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Anxiety, Irritability
Anger in Menopause by
Joseph J Collins ND |
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Protocols Based On Menopause Primary Concern |
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Addressing the
Special Needs of Anxiety associated with menopause,
or that has become worse with menopause changes, is most frequently due to
shifting or deficient hormone levels, which affect the nervous system and the
adrenal gland (which also responds to stress). It is important to discern the
cause of the anxiety, and restore normal function. While powerful herbal
sedatives may appear to be a good way to “naturally” treat anxiety, in truth,
the approach is that same as if a synthetic sedative drug were prescribed.
Both methods treat the symptom of anxiety without correcting the underlying
cause – which is primarily hormonal. A better approach is to support
the normal function using herbals that work synergistically to revitalize, or
enhance the ideal health by restoring optimal function of hormones by
enhancing the function of hormone producing glands, and the function of
tissues that respond to hormones. Enhancing hormone function requires first
& foremost healthy lifestyle and dietary habits as discussed in the Integrative
Management of Endocrine Dysfunction document. There are four significant hormone
imbalances that may be associated with increased anxiety in menopause. |
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These include Decreased
Estrogen Function, Decreased Progesterone Function, Excessive Androgen
Function: and /or Decreased Testosterone Function as
outlined below. Addressing the underlying cause will relieve the additional
stress on the nervous system, and allow a smoother menopause transition.
The following formulations may be used as indicated: |
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Decreased Estrogen
Function: |
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Dropping estrogen levels, as well as levels that
are already low, increase the frequency and severity of vasomotor
symptoms, which precipitate anxiety in women. Supporting
normal estrogen function, with an emphasis on phytoestrogenic herbs that also
decrease anxiety, will resolve anxiety efficiently.
When there are other vasomotor symptoms, choose |
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Estro-Mend™ - Most of the herbs in this formulation have
significant ability to decrease anxiety. Published clinical data suggests that black cohosh may be useful for the treatment of menopausal
symptoms, including anxiety (1). Don quai has mildly sedative & tranquilizing
properties (2), as does Bacopa monniera (3). Hops
are well known for its sedative effects that can reduce anxiety (4). Sage binds to GABA receptors,
resulting in calming actions (5). Schisandra
has been used to treat irritability (6).
More Information on Estro-Mend™ |
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Decreased
Progesterone Function: |
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The adrenal glands are the primary source of
progesterone and other natural progestogens. These molecules provide “neuro-sedative”, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic
properties. When there is suboptimal function of progesterone, there may be
more irritability, inflammation and
spasms. In these situations, restoring normal function
of progesterone with adrenal supporting phytoprogesterones is the best course
of action. Using herbs that have both progesterone-mimetic and calming
properties is quit effective. When there is irritability,
inflammation and spasms, choose: |
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Progesto-Mend™ - This
formulation mimics the ability of progesterone to be calming and promote
tranquility due to its ability of Rehmannia
& Bupleurum to support normal
adrenal gland function (7), recalling that the adrenal glands are is the
primary source of progesterone in non-cycling women. In addition The Passiflora incarnate has been shown to be
particularly effective in treating anxiety (8), possibly by binding to GABA
receptors, as does progesterone. More Information on Progesto-Mend™ |
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Excessive Androgen
Function: |
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In ability to
tolerate stress due suboptimal function of androgens are both a cause and a sign of adrenal
fatigue. In women that have anxiety that is strongly associated with fear and social
withdrawal, there may
be adrenal related androgen deficiency that needs to be addressed. When there is inability to
tolerate stress with suboptimal function of androgens, choose: |
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Testo-Quench™ - This formulation is best used by women
with androgen excess disorders. By calming the affects of the excessive
androgens in these women, this formula can bring about a rapid sense of
calmness, and increased adaptability to stress (9). These women report they
are less agitated on this formula. In such women, calming the actions of a
unique blend of phytoantiandrogens and other herbs to naturally support
hormonal balance in women by calming and supporting the ideal function of
testosterone sensitive tissues. Women with low testosterone may not do well
on this formulation, and should consider Testo-Quench™. More Information on Testo-Quench™ |
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Decreased Testosterone
Function: |
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In
women that have anxiety that is strongly associated with fear and social
withdrawal, there may
be androgen deficiency that needs to be addressed. Androgen deficiency
anxiety is often associated with depressed mood and decreased libido. When there is fear and social
withdrawal, choose: |
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Testo-Gain™ - This formulation supports the normal
response of the nervous system to androgens. Enhanced motivation, drive,
confidence, and feelings of self-worth (10) can decrease the incidence and
severity of anxiety. More
Information on Testo-Gain™ |
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Blood Sugar Disorders: |
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Feelings of anxiety, fatigue or any other symptoms that worsen
after a meal suggest
that there is an unhealthy shift of blood sugar
levels. Though blood sugar disorders (dysglycemias) can range from low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia) to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia & diabetes), all
forms of blood sugar disorder should be treated seriously. The drop in blood
sugar after eating is often a predecessor to insulin resistance, which
eventually results to diabetes. |
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Glucobrium should be used if
anxiety occurs after eating, especially if there are blood sugar disorders in
family |
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Also Review: |
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♦These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. |
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YourMenopauseType.com, Inc. |
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