This month’s case study is 40 year old ‘Stephanie’ – who came to the Clinic because of an early menopause.

Stephanie’s Story

For the last year my periods had become more irregular to the point of not knowing when they would arrive. I was experiencing hot flushes throughout the day which I had never had before. It just felt like a wave of heat coming through my body – almost like a ‘furnace’. The night sweats were also a nuisance because I was waking up several times to change my night clothes which were drenched. I decided to go to my GP because I thought I needed to have some checks to see what was happening.  He ran a simple blood test to check my hormone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) which he explained was an indicator of egg reserve. The higher the FSH, the lower the egg reserve and the closer to the menopause you are. The normal range is between 4 and 10 and mine was 98.7.

 

He told me I was likely to be in my ‘peri menopause’ which means the function of the ovaries declines, periods become irregular and symptoms like hot flushes and sweats can be experienced. I asked why I was going through the menopause now as I understood it was something that happened towards the age of 50. He explained that women are born with a certain number of eggs and some are born with less so they are more likely to enter the menopause at an earlier age. My GP recommended I go on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) because not only would it stop my symptoms it would protect my bones because I had a higher risk of developing osteoporosis (bone thinning condition).

 

I went away and thought about what my GP had said and decided that I didn’t want to take HRT. Although it scared me because I was going through the menopause earlier than I should, it scared me even more at the thought of taking HRT. I had heard negative things about HRT and I was generally quite averse to taking any kind of medication. However, I knew I had to do something so I looked on the internet to see what information I could find. I typed in ‘natural menopause’ and it directed me to The Dr Marilyn Glenville website. I read about the services offered and realised the clinic was based in Tunbridge Wells – not far from where I lived! I phoned straight away and decided to book an appointment. I thought this would be better than trying to follow a book and struggle on my own.

 

I spoke to a very helpful receptionist who explained that the initial consultation was one hour and before the appointment she would send me a questionnaire to complete and return beforehand. As I was filling in the questionnaire I realised I had other symptoms – not just the hot flushes and sweats! I had low energy, flare ups of acne around my chin and headaches. I felt I was falling apart!

 

During my first consultation the nutritionist took a detailed case history and asked about my mother and whether she has gone through an early menopause. She hadn’t which was why I was shocked to learn that I was. She explained exactly what was happening to my body during this peri-menopause phase – my egg production was declining and therefore oestrogen levels were dropping which was causing my hot flushes and sweats.  I asked the nutritionist exactly how long my symptoms would last and when would I get another period, but she was unable to answer this as she explained that each woman is different. Some women will have one final period and that is it while some will get irregular periods for a year or two and then they will stop. She also said the same is true of symptoms – some women get hot flushes and some don’t – there is no black and white answer to it!

 

  

The nutritionist explained that one of the key factors is to eat a well-balanced diet as it enables the body to adjust automatically to the hormone changes, naturally maintaining oestrogen from the adrenal glands and fat deposits. As my GP had said, with an early menopause comes an increased risk of osteoporosis which did concern me particularly as my mother suffers with this.  At this stage the nutritionist recommended that I do a bone density scan by ultrasound. It was a simple heel scan which gave me my ‘T Score’ which is the comparison of my bone density with a young adult. The scan took just minutes to do and because it was ultrasound it was non-invasive. From this scan, it showed that my bone density was normal which was a relief. The nutritionist recommended that I repeat this ultrasound scan every two years.  This really put my mind at rest to know my bones were strong, and I wanted to make sure I maintained this. In conjunction with this scan, I performed a urine test to assess my actual level of bone turnover and whether it was too high. Again this came back normal so it was recommended that I repeat it in two years time.

We talked at length about my current diet which she felt was mostly good, but there was too much tea going in! I was drinking 6 cups a day and I suppose it was partly habit and partly because I felt slightly addicted to it! She explained that because tea contains tannin, it can block the uptake of vital minerals like calcium which is important for keeping my bones strong. She also explained that because tea does contain some caffeine and other stimulatory compounds it can also trigger hot flushes and night sweats. This was enough to put me off drinking it! She recommended an herbal tea ‘lookalike’ called Rooibos (red bush) which was the nearest thing to normal tea. I even got my husband drinking it!

