Menopause and homeopathy
Updated: Sep 21
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the changes that come with it can be very different from one person to another.
Hot flushes, night sweats, changes in sleep, mood and energy can all affect how you feel during perimenopause and menopause.
In this article, I look at some of the ways menopause has been understood, the individual nature of menopausal symptoms, and how homeopathy approaches each person as an individual.
Menopause and perimenopause can bring a wide range of physical and emotional changes, and the experience can be very different from one person to another.
In homeopathic practice, the individual pattern of symptoms, together with a person's health history and overall experience, is considered when choosing a remedy.
#1 - How to understand “menopause”
Many women have mixed feelings about reaching menopause.
There can be a strong sense of getting older, along with thoughts such as "my ability to have children has changed" or "I am no longer young." For some women, these changes can bring a sense of loss or some women may feel that they are no longer valued in the same way
Is it all we have to lose?
Obtaining “freedom”
Some writers have suggested that the fear of ageing has been shaped, in part, by societies where women's value was closely associated with youth, beauty and childbearing.
There are also negative opinions on the idea of focusing only on the "physical presence'' of women in the "prosperity of descendants,'' which refers to women as "giving birth to children.'' This is a way of thinking that only values women for being "young'' and "having reproductive functions.''
In some religious and cultural traditions, menstruation has historically been associated with ideas of impurity or separation. Some people seem to think that by reaching menopause, they will be freed from the shackles of men.
Symbol of "wisdom"
In some modern approaches to menopause, the idea of the "Wise Woman" is used as a symbol of the knowledge and experience that can come with age.
Paracelsus was born in 1493 and was an active Swiss physician, chemist, alchemist, and mystic thinker. He also wrote about the importance of learning from sources of knowledge beyond formal institutions. As quoted in Women Ripening Through the Menopause (p. 36):
”A doctor must seek out old wives, Gypsies, sorcerers, wandering tribes, .... and learn from them”
There are also records here of respect for the knowledge of older women and tribes.
Although some of the language in this historical quotation is now outdated, the underlying idea is interesting: knowledge and experience can exist outside formal institutions and can be passed down through generations.
In the context of menopause, this can be a reminder that the knowledge women gain through their own lives and experiences also has value.
In European history, the idea of the "witch" has also been associated with women who were believed to possess knowledge of herbs, healing or traditional practices. However, the history of witch trials was complex and varied across different countries and periods.
The image of the "witch" has changed over time, but the idea can also remind us that knowledge traditionally passed down between generations has not always been formally recognised.
When we hear the word ``witch,'' in Japan, we imagine the "wicked witch'' who wears a black costume and appears in Disney stories such as ``Snow White'' and ``Sleeping Beauty.'' However, many of the people who were known as "witches'' were women, and it is said that they used the knowledge that had been passed down over many years to heal people.
Apparently, this "witch hunt'' in the West is said to have something to do with "a male-dominated religious background that viewed the existence of knowledgeable women as disrespectful.''
As mentioned above, if you do some research, you will find that the way we think about menopause has changed over time, and that it is not just about losing your youth.
Over the course of life, women can accumulate knowledge, experience and perspectives that are uniquely their own. I hope this encourages you to recognise and value the knowledge and experience you have gained throughout your life.
#2 - Menopause symptoms can vary greatly from person to person
Family history can sometimes provide useful context, although each person's experience of perimenopause and menopause is different.
If you have the opportunity, you may find it interesting to ask your mother or other female relatives when their periods began to change, when they reached menopause, and what symptoms they experienced. This can give you some background about your family's experiences, but it cannot predict exactly when you will reach menopause or which symptoms you will experience.
By doing so, you will be able to get an idea of your approximate "menopause'' period.
Another way is to talk openly and without embarrassment with your friends, sharing your concerns and exchanging knowledge with each other.
From a homeopathic perspective, the overall pattern of symptoms and the person's individual history are considered when choosing a remedy. This may include menstrual history, past and current symptoms, lifestyle and stress, as well as other individual details.
Lifestyle
When it comes to lifestyle, it may be helpful to look at both what you eat and the products you use in everyday life.
We are exposed to many different chemicals through the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the products we use. Some chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with the body's endocrine system and are referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They can be found in a range of consumer products and environmental sources, including some cosmetics, household products and pesticides.
Because exposure can occur in different ways, including through the skin and by inhalation, it may be worth becoming more aware of the products you use regularly.
Rather than feeling that you need to change everything at once, you could start by looking at the products you use most often and, where practical, consider simpler or more naturally formulated alternatives with fewer potentially concerning ingredients.
Stress
Stress can affect how we experience physical and emotional symptoms, and it may also affect sleep, mood and overall wellbeing.
During perimenopause and menopause, taking time to notice your stress patterns and finding realistic ways to manage everyday stress may be helpful.
This might include making time for rest, regular movement, spending time outdoors, or simply allowing yourself some time away from your usual responsibilities.
Understanding perimenopause and menopause
Menopause is generally defined as the point when you have not had a period for 12 months. The time leading up to menopause is known as perimenopause, when menstrual cycles and other symptoms may begin to change.
For some women in their 40s and 50s, this stage of life can also be a time of change in other areas. Children may be becoming more independent, work responsibilities may change, or you may find yourself thinking about what you would like the next stage of your life to look like.
