THE effects of menopause, whether in the early or late stages, is a topic that is slowly creeping into public conversations.
Talking about the dreaded hot flashes and night sweats, low libido, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, urinary issues, and yes, even the stubborn belly fat, is no longer as taboo as it used to be.
A woman is said to be in menopause 12 months after her last period. In the years leading up to menopause, she may experience changes in her monthly cycles. This is referred to as perimenopause and usually begins between ages 45 and 55.
Certified medical herbologist Dr Asante Le Blanc told WMN, “I call it (menopause) the Hydra of women – ” a serpent-like water monster with nine heads that is often referenced in Greek mythology.
“It has so many heads, and when you cut off one head, three grow back,” she chuckled.
At her Victoria Clinic branches in Port of Spain and San Fernando, and retail clinic in Trincity, Le Blanc takes an integrated approach to healthcare using conventional and traditional medical practices – one that won her the Top Performing Candidate in the Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme in 2018.
She said the symptoms of menopause are among the many ailments with which she has seen patients struggle, and has been using unconventional options like acupuncture and herbs to treat them.
“I have seen women really benefit from these treatments – the low libido, vaginal dryness, the aches and pains – I’ve seen how acupuncture, herbs and teaching them how to eat and exercise has brought relief. It’s very simple things, they just need to listen to their bodies.
[caption id="attachment_1084261" align="alignnone" width="713"] Dr Asante Le Blanc said the symptoms of menopause are among the many ailments with which she has seen patients struggle, and has been using unconventional options like acupuncture and herbs to treat them. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
“It’s never too late to start. There are simple things like cucumber water or eating cucumbers every day with a little salt, or even walnuts. These things help,” as does acceptance of what menopausal women are now facing.
“Not trying to combat it and not being fearful of the transition itself. That, to me, is what helps them get holistically through that journey and that period.”
Le Blanc said the bombardment of ads on social media are making women more aware of what is going on with their bodies as they enter perimenopause and menopause, and they are speaking up.
“And I don’t know if we’re speaking more about it because our symptoms appear to be more pronounced because of our way of life and the foods that we have been eating has changed so much from long ago, but the conversations are getting louder.”
She said while many countries in the Caribbean haven’t yet fully accepted integrated medicine, it is something she was taught as a medical student at the Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana in the Manuel Fajardo Faculty, Cuba.
Le Blanc was born in Cuba and grew up in Guyana. She did her fi
