to improve. Even her husband began to comment on the new strength and confidence that she was exuding. Her physical pain reduced immediately. After six months, the progress was tremendous. It was a whole new lease on life for her because she was carrying around this physical and emotional pain for years. We often get so used to our pain that we donˇ¦t realize how severe it was until it is gone and we finally experience well-being and peace of mind.

Remember, we are all individuals and it is always our choice as to what works best for us. If you feel comfortable with your current treatment, then that is what is right for you. Part of health is taking responsibility in our own life process. As a complementary method, homeopathic medicines continue to work while you are taking hormones or birth control.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that has been widely used over the last 200 years. This lengthy period of time has provided us with much experience and data on the long term use of homeopathy on our bodies. It is used by millions of people worldwide and part of traditional medicine in many countries including England, France and Germany.

The goal of living harmoniously is to go through the normal hormonal changes in life in the most harmonious way possible. Does that mean we want to go through these momentous phases of life symptom free? You may be saying, yes, that sounds nice! However, a large part of healing is recognizing and rejoicing in the innate wisdom of our body and our psyche on this natural evolution of our lifeˇ¦s personal journey.

Hormone replacement information compiled from:
- Menopause and Homeopathy, by Ifeoma Ikenze, M.D.
- E-hormone.com