The nutritionist put together a comprehensive supplement programme for me which incorporated vitamins and minerals to ‘supplement’ my diet and specific herbs to help re-balance my hormone levels naturally. The formula contained black cohosh, agnus castus, sage, dong quai and milk thistle. I was also given additional vitamin C and an high strength fish oil which also helps with hormone balance and minimises dry skin which can be a symptom of the menopause.

 

I went away for six weeks and followed the eating plan and took all the supplements. When I went back, I reported great results having not had a single hot flush! My energy had improved and my skin was noticeably clearer and I no longer had headaches. The nutritionist said that I had made excellent progress in a relatively short space of time. All my friends, particularly my husband were so pleased that I was ‘my old self’ again. I was also beginning to get some ‘mid cycle’ vaginal mucous which was quite reassuring that my hormones had not totally dropped off. It somehow made me feel more feminine. The nutritionist did suggest that she could give me different herbs to help bring a cycle back, but I was feeling so well and actually quite happy not to have a monthly bleed I decided not to. She did also suggest I could have an ultrasound of my womb and ovaries.  Although I decided not to go ahead with the scan at this stage, it felt reassuring that I had been offered this service to give me peace of mind if I wanted it.

 

Marilyn’s Comment

 

This case is very inspiring as Stephanie saw such dramatic improvement in a short space of time. Stephanie, like many women decided to follow a natural route rather than take HRT. It is however important to take a sensible approach to an early menopause. Providing you are taking control of your health and seeking professional advice, you can manage your symptoms quite effectively with nutrition.

 

 

If you feel that your periods are becoming more irregular and you are experiencing symptoms like Stephanie, then please do contact The Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic on 0870 5329244.

 

If you are interested in having a bone turnover test please see the resources page.

 

Motherwort is a strong-smelling perennial herb with purple stems and pink-mauve to white flowers. It has also been used for centuries to regulate the menstrual cycle and to treat menopausal and menstrual complaints as well as conditions relating to child birth.

Motherwort acts as a galactagogue, meaning it can help promote a mother’s milk flow. It is also used as a uterine (womb) tonic before and after childbirth because it contains a chemical called leonurine, which encourages womb contractions. In addition, motherwort is a mild relaxing agent and is often used treat such menopausal complaints as nervousness, hot flushes, insomnia, heart palpitations, and rapid heart rate.

 

Motherwort was recently shown to prevent the formation of blood clots, which, of course, improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. It is good for hypertension because it relaxes blood vessels and calms nerves. Motherwort also may correct the heart palpitations that sometimes accompany thyroid disease and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). And because of its ability to improve mental outlook and reduce the effects of stress, some herbalists feel motherwort tea can help minimise the risk of postpartum depression. In such cases, motherwort combines well with linden flower and ginger tinctures.

 

And if all this wasn’t enough motherwort is also useful for headache, insomnia, vertigo, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung problems, usually mixed with mullein and other lung herbs.

 

You can prepare motherwort tea or get a tincture. As a tincture, take 2 drops every 10-15 minutes until your symptoms disappear.  As a tea, drink 1/2 to 1 cup three times a day until you feel better.

 

Note: Avoid motherwort if you are pregnant, unless a health professional recommends its use. Do not use in the first trimester. Do not attempt to treat heart conditions without medical supervision. If you have clotting problems or take medication to thin the blood, do not use motherwort without your doctor’s advice or permission.

Q : I’m 52 and menopause is around the corner. I’ve noticed a dip in my libido. Is it true that certain foods can boost libido?

A: Loss of libido is something that can affect women who are pre or post menopausal. Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s’ life and loss of libido may be one of the symptoms experienced around this time.  In general, eating healthy foods, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and oily fish can help balance your blood sugar and your reproductive hormones which in turn will help boost your libido. The saturated fats in red meat, fast food, take-aways and processed foods have all been linked to a loss of libido. Cutting back on these foods could help towards increasing your libido and get your sex drive back on track.

