Hormonal Imbalance, Menstrual Issues & Menopause

About

 

Menopause is referred to as a “Second Spring.” It's an opportunity to balance the energies of the body to experience future good health. It's also an opportunity for a rebirth of yourself, for yourself, and is a chance for you to prepare your body, mind, and spirit for a long, healthy life. During this time, you move from the role of caring for others to rediscovering yourself and to sharing the wisdom you’ve gained throughout your life. 

The word, “menopause” means “cessation of menses,” and it signals the end of your reproductive years. It happens when your ovaries no longer release an egg every month and your periods stop. Menopause is considered normal when it happens after age 40. Prior to that, it is called premature menopause. The average age of menopause in the US is 51. You are considered to be officially in menopause 13 months after your last menstrual period or following surgical removal of your uterus and ovaries. 

Menopause can also occur as a result of hysterectomy, oophorectomy, surgery, autoimmune disorders, or damage to the ovaries from radiation or chemotherapy.

“Menopause creates the opportunity for a transformation, a new beginning, as a woman becomes free to discover, pursue or complete her life’s mission and touch her spirit—and the spirits of those around her—in a profound and meaningful way.” 

— Nan Lu

Symptoms of Perimenopause

The severity of these symptoms will depend upon your lifestyle and dietary habits throughout your life. Stress is usually the number one hormone disruptor, affecting the entire endocrine system.

 

  • irregular periods

  • heavy bleeding or scanty bleeding

  • insomnia

  • fatigue

  • bloating

  • infertility

  • hot flashes

  • night sweats

  • high FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

  • headaches

  • weight gain, especially around the middle

  • anxiety, depression, mood swings

  • heart palpitations

  • joint and muscle aches and pains

  • changes in libido

  • vaginal dryness

  • urine leakage or urgency

  • forgetfulness / brain fog

  • inflammation

Menopause Doesn’t Have to be Uncomfortable!

Chinese medicine has a long history of safely and effectively treating gynecological conditions, including menopause. It is often extremely effective in the treatment of hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, vaginal dryness, diminished libido, and other possible symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.  

What to Expect

Treatment is holistic and individualized. Although there are commonalities between women experiencing menopausal symptoms, there are many different potential presentations and underlying patterns present. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Eastin will diagnose your underlying Chinese medical pattern of imbalance. She will work with you to devise a plan by presenting the range of options and listening to your preferences. Treatment will aim to alleviate symptoms while improving the underlying imbalance causing the symptoms.  

It is most common to start out receiving treatment 1–2 times per week depending on severity of symptoms, for 4–6 weeks, gradually spacing treatments out as the symptoms and underlying imbalance improve. It is very common for Dr. Eastin to recommend a personalized Chinese herbal formula to drink twice per day. Regular treatment and herbal tea for 2–3 months is typical for menopause and perimenopause, after which time treatment every 2–4 weeks is recommended.

In most cases, menopausal symptoms improve quickly with this type of treatment.