Relieve painful symptoms of menopause with herbal medicine! Explanation of features and types

Chinese herbs are often used to treat menopause

A woman’s body changes greatly at each life stage due to the influence of female hormones.

The age of menopause for Japanese women is said to be around 50, and the 10-year period from mid-40s to mid-50s is generally called ” menopause .” During menopause, ovarian function declines toward menopause, and the amount of estrogen, the female hormone, drops sharply.

Menopause is characterized by the inability of the body to keep up with such large fluctuations in hormones, making various symptoms more likely to occur.

Menopausal symptoms and menopausal disorders (known as “blood disease” in Kampo medicine) hot flashes, as well as coldness and chills, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, irritability, anxiety, depression, etc. called “grievance”. Menopause is characterized by the appearance of several indefinite complaints.

In recent years, it seems that pre-menopausal disorders, in which even people in their 30s and 40s have problems due to hormonal imbalance caused by stress, are increasing.

Kampo medicine is good at improving these indefinite complaints.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for menopausal disorders, but people with breast cancer, uterine cancer, and people taking drugs to treat thrombosis cannot receive hormone replacement therapy. In such cases, herbal medicine is used.

Characteristics of menopause treatment with Kampo medicine

From here, we will introduce the characteristics of menopausal disorder treatment with Kampo medicine.

Effective for multiple symptoms

Western medicine is based on symptomatic treatment, such as prescribing pain relievers if there is pain. On the other hand, Kampo medicine differs from Western medicine in that it improves the state of the mind and body as a whole.

We will treat by improving the autonomic nerves and immunity by improving blood circulation and water circulation, and by discharging toxins and waste products.

By restoring the balance that was destroyed by the treatment using Chinese medicine, the balance of the whole body is adjusted. This improves not just one symptom but multiple symptoms at the same time.

There are also benefits such as improving your constitution and making your skin more glossy and less likely to gain weight.

It is prescribed in consideration of each person’s constitution, physique, etc.

Kampo medicine is also characterized by being prescribed after considering each person’s constitution and physique. So if it fits, it works well.

However, if the prescribed Kampo medicine is not suitable for you, your symptoms may not improve easily. In such cases, it may be necessary to switch to another herbal medicine and see how it goes.

Chinese herbal medicines can also cause side effects, so if you take Chinese herbal medicine, consult a specialist who is familiar with Chinese medicine .

The balance of “qi, blood, and water” that is important in Chinese medicine

In Kampo medicine, there is a concept of “ki, blood, and water”.

These are the basic elements that make up the human body, and “healthy” is the state in which the three influence each other and circulate in the body in a well-balanced manner.

However, this balance of Qi, Blood, and Water can be disrupted. When the balance is lost due to stress, anxiety, carelessness, illness, etc., symptoms appear such as mental and physical disorders and illness.

Here, we will introduce each of Qi, Blood, and Water.

Qi (vitality, vitality, etc.)

Ki is the energy of life activities such as vitality and vitality, and although it is invisible, it is the most important of the three elements.

A decrease in Qi leads to a decline in digestive and absorption capacity, and nutrition is no longer available throughout the body.

Qi normally flows from the head to the extremities, but when this is reversed, it causes irritation, hot flashes, dizziness, headaches, etc.

blood (blood or blood stream)

Blood means blood and its flow. If the blood flow is stagnant or the function and quantity are insufficient, fatigue, stiff shoulders, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, etc. will occur.

Water (moisture other than blood, such as tears and lymph)

Water is water other than blood, such as tears and lymph. If the amount of water, which should normally exist, is concentrated in a certain area, it leads to symptoms such as swelling and dizziness.

Kampo medicine believes that differences in constitution affect menopausal disorders

During menopause, all women experience a decrease in female hormones. However, not all women experience painful menopausal disorders and menopausal symptoms.

One of the characteristics of menopausal symptoms is that there are large individual differences, such as some people who spend days with severe symptoms of menopause, others who feel discomfort but do not interfere with their daily lives, and others who do not feel much discomfort. is.

In Kampo medicine, we believe that this difference is influenced by the “physical constitution”. The state of qi, blood, and water varies from person to person. This is the difference in constitution.

A lack of qi, blood, and water is called “Kikyo”, “blood deficiency”, or “inkyo”. This state is called “Kitai”, “Oketsu”, and “Suitai”.

Main symptoms of menopause by constitution type

From here, we will introduce the characteristics of each constitution type and the main symptoms of menopause.

Void type/Vacuum type

“Qi type” is a state of lack of Qi. Lack of energy can make you feel tired, tired, loss of appetite, and chills. He is weak and prone to catching colds due to his weakened immune system.

“Ki stagnation type” is a state in which the circulation of Ki is stagnant. Autonomic nerves cannot be controlled well, and irritability, anxiety, depression, etc. occur.

[Symptoms related to qi (qi deficiency/qi stagnation)]

Hot flashes (hot flashes, hot flashes), sweating, reddening of the face, irritability, mental anxiety, depression, frequent urination, headache, loss of appetite, etc.

Blood ischemia type/blood stasis type

“Blood deficiency type” is a state in which blood is insufficient, and anemia, dizziness, numbness, convulsions, etc. can be seen. It seems that you may be worried about dry skin, gray hair, and hair loss.