 

As far as specific foods are concerned including sensible amounts of the following libido boosting foods in your diet may be beneficial:

 

Almonds (and nuts in general) along with oily fish are prime sources of essential fatty acids which help maintain a healthy balance of sex hormones in men and women. Nuts are also rich in the mineral manganese and a lack of manganese can lead to loss of libido.

 

Avocado: The Aztecs called the avocado tree ahuacatl or “testicle tree.” While avocados can indeed look like that body part, they contain high levels of folic acid, which helps metabolise proteins, thus giving you more energy. They also contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male and female hormone production) and potassium two elements that help enhance both male and female libido.

 

Bananas contain an alkaloid compound called bufotenine which acts on the brain to improve your mood, self-confidence and possibly your sex drive. Bananas are also rich in vitamin B6 which is important in the manufacture of sex hormones. 

 

Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, are not only rich in the sex hormone zinc but are also are incredibly high in anti-oxidants which helps to optimise blood flow to the sex organs, and they have the lowest glycaemic load of any fruit meaning they provide sustained energy levels at only a few calories.

 

Celery contains androstenone, which is a biochemical cousin of the male hormone testosterone and is believed to be the principal chemical of attraction or pheromone. The Romans dedicated celery to Pluto, their god of sex and the underworld, and crushed celery seeds (easily added to salads or breads) are said to be particularly potent.

 

Cinnamon is thought to tone the kidneys and produce a strong flow of energy. Studies have also shown that the smell of cinnamon can also boost concentration and alertness: important for satisfying sex.

 

Chillies may heat up your sex life too, due to capsaicin—the substance that gives kick to peppers, curries and other spicy foods. Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high. 

 

 

Garlic: Yes, you might need to stock up on some extra breath mints, but it’ll be worth it. Garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs. As such, it’s a highly effective herb for increasing libido. If the odour just won’t work for you, or you can’t stand garlic, you can always take garlic capsules instead. (see Aged Garlic on the Resources Page X).

 

Ginger is one of the oldest medicinal spices in the world; it allegedly increases the blood flow to the genitals and therefore acts as an aphrodisiac. Try it in a spicy dish served with saffron rice. It can also be used as part of an aromatherapy blend for massage or a room scent.

 

Honey is an aphrodisiac due to its rich B vitamin and amino acid energy boosting content. Bee pollen can also help boost fertility. Bee pollen isn’t just a fancy item in health food stores. Bee pollen is made from millions of particles of a semen-like substance. Pollen’s natural primal role is to fertilize. 

 

Lentils are a good source of B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for hormone balance in women and healthy sperm count in men.

 

Lychee berries are not only a good source of libido boosting vitamin B but are also packed with vitamin C. Research has shown that vitamin C is good for healthy fertility in men and women.

 

Oats are a good source of the antioxidants selenium and vitamin E.  Both selenium and vitamin E deficiency has been linked to infertility in men and women.

 

Oysters have several qualities useful (in the long run) for lovers: They are low in fat, but high in proteins, complex sugars and zinc. Zinc is a very important part of testosterone, the hormone that governs sex drive in both genders.

 

Pumpkin seeds are rich in the mineral zinc, which is helps in the production of testosterone which is needed for sperm production and a woman’s body prepares itself for sex more quickly if zinc levels are good.

 

Tuna is known as the king of sexy foods for its powers to raise the libido and stamina. And prawns are rich in phenylalanine, a chemical which helps to increase sexual appetite.

 

Bear in mind that regular exercise helps too, by boosting your mood and body image. Also check your stress levels. In general, stress dampens libido. A stressed woman may blame a host of other factors for her symptoms, without realising that stress is the real cause of the problem.

 

And finally, don’t forget that the smells of certain foods have been found to be sexually arousing, notably pumpkins and popcorn for men and liquorice for women.