Menopause-related complaints and menopause syndrome

Menopause, also known as the climacteric, refers to the phase in a woman’s life marking the transition from reproductive capability to the end of fertility. It is characterized by a decline in ovarian function and, consequently, a decrease in the production of estrogen, progesterone, and androgens. Menopause—defined as the time of a woman’s final menstrual period—usually occurs between the ages of 48 and 55. If menopause occurs at the age of 35 or younger, it is considered premature.

The underlying cause of menopause lies in the ovaries themselves, as the number of ovarian follicles is significantly reduced by the time menopause occurs. This gradual decline in follicles begins even before a girl is born, which is why menopause is not a disease, but rather a normal, gradual physiological process that women must adapt to. The biological groundwork is therefore laid early in life, and the process is influenced by lifestyle and nutrition throughout one’s lifetime. Women experiencing high stress levels at work or in family life, or who maintain a poor diet, are more likely to experience menopausal symptoms.

The main symptoms, which can vary in intensity from woman to woman, include hot flashes (sometimes persisting five to ten years post-menopause), vaginal dryness, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances, depression, anxious agitation, and difficulty concentrating.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the specific symptoms attributed to estrogen deficiency are not as relevant as the underlying pattern of disharmony. All menopausal symptoms—if they occur—are fundamentally associated with the natural decline of Shen (Kidney) Essence. However, when symptoms manifest, they often coexist with Excess patterns, such as Phlegm accumulation, Qi and/or blood stagnation, frequently resulting from poor nutrition or chronic stress. In some rare cases, premature menopause may arise not from a deficiency of Kidney Essence, but rather from Phlegm and stagnation.

Therefore, a precise syndrome diagnosis is essential in order to develop an appropriate treatment strategy. The goal is to avoid aggravating an existing Excess pattern (and the associated symptoms) through supplementation. Instead, the first step is to resolve these Excess conditions using acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy, before considering any tonic or nourishing treatment.

We would be happy to advise you on your individual symptoms and the possible therapies.