“Blood stasis type” is a state in which blood circulation is poor and nutrients are not distributed to the body. Stiff necks, headaches, and joint pains can occur where blood flow is blocked. In addition, skin problems such as spots, rough skin, and dark circles may appear.

[Symptoms related to blood (blood ischemia/blood stasis)]

Cold hands and feet, numbness in hands and feet, weakness in hands and feet, palpitations, shortness of breath, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, headache, dull headache, irregular menstruation, anemia, high blood pressure, etc.

Flooding type/Shadow type

“Water retention type” is a state in which water is stagnant in the body and metabolism of water is poor. Excess water builds up in the body, causing symptoms such as swelling, coldness, sweatiness, a heavy head and body, and dullness.

The “yin-empty type” is a state of dehydration in which there is no moisture in the body. Hot flashes, hot flashes, dry mouth, and constipation, dry skin, and dry cough may also occur.

[Symptoms related to water (yin deficiency, water retention)]

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus, etc.

Types of Kampo medicines that are effective for menopausal disorder and menopausal symptoms

Health insurance covers the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of menopause.

“Inochi no Haha A (Class 2 OTC drug)” is well known as a herbal medicine for menopausal disorders sold at drugstores.

For Inochi no Haha A, Kamishoyosan, Tokishakuyakusan, and Keishibukuryogan, which are said to be the three major Kampo prescriptions used for women, are prescribed. It contains a well-balanced blend of herbal medicines necessary for women who are underweight and can be used regardless of their constitution or physique. It also contains vitamins that tend to be deficient.

From here, we will introduce herbal medicines that are effective for menopausal disorders and menopausal symptoms.

Kamishoyosan

Kamishoyosan is recommended for patients with moderate or lower physical strength, hot flashes, stiff shoulders, fatigue, stiff shoulders, anxiety and irritability, and insomnia . It is a herbal medicine used.

It is also known as a representative herbal medicine used to improve women’s indefinite complaints due to PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopausal disorders, and is expected to be effective for various physical and mental disorders seen in menopause. increase.

Toki shakuyakusan

Toki shakuyakusan is a Chinese herbal medicine suitable for people with weak physical strength and thin people. It has effects such as warming the body, relieving pain, and balancing hormones, and is generally used by women.

Keishibukuryogan

Keishibukuryogan is a herbal medicine used for menopausal disorders in people who are relatively physically fit and have hot flashes, dizziness, headaches, stiff shoulders, and cold feet.

Toukaku Jokito

Toukakujokito is effective for irritability, excitement, hot flashes, and menstrual troubles caused by menopause. It also has a laxative effect and is used to relieve constipation.

Nyoshin-san

Nyoshinsan is a Chinese herbal medicine used for menopausal neuroses in people with moderate or higher physical strength who have hot flashes and dizziness.

It is also used to treat irregular menstruation and neurosis before and after childbirth.

Saiko Keishi Kankyoto

Saikokeishikankyoto is a herbal medicine used to treat menopausal disorder and neurosis in people with anemia, dry mouth, palpitations, shortness of breath, hypersensitivity, and lack of physical strength. is.

It is also effective for cold fever and night sweats.

Unkeito

Unkeito is used when physical strength is moderate or lower, symptoms such as hot flashes in hands and feet, dry lips, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, headaches, and low back pain.

Since it has the effect of improving the flow of water and warming the body, it can be expected to be effective for people with coldness and weak constitutions, and is generally a herbal medicine for women.

Unseiin

Unseiin is a Chinese herbal medicine used for menopausal disorders and neurosis in people with moderate physical strength, hot flashes, dull skin tone, and dryness.

Kamikihito

Kamikihito is a herbal medicine prescribed for people who are tired both physically and mentally.

Recommended for those with weak stomachs, it is effective for anxiety, neurosis, hot flashes and irritability. It is also effective for insomnia, such as having trouble falling asleep, waking up too soon, and having light sleep.

Keishikajutsubuto

Keishikajutsubuto has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and blood flow-promoting effects, and is used for joint pain, such as arthralgia and neuralgia, and for stiff hands. .

Goshakusan

Goshakusan is a Chinese herbal medicine that is used for menopausal disorders associated with cold flashes and menstrual cramps for people who get tired easily or who are prone to anemia. It is also effective for gastroenteritis, back pain, and joint pain.

Chinese herbal medicine for painful symptoms of menopause!

During menopause, an imbalance in female hormones disrupts the autonomic nervous system, making symptoms such as depression, nausea, hot flashes, irritability, fatigue, sleeplessness, and dizziness more likely to occur.

Also, when estrogen drops sharply during menopause, you may experience symptoms such as joint swelling, hand stiffness, and body pain.

Kampo medicine can be expected to improve the painful indefinite complaints of menopause. Kampo medicines are recommended for those who find it difficult or have resistance to hormone replacement therapy.

However, if you cannot get Kampo medicines at a nearby medical institution, or if you want to try over-the-counter medicines before getting a prescription but do not know which one to choose, you can check your symptoms and constitution for free on your smartphone.