The menopause is a natural process involving the cessation of ovarian function and a decrease in oestrogen production. These hormones play a crucial role in reproductive function but also have a beneficial effect on our overall health: they improve the balance of the skin and mucous membranes, protect our cardiovascular system, modulate certain neuronal processes, help to maintain our bone and muscle mass, are involved in regulating the waking and sleeping cycle, and contribute to lipid and glucose metabolism, to name but a few. So when they are reduced, all these functions can be affected leading to the onset of various diseases.
Hormone replacement therapy is an option to address these problems. However, its use is not always indicated. There are also patients who due to mild symptoms, insufficient information, age, health problems, tolerance or side effects prefer not to use it, drop it early or find it difficult to stick to over time. Natural treatments can be used in these cases, both as an alternative and as an add-on to other treatments.
What they are
Natural treatments are all therapies of natural origin which help to maintain health and prevent and treat physical or mental illnesses while respecting the human body’s natural functioning and enhancing its self-healing capacity.
Likewise, taking care of your diet, exercising moderately and regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can also help you to live this stage of your life in good health.
Treatments
At our clinic we have professional experts in a range of disciplines who deliver services and treatments using various techniques, therapies and natural products. These treatments can help to alleviate many of the symptoms that are most common in menopause and have a significant impact on quality of life. They can also be used preventively to enhance health.
- Phytotherapy.
- Dermo-aesthetics.
- Nutrition.
- Yoga.
- Pilates.
- Behavioural therapy.
- Mindfulness.
- Sexology.
FAQs
Are natural treatments an alternative to hormone replacement therapy?
No. Although some studies have found these treatments to be highly effective, the guidelines recommend their use in cases of mild symptoms; patients with moderate-severe symptoms are indicated for hormone therapy (if they do not have any contraindications). However, they have proven to be of great help in alleviating many of the common symptoms of menopause and enhancing physical and mental wellbeing.
Can there be contraindications?
Yes. Just because they are natural does not mean they cannot interact with other treatments or be contraindicated when there are other health problems. So it is always essential to seek expert professional advice and tell your doctor if you want to use a natural product.
Which have been shown to be most effective?
The choice of one treatment or another depends on the symptoms, personal circumstances and needs of each patient and their medical history.
Phytotherapy is the most scientifically recognised. Changes in habits are also recommended to improve symptoms.
When are nutritional supplements recommended?
They can be useful when there are problems absorbing certain nutrients or to prevent nutrient deficiency and also to enhance musculoskeletal health, strengthen hair or make it less fragile and improve skin health and appearance.
Can they be used unsupervised or for long periods of time?
Although they generally have few adverse effects, they cannot be taken indefinitely without professional supervision. While some products have no time limit for use, others, such as vitamin D supplementation, call for monitoring as excess doses can be harmful to health. Some supplements may only be necessary when particular symptoms appear and can be discontinued when these symptoms subside or improve. As mentioned above, the recommendation is to take supplements under professional supervision.
