Understanding Menopause Menopause is a good example of Western medicine’s focus on disease rather than health and wellness. Many women instinctively know better and studies have proven there are extreme health risks with synthetic hormone replacement. To these wise women, menopause is a time of freedom from the menstrual cycle and the onset of wisdom and power. And it’s no coincidence that these women, who refuse to view themselves as “diseased,” experience far fewer (and sometimes none) of the problems usually associated with this change of life.

Understanding "The Change"
Since attitude plays a significant role in the physical response to menopause, it helps to understand the changes that are taking place. These changes can start several years before menopause proper actually sets in, with erratic periods or unusually heavy or light bleeding. This phase is called perimenopause or premenopause and provides an opportunity to prepare emotionally and physically for the larger transition to come. During premenopause the ovaries no longer ovulate on a regular basis. This is the basis for the cycle changes and the beginning of symptoms such as hot flashes.

Menopause itself usually begins in the mid-forties to early fifties. When the ovaries stop producing significant amounts of estrogen and progesterone, the menstrual cycle ceases; a woman who has had no periods for a year is said to be menopausal.

Women’s reactions to menopause vary widely. Some enjoy the change, while others suffer from problems like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, and mood swings, often for years. But if a woman is healthy, active, and well nourished, her adrenal glands will usually respond to menopause by creating precursor hormones such as pregnenelone and DHEA that are then converted into estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

The days of routinely prescribing synthetic estrogen and/or synthetic progesterone should be over. Several studies, including the well publicized Women’s Health Initiative Study that involved over 16,000 women, concluded the “benefits did not outweigh the risks” of using the combination of synthetic estrogen (Premarin) and synthetic progesterone (Provera).

When menopause is brought about by hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries, natural hormonal replacement therapy may be necessary to counter the sudden depletion of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone and resulting bone loss.

Dr. Stengler's Approach
Dr. Stengler believes that every woman must be addressed individually. Optimally it is best to get a hormone test done to find out which hormone imbalances you may have. For women with mild to moderate symptoms of menopause, he generally recommends the use of diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements, especially herbal and homeopathic remedies. The beauty of this approach is that these natural supplements balance the hormones already present in the body. In addition, the use of natural progesterone appears to be very safe and effective when a stronger approach is needed. Likewise, precursor hormones such as pregnenelone and DHEA may be helpful.

For women with extreme symptoms that are unresponsive to nutritional supplements the use of natural hormone replacement may be required. This is particularly true of women who had their ovaries removed at an early age or for those with moderate to severe osteoporosis. Dr. Stengler is an expert in balancing hormones, including the use of bioidentical hormones. He is the co-author of Your Menopause, Your Menotype (Avery).

Common symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Vaginal dryness and thinning
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Low sex drive
• Mood changes
• Joint Pain
• Headaches
• Hair loss/thinning

Dr. Stengler's Solutions
Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Increase your intake of plant foods such as legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and other seeds as they contain hormone balancing plant chemicals known as phytoestrogens. Ground flaxseeds also contain phytoestrogens and have been shown in studies to reduce hot flashes. In one positive study women consumed 40 grams of ground flaxseed daily.  Fermented soy foods such as tofu, miso, tempeh can help reduce hot flashes. Reduce your intake of spicy foods which may worsen hot flash frequency and intensity. Sedentary women are more likely to experience hot flashes. Mild to moderate aerobic exercise can reduce hot flashes. Women who smoke are more likely to experience hot flashes.

Dr. Stengler uses a wide variety of herbal and homeopathic supplements to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Examples include vitex, black cohosh, rhubarb extract, sepia, B vitamins, and several others when indicated.

Bio-identical forms of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, and most other prescription hormones are available by prescription from Dr. Stengler through compounding pharmacies. The advantage of prescriptions through compounding pharmacies is numerous. The hormones are tailor-made to the patient. For example, more specific dosages can be used. A variety of different forms are available including topical (transdermal), capsule, suppository, sublingual, and others to best meet the individual needs of the patient. Dr. Stengler has treated thousands of women with bio-identical hormones safely and naturally.

Read Dr. Stengler’s article on bio-identical hormone replacement that includes an interview with bestselling author and actress Suzanne Sommers: Click here to read the newsletter interview! 

Menopause Patient Experiences

I recommend without reservation Dr. Stengler and his caring, cheerful staff. After two visits and one blood test, Dr. Stengler prescribed two homeopathic treatments as well as natural supplements. I am symptom-free! No more hot flashes; I sleep through the night and have increased energy. My one regret is that I did not seek his help years ago!
Margaret Hardy - San Diego, CA

When I first came to Dr. Stengler I was experiencing low energy, night sweats, hot flashes during the day, and brain fogginess. After he supplied me with two homeopathic formulas, I immediately stopped having the night sweats and hot flashes. I was able to sleep through the night, and now I am much more energetic and focused. I'm so glad he was able to pinpoint what was wrong, and I highly recommend him as a knowledgeable, caring doctor. ~ Janis Klippel - San Diego, CA

Take the guesswork out of menopause! With just two visits to Dr. Stengler and a simple saliva test, I had the answers to many of my questions regarding menopause and the problems I was experiencing. It is actually a pleasant experience going to see the doctor, professional and friendly staff, no awful smells and I left feeling better! If you are wondering about hormone levels or experiencing any ill side effects caused from menopause, I would highly recommend Dr. Stengler.
Patsy Jenkins - San Diego, CA

I was suffering from hot flashes, night sweats, and loss of sleep. My regular OB-GYN doctor said these were normal perimenopausal symptoms. Dr. Stengler suggested a six panel hormone test. After the results, he prescribed several natural remedies which significantly improved my symptoms. I am grateful for his help and recommend his services. ~ N Maddox

Praise from Compounding Pharmacist
As a compounding pharmacist for over 25 years, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative physicians. Dr. Stengler is an extremely knowledgeable and caring physician. He is on the cutting edge of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. If you are looking for an outstanding naturopathic physician, I highly recommend him.
John Grasela, Compounding Pharmacist
(University Compounding Pharmacy, San Diego)