Your Body & Changes During Menopause

What is happening in your body?

Menopause is defined as not having a menstrual period for 1 year. During menopausal Transition (usually between the ages of 47-52) hormones begin to fluctuate leading to a permanent decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen and Progesterone are regulated by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. The anterior pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus portion of the brain which is the "Master Control" for your body. The HYPOTHALAMUS receives information from other sections of your brain that control delicate functions in your body like: emotions, sexual desire, thirst, hunger, body temperature, sleep patterns and regulates them through the NERVOUS SYSTEM.

How do hormone changes affect the body and cause physical symptoms?

JOINT PAIN:

Among its many jobs, estrogen works to decrease inflammation. Decreasing estrogen levels can contribute to pain in the joints common joint affected are: knees, elbows, hips, low back, shoulders and neck.

HEADACHE:

Many women suffer from headaches due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen causes blood vessels to dilate and Progesterone causes them to constrict.

Migraine: It can occur on one side or both sides of head. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noises often accompany migraines.

Tension Headaches: Generally produces a diffuse, mild to moderate pain throughout the head like having a tight band around your head. This kind of headache may also cause pain at the back of neck and base of scull.

Sinus Headaches: Caused by inflammation and blockage of the sinus cavities

MUSCLE TENSION/ CRAMPING/ SPASMS

The feeling that muscles are always tight or under strain can cause persistent and ongoing pain. These symptoms are closely related to stress and anxiety.

Low estrogen causes an increase in cortisol levels (stress hormone), high levels of cortisol and low estrogen cause the muscles in the body to tighten and fatigue. Progesterone has a calming effect on the body and mind. When levels of progesterone begin to drop prior to menopause, muscle tension tends to increase.

TREATMENT OPTIONS:
Lifestyle changes including physical activity (walking, swimming, yoga flexibility and muscle strengthening) can help alleviate joint pain, bone loss and stress.

Complementary & Alternative Medicines: Herbal supplements (under the care of Naturopathic Doctor), Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture can help keep joints moving and pain free, as well as treat existing joint pain, headache and muscle tension.

Chiropractic treatment as part of CAM (Complementary & Alternative Medicine)

Chiropractic treatment can help treat both the symptoms and the cause of the pain. By treating the muscles and joints associated with tension and constriction of blood vessels, both sooths symptoms during a headache and helps prevent them from returning. Your Chiropractor at Dynamic Health & Performance will develop a well rounded treatment plan specifically designed to give you the best results.

We also screen for other causes of pain (posture, overuse injury) recognizing and avoiding dietary triggers for headache, screening and recognizing risk factors that may require further medical investigation or referral back to family doctor, as well as guidance to other CAM therapists when necessary.