Menopausal Syndrome

Hello, this is Dr. Hyocheong Chae, director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, a place where kind hearts reside, pursuing evidence-based and integrative medicine.

In April’s Monthly Sunyujae, I’d like to tell you about ‘menopause syndrome.’ Many patients in their 40s and 50s visit us feeling unwell and uncomfortable, but they don’t know what’s hurting or why, which causes them distress. During consultations, we sometimes find that they are experiencing menopause syndrome. For those who are suffering without knowing if they have menopause syndrome, let’s learn more about what kind of condition it is and how to treat it!

What is menopause syndrome? Menopause = hormonal imbalance + ovarian dysfunction. It is a natural part of aging that all women experience, involving gradual hormonal changes over 4-10 years, including menopause. This leads to physical and mental changes, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, though symptoms and timing vary individually.

Menopause is a period when the organ producing estrogen (female hormone) shifts from the ovaries to the adrenal glands. While the adrenal glands may not produce as much estrogen as the ovaries did before menopause, they can still produce the necessary amount. Therefore, not everyone experiences uncomfortable symptoms just because they are menopausal.

Those whose adrenal glands can adequately supplement estrogen can pass through this period with little discomfort, but those with diminished adrenal function may experience various uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of Menopause Syndrome. The symptoms of menopause syndrome can be as follows, but there may be individual differences: gradually shorter and irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes and facial flushing, dry and dull skin, urinary tract disorders such as cystitis, vaginitis, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, easy fatigue, frequent outbursts of anger, feelings of alienation, anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, memory loss, and joint pain. Let’s explore how to treat and prevent menopause syndrome.

I will explain the differences between Western medicine and Korean medicine treatment, as well as common questions. Western vs. Korean Medicine Treatment for Menopause Syndrome. Let’s look at the differences between Western hormone therapy and Korean medicine treatment, and the advantages of herbal medicine treatment. 1. Differences in Treatment Methods between Western and Herbal Medicine. Western Hormone Therapy: Administers synthetic female hormones externally to supplement deficient hormones.

Herbal medicine treatment: Activates the function of the endocrine glands to directly induce the production of estrogen. 2. Differences in Side Effects. Hormone Therapy: There is a possibility of side effects, and long-term side effects are particularly concerning. Herbal medicine treatment: Since it uses plant-based ingredients extracted from nature, side effects are naturally fewer, and it helps the body regulate hormones naturally.

3. Differences in Fundamental Treatment Approach. Hormone Therapy: Alleviates symptoms by supplementing hormones externally. Herbal medicine treatment: In Korean medicine, the focus is on treating adrenal function, activating the body’s own functions to regulate balance and alleviate symptoms.

4. Possibility of Personalized Treatment. Hormone Therapy: Often applied with standardized dosages and methods. Herbal medicine treatment: Can be prescribed in a customized way according to the patient’s condition, allowing for personalized treatment effects.

While Western hormone therapy works by supplementing hormones externally, raising concerns about side effects, herbal medicine treatment has the advantage of activating the body’s functions, leading to fewer side effects and promoting natural hormone regulation.

Questions about Menopause Treatment. How long should I take it? The duration of adrenal function recovery treatment can vary depending on an individual’s level of adrenal fatigue or depletion. The focus is not on eliminating superficial symptoms in the short term, but on fundamentally restoring the adrenal glands’ secretory function.

Once treated, does it last? The adrenal glands are a representative endocrine organ that can be damaged by fatigue. After normalizing their function through herbal medicine treatment and stabilizing estrogen levels, avoiding adrenal overload through lifestyle habits, stress management, nutritional supplements, and blood sugar control becomes a crucial factor in preventing symptom recurrence. Therefore, if you maintain a lifestyle that does not create adrenal overload, the treatment effects generally last well.

Do men also experience menopause? How is male treatment different? As men age, the function of the brain-reproductive system, which controls hormone secretion, declines, leading to a decrease in male hormones. This can result in decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, memory impairment, depression, increased body fat, decreased muscle strength, physical fatigue, hair loss, and osteoporosis.

Treatment for male menopause primarily focuses not on supplementing male hormones, but on regulating the function of endocrine organs to restore endocrine balance.

If you are interested in the treatment and prevention of menopause syndrome, please feel free to contact us at Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, and we will kindly explain. We would appreciate it if you could inquire via KakaoTalk or phone by clicking the link below! https://m.blog.naver.com/sunyujae21/223826243931 Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic pursues evidence-based and integrative medicine.

This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.