Welcome to Serenity Osteopathy, where we understand the unique challenges that women face during the menopause. As specialists in women's health, we recognize the importance of addressing menopause with a comprehensive and holistic approach. In this blog, we will explore the common treatments for menopause, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and shed light on alternative therapies such as osteopathy, menopause acupuncture, and Indian head massage.
Understanding Menopause:
Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s, leading to a cessation of menstrual cycles. Menopause is said to be over when there hasn't been a menstrual bleed for a continuous 12 months. The phase before the menopause is known as perimenopause. It is during this time that the number of mature eggs in the ovaries reduce & ovulation becomes irregular. It is also during his time that hormonal fluctuations can result in a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and many more.
Conventional Treatment:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been the go-to treatment for many women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms. HRT involves supplementing the body with oestrogen and progesterone to alleviate symptoms. It also has the added benefit of aiding to protect your bones and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues. While it can effectively manage symptoms, HRT has previously been associated with potential risks such as an increased risk of breast cancer. However more recent research has shown that the benefits of HRT outweigh the side effects for the majority of people. The 2 main types of HRT are combined HRT, which contain oestrogen & progesterone & this is for women who still have their womb. For women who have had a full hysterectomy, oestrogen only HRT is used. The optimal type of HRT would be body identical HRT. However, everything should be thoroughly discussed with your GP in terms of what the best course of treatment will be for you.
The Osteopathic Approach:
At Serenity Osteopathy, we advocate for a holistic approach to menopause that considers the entire well-being of the individual. Osteopathy, a non-invasive manual therapy, which focuses on restoring balance and harmony within the body. Treatment includes using gentle techniques to address musculoskeletal issues, improve circulation, and enhance overall health. This can aid in relieving some menopausal symptoms such as muscle aches, joint pains and can help you sleep well.
Menopause Acupuncture:
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has shown promising results in alleviating menopausal symptoms. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture aims to regulate hormonal imbalances, reduce hot flashes, night sweats and improve sleep quality. This can be used on its own or alongside osteopathy treatment to help compliment each other.
Indian Head Massage for Relaxation:
Stress management is crucial during menopause, and Indian head massage is an excellent way to promote relaxation. This ancient technique involves gentle massage of the head, neck, and shoulders, helping to relieve tension and improve overall well-being. Another benefit of the Indian head massage comes from the oils that are used. They can help to reduce dry skin and certain oils can help promote hair growth which can be beneficial for some women who experience hair thinning during this stage of their lives.
Why Choose a Holistic Approach?
While conventional treatments like HRT can be effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people are looking more towards holistic approaches, such as osteopathy, menopause acupuncture, and Indian head massage with the aim to enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms without relying on synthetic hormones. These therapies focus on improving overall health and well-being, promoting a sense of balance during the challenging menopausal transition.