These changes can bring both opportunities and challenges, and for some people they may also add to everyday stress.
Unlike your 20s and 30s, where you have been running through your life with enthusiasm, many women are now at a turning point, rethinking their future lives, and are feeling stressed.
It is important to review your stress patterns and find ways to lower your stress level on a daily basis. Paying attention to your own needs and finding ways to look after yourself can be an important part of this transition.
#3 - How does homeopathy approach menopause?
In homeopathy, remedy selection is individual and is based on the overall pattern of symptoms, together with the person's health history and individual characteristics.
It can also be helpful to look at lifestyle habits and patterns of stress, as these may form part of the overall picture.
There are many remedies traditionally considered in homeopathic practice in relation to menopause, and the choice can vary greatly from person to person.
Below are some examples of remedies traditionally considered when particular patterns of symptoms are present, including hot flushes and night sweats. They are not intended as a general list of remedies for menopause or as a recommendation for self-prescribing. When symptoms are persistent, recurrent or complex, an individual consultation can provide an opportunity to look at the wider pattern of symptoms and personal history.
Sepia
Hot flushes may be worse in the evening or at night, with sweating from slight movement. There may be tiredness, with a tendency to feel better after physical activity. Emotionally, there may be irritability, indifference or a feeling of being distant from loved ones.
Lachesis
Hot flushes may affect the face and may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness, particularly around the abdomen or neck. Symptoms may be worse at night, with insomnia, difficulty concentrating or a tendency to feel faint. There may be an aversion to tight clothing, especially around the neck. The person may be active, talkative and expressive, with headaches on waking and symptoms that tend to be more noticeable on the left side. Suspiciousness or jealousy may also be part of the picture.
Pulsatilla
Sweating and hot flushes may affect the face and may be worse at night or in warm, enclosed rooms. Fresh air and being outdoors may bring relief. There may be a tendency to feel low or tearful, with some swelling or fluid retention. Being with other people may feel comforting.
Amyl Nitrosum
There may be a sensation of heat or flushing, sometimes with a feeling of tightness around the neck. Hot flushes may be accompanied by headaches, anxiety or palpitations. Symptoms may be worse from heat, a closed or stuffy room, tight clothing around the neck or emotional excitement, and may feel better in fresh air.
Belladonna
There may be a feeling of heat or pressure in the head, with a flushed face and sudden hot flushes that come and go. The skin may feel hot or burning, with sweating or heat particularly affecting covered areas. Symptoms may be better when sitting and worse when lying down.
Calc Carb
Sweating may be particularly noticeable around the head, with tiredness and a tendency to feel hot or flushed. There may be sensitivity to cold, with cold knees and feet. Symptoms may be worse after eating and in cold, damp weather, while dry weather may feel better. Physical or mental exertion may also affect the symptoms.
Glonoin
There may be a sensation of heat concentrated in the head, sometimes with a feeling of throbbing throughout the body and a pounding heartbeat, particularly during emotional excitement. Symptoms may be worse from heat, sunlight, irritation or lying down, and may feel better in fresh air or when the head is raised.
Graphites
There may be hot flushes despite a pale appearance, together with periods with a strong odour. There may be a tendency to gain weight, along with dry or unhealthy-looking skin. Symptoms may feel better when warmly wrapped and worse at night.
Sulphur
Hot flushes may occur from the warmth of the bed at night, with burning sensations and itching. The head may feel hot while the feet remain cold, with sweating of the face and body. There may be a feeling of heat or congestion in the head. Symptoms may feel better in dry, warm weather and worse from standing, showering, bathing or the warmth of the bed.
If you would like to learn more about homeopathic remedies, you may also be interested in my article What Are Potency and Dose in Homeopathy?, where I explain how potency and dose are understood in homeopathic practice.
#4 - Conclusions ...
Menopause is a significant stage of life, but the experience can be very different from one person to another.
Rather than focusing only on what may be changing or what you may feel you are losing, I hope this article encourages you to notice what you have gained through your experiences and to take time to look after yourself during this transition.
If you are considering homeopathy, an individualised consultation provides an opportunity to talk through your symptoms, your health history and your personal experience before considering whether homeopathy may be appropriate for you.
Keep in mind that views on menopause have changed over time, so try not to get too discouraged.
I wrote this blog with the hope that people of the same age as me, as well as young people, will feel better, even just a little. Don't just focus on what you can lose, focus on what you can gain, and try to stay positive.
The secret is:
In the years leading up to menopause, take care of yourself, take time to love yourself, and pay attention to what your body and mind need during this transition. Looking after yourself during this stage of life may help you feel more prepared for the changes that come with menopause.
If you would like to explore your own experience of menopause in more detail, you can find more information about consultations below, or book a 15-minute introductory chat if you would first like to ask any questions about how a consultation works.
Love and gratitude
Hiroko
Reference :
Women Ripening through the Menopause, Melissa Assilem Helios Pharmacy, Third Edition 2003.
Period Repair Manual, Lara Briden. Greenpeak Publishing. Revised Second Edition 2018
Hormone Repair Manual, Lara Briden. Greenpeak Publishing. First Edition 2021
The Modern Guide To Witchcraft Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens & Spells, Skye Alexander, Adams Media. First Edition 2014
