Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is once again under scrutiny by the medical profession and the estimated 42 million women over 50 who are currently using or considering using HRT. Just this month a study of 16,600 women was stopped prematurely due to concerns about the possible increase in breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks when estrogen and progestin were used long term. Medical doctors have been prescribing HRT for several decades now for women with menopausal symptoms as well as a protective therapy to prevent heart attacks and osteoporosis. Even before this latest study was stopped due to concerns about HRT, women have been using natural supplements to help ease the discomforts of menopause and protect against osteoporosis, heart health and general aging associated with the slow down of estrogen production.
Chinese Traditional Medicine has been addressing women’s issues for several centuries and Health Concerns has a number of formulas and adjunct formulas to assure a comfortable transition through the menopausal years. Following is a listing of our formulas and the symptoms they address. At a glance, you will see which Health Concerns formulas are suitable for your patient’s symptoms. As always we welcome any complicated cases or symptoms you might have questions about. Use our Herbal Helpline® 1-800-233-9355 or email herbalist@healthconcerns.com.
TREATING MENOPAUSE USING HEALTH CONCERNS FORMULAS
Three Immortals (Er Xian Tang Plus) – Hot flashes, lowered sex drive, depression, bleeding, lower back pain, vaginal dryness
Great Yin (Da Bu Yin) – Severe hot flashes, hot palms and soles, severe night sweats
Nine Flavor Tea (Modified Liu Wei Di Huang) – Dryness (hot palms and soles), night sweats, insomnia, afternoon fevers, hot flashes, thirst, vaginal dryness
Woman’s Balance (Dan Zhi Shao Yao San) – Irregular periods, uterine cramping, irritability, IBS
ADJUNCTS TO PRIMARY MENOPAUSE FORMULAS
Coptis Purge Fire (Modified Long Dan Xie Gan Tang) – Use as an adjunct for severe hot flashes
Flavonex (Salvia and Ginkgo) – Memory loss, promote circulation and heart health
OsteoHerbal (Dr. Fung’s Lu Jin) – Bone support, osteoporosis
Marrow Plus – Vaginal dryness due to blood deficiency
Schisandra Dreams – Insomnia (take prior to bedtime)
Calm Spirit (Modified Ding Xin Wan) – Anxiety, constipation
Astra Essence (Zuo Gui Wan/You Gui Yin) – Frequent urination, hair loss, low libido with no cold signs
Virility Caps (Dr. Fung’s Cistanche) – Low libido with cold signs
Akebia Moist Heat (Ba Zheng San) – Vaginal infection when antibiotics are not warranted