1. The Naturopathic Approach To Peri-Menopause

2. Principles of Naturopathic Medicine 1. First do no harm 2. The healing power of nature 3. Identify and treat the cause 4. Doctor as teacher 5. Treat the whole person 6. Health promotion is the best prevention

3. Treatment Modalities Clinical Nutrition Botanical Medicine Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Homeopathy Hydrotherapy Lifestyle Counselling

4. Peri-menopause Women live 1/3 to 1/2 or more of their life in menopause 50% of North American women will be menopausal by 2015 Major life transition

5. Peri-menopause Definition The years prior to menopause that encompass the change from normal cycles to cessation of menstrual cycle Attitudes/Beliefs Rite of Passage/life transition Often associated with other life changes

6. Peri-menopause Associated Symptoms Community/cultural view of menopause Personal & social circumstances Lifestyle Nutritional Status Overall Health Status Family History

7. Peri-menopausal Transition Age 39-51 years Duration: 4-10 years Triggers: EarlyLate Smoking Malnourishment Vegetarianism Low body weight High altitudes Hysterectomy Stress Alcoholism Increased parity Stress

8. The body is shifting to a new state of balance. This affects every system in the body. Peri-menopausal Transition

9. Physiological Changes Cessation of menstrual cycle Hormone changes o Estrogen o Progesterone o FSH / LH o DHEA o Testosterone

10.  None  Hot flashes/night sweats  Sleep disturbances/insomnia  Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings  Memory loss/difficulty concentrating  Vaginal dryness or thinning  Decreased sexual response/interest  Hirsutism/hair loss or thinning  Skin dehydration and breakdown in support  Incontinence  Osteoporosis  Cardiovascular disorders Symptoms

11. Naturopathic Assessment  Thorough Intake / History o Mental, emotional, physical & spiritual  Physical Exam o Blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, tongue & pulse  Recommended Blood Work o CBC o Cholesterol o Homocysteine o Hormones  Saliva Testing o Estrogen/progesterone o Adrenals

12. Treatment Philosophy  Treat the root causes  Support the healing ability of the body  Understand the language of the body  Expression versus suppression  Treat the whole person  Less is more

13. Progression of Treatment Options  Feelings and thoughts about peri-menopause  Lifestyle, stress management and breathing  Nutrition  Exercise (aerobic, weight bearing)‏  Naturopathic remedies (nutritional supplements, botanical therapy, homeopathy)‏  Bodywork (acupuncture, massage, energetic bodywork)‏  Natural hormones  Conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

14. Thank you for attending! Physician’s Name Location Phone Email/website For more information about naturopathic medicine please visit www.cand.ca