Menopause - symptoms, causes and holistic support during the menopause

The menopause is the time of the last natural menstrual period in women and marks the end of the fertile phase of life. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The menopause is part of the menopause (climacteric), which can last for several years. From a medical point of view, the menopause is considered to have occurred retroactively if no menstruation has taken place for more than 12 months - without other recognisable causes such as pregnancy or illness.

The hormonal changes during this time are profound. In particular, the production of oestrogen and progesterone decreases significantly, which can affect the female body in many ways.

Causes and progression

The main cause of menopause is the natural depletion of the egg reserves in the ovaries. This leads to a decline in female sex hormones, which manifests itself hormonally as follows:

• Lower oestrogen levels lead to hot flushes, dry skin and mucous membranes, as well as an increased risk of osteoporosis.

• Progesterone deficiency can favour sleep problems, mood swings or cycle irregularities before the menopause.

• The ratio of oestrogen to testosterone also shifts, which can lead to muscle loss or changes in libido.

The process is divided into three phases:

1. Premenopause: The years before menopause, when the first hormonal changes begin

2. Menopause: Time of the last menstrual period

3. Postmenopause: The time after the menopause when hormone levels remain permanently low

Holistic support for complaints

Many women suffer from physical and psychological complaints during this time. These include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Sleep disorders and exhaustion

• Mood swings, irritability, depressive moods

• Concentration problems and ""brain fog""

• Libido loss and vaginal dryness

• Weight gain and slowed metabolism

In addition to medically supervised hormone therapy (HRT), there are numerous natural and holistic methods that can support women during the menopause:

• Plant-based active ingredients such as isoflavones from soya or red clover have an oestrogen-like effect

• Monk's pepper (Vitex agnus-castus) can balance hormonal fluctuations

• Ashwagandha and Rhodiola help with stress management and fatigue

• Magnesium, vitamin D3, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids stabilise nerves, mood and bone density

• Exercise, a healthy diet and a mindful lifestyle improve hormonal balance and promote well-being

The menopause is a natural biological process, but not a condition that you have to "get through". With the right support, women can shape this phase of their lives in a conscious, healthy and self-determined way.

• Burger, H. G. et al. (2007). "The endocrinology of the menopausal transition: a paradigm shift." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

• RKI (2023). "Health of women in midlife." Robert Koch Institute.

• North American Menopause Society (2022). "Menopause Practice: A Clinician's Guide.""