The exact meaning of the word “menopause” can vary according to different sources. For the purposes of this website, “menopause” shall be defined as the time in a woman’s life when she has not had a menstrual period for at least twelve consecutive months. Many women find menopause to be a relief from a majority of the discomforts they experience during “peri-menopause”, or the period of transition from regular, ovulatory menstrual cycles to the completion of menopause. Using these definitions, the term “post-menopause” becomes redundant, as “menopause” will be used to describe the end of menstruation until the end of life. Menopause does not have to be seen as the beginning of old-age or the end of child-bearing years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, menopause is actually the body’s natural way to slow down the aging process by returning balance and nourishment to our bodies in our later years.
Why is Peri-Menopause causing me so much discomfort?
There are different ways of looking at the causes of hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, insomnia, heavy menstrual bleeding, dryness, bladder changes, or other complaints that some women have during this time in their lives. Current medical science is examining how hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and others are fluctuating and changing during peri-menopause, and whether they need to be supplemented to reproductive or sub-reproductive levels to alleviate the symptoms some women experience. Traditional Chinese Medicine sees menopause as a natural part of a woman’s life, and the discomforts of peri-menopause are seen as a reflection of her current state of Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood, and especially how well her energy and blood are circulating in her body. Treatment of the symptoms of peri-menopause in TCM is unique to each woman, and involves the integration of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, together with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as needed, to balance the body and ensure optimal circulation of energy and blood.
How long will my Peri-Menopause symptoms last?
The number, frequency, and duration of the discomforts of peri-menopause that a woman will experience are as numerous and varied as the women who display them. A majority of women have a relatively smooth transition into their menopausal years, with perhaps some minor periods of difficulty sleeping, or perhaps some heavier menses. But there is a minority of women who experience some extreme discomforts that can last many years, perhaps even into the menopausal years. For some of these women, the goal may be to reduce symptoms to a more manageable level. Which treatment a woman will choose to alleviate her peri-menopausal discomfort, and which treatment will actually work best for her, can also vary greatly from woman to woman. With a better understanding of what is happening within their own bodies, from both a biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, it is hoped that women will be able to make good choices about their own health care.
