Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 4/15/2006

Question
   HI, I am a 49 yr.old white female.  I had a hysterectomy about 11 yrs ago where they had left my ovalries but took out the cervix and uterus.  I am now experiencing what I beleive are systoms of menopause.  I get hot flashes where I can feel the cold air around me but my body feels on fire just under the skin surface, I have mood swings, either extreme anger or extreme crying spells. Have very restless nights, either woken from a sound sleep with hot flashes or just up and down all night and wake in the a.m feeling as if I didn't even sleep.  I currently take atenolol for high blood pressure and wellbutrin for depression.  I am to take 50 mg of atenolol 2x's daily but only take one a day, and the wellbutrin is 150 mg sr twice daily, but here again only take one a day as it has helped to keep me stable at this level in the past, I am wondering if you would have any suggestions as to what I may be able to do to get thru this time in my life. If you have any questions please ask and will answer as I can.  thank you.  

Answer
Cheryl,
It does indeed sound like you are experiencing common menopausal symptoms.  Menopause is an important transition time in life, that impacts a woman's whole self.  Menopause can be safely addressed with natural medicines, which also improve overall health.  I can't suggest specific treatment, but I can give you my general approach using naturopathic treatment during menopause.  It includes:  
1.   An organic, whole foods diet: high in vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes; moderate in fats, soy products, meats and dairy; low in sugars, refined/ processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine
2.   avoid exogenous estrogens: in plastics, and non-organic foods, dioxins (bleaching agents)  
3.   moderate exercise, adequate rest and rejuvenation
4.     a life with fulfilling relationships, personal growth and purpose
5.   Detoxification to minimize the effects of a lifetime of toxic exposure and revitalize the whole system.    
6.   Tonic herbs:  Trifolium pratense (red clover) For detoxification and phytoestrogen; alfalfa for phytoestrogen and mineral content; sage for temperature regulation (hot flashes)
7.   Nervine herbs for stress management and sleep: passiflora, chamomile, kava kava, valerian, lemon balm, melatonin
8.   Symptomatic relief:  Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), dong quai, red clover, soy
9.   Supplements:  Vitamin E, Essential fatty acids (fish and flax oils), and bone builders like calcium, magnesium, boron, manganese, silica, zinc, copper, vitamins B, D, and K.

Specific dosages vary, but all supplements and herbs should have a recommended dosage on the bottle, which is the best place to start.  As you can see, naturopathic treatment can address many systems and complaints.  There are some great books on the subject also, two I would suggest are Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson, ND and Creating and Maintaining Balance:  A Woman's Guide to Safe Natural Hormone Health by Holly Lucille, ND.  I would suggest that you seek out a naturopathic doctor or other qualified practitioner if you desire more guidance.  You can search for an ND in your area at www.naturopathic.org.  
I hope that gives you an idea of some areas to start on, and feel free to write in again if you have follow-up questions.  Good luck and best of health,
Dr. Kristina Conner