Expert: Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M. - 4/23/2009

Question
I think that I am estrogen dominant according to symptoms. I am 54 years old and beginning to have irregular periods. I am having extremely heavy bleeding during menses to the point of becoming anemic. I am taking hemaplex iron which helps the anemia. I am reading that many foods and herbs cause more estrogenic activity and need to balance my hormones. I do not wish to take any hormone supplements. Is there a diet or herbal medicine that will balance my hormones and slow this bleeding? I only had hot flashes for about 2 months several months ago and never again but these heavy periods are debilitating. Thanks

Answer
Hello Rosemary,

Thank you very much for your question. From the oriental medicine perspective, there are many potential causes for heavy bleeding during this period in your life: Spleen deficiency, imbalance in the Chong Mai (the meridian governing menses), heat in the blood. Without the benefit of evaluating your symptoms, it would be hard for me to make recommendations. I would say that you would benefit greatly by visiting a licensed acupuncturist who has extensive experience in supporting women as they transition into and through menopause. I do know that this information is very limited and I do apologize. However with the information provided there are too many variables to provide more specific information. Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Again, I would suggest an appointment with an acupuncturist. Be well.

Regards,
Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Acupuncture Stress and Pain Management Practices