The Merck Manual of Medical Information defines menopause as the time in a woman’s life when the cyclic function of the ovaries and menstrual periods cease. Also known as “climacteric”, it is important to note that menopause is not a disease but a normal physiological transition that indicates a phase in a woman’s life where she makes the passage from a reproductive to a non- reproductive state.

As ovaries age, response to pituitary-produced gonadotropins (follicle- stimulating and luteinizing hormones) decreases, initially with shorter follicular phases (hence, shorter cycles), fewer ovulations, decreased progesterone production, and more cycle irregularity. Eventually, the follicle fails to respond and, without feedback of estrogen, the circulating gonadotropins rise substantially. Circulating levels of estrogen and progesterone are greatly reduced.

Essentially the symptoms of menopause usually occur between the ages of 48 and 55 with the median age being about 51. Problems that a woman is likely to experience are: fatigue, headaches, irritability, nervousness, vaginal dryness, night sweating, and the most common of symptoms which is found in 75% of women, hot flushes or flashes. A woman also may experience loss of bladder control, inflammation of the bladder or vagina, and pain during intercourse. Osteoporosis (severe deterioration of the bones) is a major health hazard of menopause.

Western Treatment
The Western treatment of menopausal problems is founded on the administration of hormone replacement therapy, commonly known as HRT, in different forms. These could be native estrogens (oestradiol, oestrone, oestriol), conjugated equine estrogens, and synthetic estrogens.

Chinese Approach to Treatment and Prevention of Menopausal Symptoms
Chinese medicine can help a woman in this period of transition from reproductive to a non-reproductive age in a gradual and healthy way. Herbal treatment, acupuncture, meditation and a correct diet will help a woman with menopausal problems. The treatment of a woman with oriental medicine will not yield ‘quick’ results, but will give a natural and balanced protection. Chinese medicine with its gentle and safe manner will tonify Kidney essence without side effects. Chinese medicine can be combined with HRT. There is no contraindication of combining the two treatments because both work in separate ways of treating menopausal problems and symptoms.