HEALTH, MENOPAUSE
Gabrielle Vaughn | VenusBlogs Editor at Large

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While some of us will just about break the door down at the doctors’ office in hope for a cure, a drug, a hormone, a promise, an anything just to alleviate the symptoms of menopause — there are also just as many of us who desire natural medicines and a natural path by which to travel upon, during these menopausal years.

Homeopathic remedies are prescribed by symptoms rather than conditions, as each case of a particular illness can manifest differently in different people.

Janee Niebler, RN, BA, HD, DHMS Doctor of Homeopathy offers some insight into the world of homeopathy.

How does homeopathy work?

JN: Homeopathy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to react to a chosen remedy. It’s a little like a vaccine response in that minute doses are given. The Homeopath’s task is to match each person’s symptom picture to the remedy that sounds the most alike in its collection of symptoms that it treats.

How can homeopathy help women who are experiencing the less pleasant symptoms of perimenopause?

JN: Perimenopause which is the beginning of some irregularity in the menses usually around 5 years before menopause, may signal the early stages of hormone changes but I am seeing women who are experiencing this earlier than ever before.

The homeopath simply takes the collection of presenting symptoms and prescribes one of many remedies to choose from. Each of us experience these changes differently and that all depends on whatever else is going on in the body at the same time.

If I’ve been prescribed something to relieve my menopausal symptoms, how soon can I expect to see results?

JN: Results are seen according to the vitality of the patient. Very frail people with a lot of health issues will take longer to react. Most of the women I treat feel better generally within about two weeks after beginning the remedies. Again, this always depends on what else is going on in the body at the same time. Most women are very stressed by the time menopause arrives, with the attending burnt out adrenal glands etc. and these states are treated and take time to respond.

Should I be worried about side effects?

JN: There are no side effects to these potentized remedies. (preparation of homeopathics is a complex topic) They are not crude herbs and this needs to be understood. The Black Cohosh blends are herbal, not homeopathic. There are side-effects to herbs. When anyone takes a good homeopathic, which is well-selected to match the general state, the body may experience a healing reaction such as a slight cold, or diarrhea which is considered a good response to treatment as the body is literally throwing off an illness.

If I take HRT along with homeopathy am I nullifying either one? Do they cancel each other out in other words?

JN: As far as Hormone Replacement Therapy is concerned, there is a lot of controversy about chronic use. I would advise women who are reluctant to use it to first be treated “constitutionally” by a Homeopath, not do both at the same time. This may be all that is required. I feel that we do not need to be chronically medicated for this natural occurrence in all women’s lives. We just need some help temporarily. Some women though are hugely uncomfortable and it is good that there is another option. Homeopathy, Chinese medicine and other “alternative” forms of natural treatment are perfectly suited to the treatment of menopause. In the end it can be that using several other things such as pampering oneself, getting regular massages, having some regular “me” time etc are all good additions. Many cultures celebrate this changing time as a gift which signifies all the attributes of the “wise woman”.

Dr. Neibler goes on to say:

If I did not see wonderful results with this type of treatment, I would not be doing this with my time. I see so many women with menses changes and irregularities around the perimenopause time. I treat what I see in front of me…this separate individual with her own specific set of symptoms, unlike anyone else.

While homeopathy is not for everyone’s mindset, it is indeed the choice for many women. There is so much information online for you to research. Please check out Homeopathic Remedies for Menopause Symptoms, Change of Life for specifics.

The LIVESTRONG site on homeopathy and menopause is another great source of information.

If you’re looking for an alternative to hormone replacement or herbal supplements, your best bet is homeopathy.

Here’s to your health!