The Problem: Anna, a 42-year-old woman, has been experiencing hormone problems and changes to her menstrual cycles. Dissatisfied with the prescription of birth control and progesterone cream to regulate what the doctor called a hormonal imbalance, she decided to turn to homeopathy.

The Practitioner: Anna sought treatment from Sheila Caporali, a registered homeopath based in Toronto and Montreal.

The Diagnosis: Read Sheila's assessment of Anna's condition and prescription for treatment after the jump.

The Condition: Menopause, deriving it's name from the Greek words Meno (month) and Pausis (meaning pause), literally means the cessation of regular, monthly, menstrual cycles. The cessation of the menses indicates that the
ovaries are no longer producing estrogen, ending the woman's reproductive years. Many women in our society begin to experience gradual changes to their regular cycles after the age of 40. Hormonal fluctuations are noticed by the changes in the length of cycles. The menstrual cycles may shorten (i.e. menses becoming more frequent) followed by a lengthening when menses become less frequent. A woman who has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 months is considered to be menopausal.

Many women experience a variety of symptoms during these hormonal fluctuations that eventually lead to menopause. The symptoms may be seen on any or all levels; mental, emotional and physical. Physical changes may include but are not limited to, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain and high cholesterol. Mental and emotional changes include loss of libido, mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Homeopathic medicine recognizes that all symptoms of ill health are expressions of an imbalance within the whole person. Therefore, from the homeopathic viewpoint, it is the whole person who needs treatment rather than the disease, in this case the hormonal fluctuations. The treatment is tailored for each person, their personality and
unique symptoms.

Sheila's Prognosis: During the initial consultation, I got details on the changes in Anna's menstrual cycles. I learned that she was experiencing spotting before her menses and strong cramps and pain with her period, which was seven days long and occurring every 20 days. Anna was also experiencing vaginal dryness, night sweats and hair loss. After further questioning to determine some of Anna's mental and emotional symptoms, I learned that she was also suffering from moodiness, a diminished sex drive, and was waking every night at 3 a.m. Anna also expressed concern about her deteriorating memory. When asked to describe herself, Anna said she was stubborn, and had a tendency to worry about anything and everything. When asked if she had any fears, Anna told me she was afraid of heights and of losing control. Based on Anna's holistic picture of symptoms, emotions and general personality, I prescribed Calcarea Carbonicum.

Anna's complete symptomatology led me to the remedy Calcarea Carbonicum, derived from the middle layer of an oyster shell. People with the following characteristics tend to be well suited for this: those who gain weight easily, have little muscle tone, are prone to overeating as well as excessive sweating (hot flashes in the face) which may be accompanied by a sour or bad smell. Women may have excessively heavy menstrual periods and breast tenderness before the flow begins.They are quiet, sensitive and prone to excessive worrying and obsessive behavior. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia and night sweats are often eliminated or reduced with this remedy when it is well suited to the patient.

Many of the patient's menstrual symptoms are due to hormonal changes as she gradually and naturally enters what allopathic doctors call 'perimenopause.' As a homeopath, I look beyond the label of the disease or deficiency and instead look to the totality of the symptoms the person is experiencing. The symptoms are an expression of an imbalance. A well-prescribed remedy will work to stimulate the body's own healing power.

A month after a dose of Calcarea Carbonicum, Anna reported longer menstrual cycles (25 days), with no spotting or cramping. With continued monitored homeopathic support she was pleasantly surprised to find relief of the physical pains of her menses but also an overall feeling of better health. The improvements continued as her body was responding to treatment. Anna was soon able to sleep soundly through the night, experiencing increased energy and libido.

Women will go through perimenopause and menopause differently, with varying symptoms and experiences. Homeopathy treats the whole woman and caters to the array of presenting symptoms and emotions throughout this time. There are many homeopathic remedies to ease the changes that naturally occur through perimenopause and menopause. Please consult with a homeopath to find your own constitutional remedy that will help you through this stage of life.

You can reach Sheila Caporali BA DSHomMed RHomcan at myhomeopath@yahoo.com.

Have you experienced perimenopause or menopause symptoms? How were you able to find relief? Please leave a comment as other readers could benefit from your experience!