Complementary / Natural Therapies
Women diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (POF) may look to complementary therapies for advice and management of their individual symptoms. Research into the effectiveness of natural therapies for the management of menopausal symptoms in older women is increasing Some of the therapies researched (e.g. wild yam cream and evening primrose oil), are not commonly used by herbalists or naturopaths; while other herbs (e.g. red clover) are being promoted for non-traditional use. There is very little research regarding young women and natural therapies.
Definition
Natural therapies or naturopathy is an umbrella term that covers many different therapies (see Table 1). Natural therapies are often referred to as complementary medicine which implies that natural therapies are complementary to orthodox medicine.
Treatment is adapted to meet the different needs and circumstances of each individual. This means that two women who consult a natural therapist with hot flushes may be given two totally different treatments.
| Table 1: Natural Therapies |
| Herbal medicine |
The oldest known form of medicine, prescribing herbs for the treatment of complaints. |
| Homeopathy |
Uses substances that, in their basic form, produce symptoms in a healthy person, but will cause a similar set of symptoms to disappear when given in a highly diluted (homeopathic) form. Homeopathy works on the principle that 'like cures like'. |
| Nutrition |
Provides advice about diet including the use of nutritional supplements. |
| Acupuncture |
Based on an understanding that Qi (energy) is transported around the body through a network of channels. Therapy involves the use of acupuncture needles inserted in specific acupuncture points on these channels, to regulate the flow of Qi. |
| Remedial therapy |
Therapeutic massage for the treatment of muscle tension, tendon and ligament injuries. Massage techniques may include relaxation, sports massage, deep tissue, shiatsu, trigger point techniques and aromatherapy (using essential oils). These are helpful for relaxing, increasing circulation and joint flexibility. |
| Traditional Chinese medicine |
Includes the use of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and Chinese remedial therapy. |
| Osteopathy and chiropractic |
Manipulative therapies based on the science of human mechanics. They are often used to treat spinal pain, as there is a strong belief that the structure of the spine greatly influences health. Chiropractic places great importance on the balance alignment of the spine. The osteopath also emphasises the role that soft tissue has on the skeletal framework and general health. |
| Kinesiology |
Uses muscle testing to access the body's energy patterns and show where stresses are held in the system. The body 'tells' the therapist the appropriate corrections needed to rebalance the energy. |
Use of Natural Therapies in Early Menopause
Natural therapies may be chosen to address the following symptoms:
- Relief of menopausal symptoms associated with the declining oestrogen levels including hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
- Psychological issues: management of possible stress, anxiety, depression and grief associated with the diagnosis of early menopause.
Whether natural therapies have a role in the management of the long-term consequences of early menopause (risk of bone loss and heart disease) needs further investigation.
Content updated June 25, 2007
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 May 2009 )
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