October 15, 2024
As women transition through menopause, they face a range of physical and emotional changes due to a decline in estrogen and other hormones. However, what is often overlooked is the increased risk of serious health conditions such as dementia and stroke in postmenopausal women. Research suggests that the drop in estrogen levels, which offers protective effects for the brain and heart, may contribute to these heightened risks.
The gold standard of treatment for protecting women from long-term health risks as a result of menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The latest data has shown that when given correctly, there is far less risk of cancer than was originally thought as a result of this kind of therapy. Seeing a medical doctor is the best way to learn about this kind of therapy.
Unfortunately not all women can actually participate in HRT because their medical history might include a condition that would make the hormone treatment potentially harmful. A few examples of such conditions are blood clots as a result of previous use of estrogen, a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, or a history of stroke. The good news for these women is that alternative practices like acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a natural and holistic approach to potentially reducing these risks, promoting long-term cognitive and cardiovascular health without the use of hormones. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between menopause, dementia, and stroke, and how TCM can be an effective tool in protecting against these conditions.
The Link Between Menopause, Dementia, and Stroke
Estrogen’s Role in Brain Health
Estrogen, the primary female hormone, has a profound impact on brain function and cardiovascular health. During the reproductive years, it helps protect neurons, supports cognitive function, and enhances the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. Estrogen also reduces inflammation in the brain, which is crucial for protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
During perimenopause when estrogen levels begin to decline and after menopause, as estrogen levels plummet, women lose this protective effect, making them more susceptible to cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that post-menopausal women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop dementia.
Increased Stroke Risk After Menopause
Similarly, estrogen plays a protective role for the cardiovascular system. It helps maintain healthy blood vessels, prevents the buildup of plaque in arteries, and regulates blood pressure. The loss of estrogen during menopause can lead to an increased risk of stroke, as it may contribute to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), high blood pressure, and blood clots. According to research, stroke rates are higher in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women, and this risk continues to grow with age.
How Acupuncture and TCM Can Help
While the risks of dementia and stroke increase after menopause, acupuncture and TCM offer natural approaches to address the underlying imbalances that contribute to these conditions. Here’s how these ancient practices can help:
Acupuncture for Cognitive Health and Stroke Prevention
Acupuncture, an essential component of TCM, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of energy (Qi) along the meridians. Research shows that acupuncture may have a significant impact on both brain and heart health, making it a valuable tool for preventing dementia and stroke.
Enhancing Brain Function : Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the brain, supporting cognitive function and improving memory and focus. By targeting specific acupuncture points, it can promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize), reduce inflammation, and protect against the neuronal damage associated with aging and dementia.
Improving Circulation and Reducing Stroke Risk: Acupuncture has been shown to regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of blood clots all of which are key factors in preventing strokes. For instance, acupuncture points such as LI 4 (He Gu) and ST 36 (Zu San Li) are often used to improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation.
Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to both dementia and cardiovascular diseases. Acupuncture helps modulate the immune system, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can otherwise damage blood vessels and brain cells.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Therapy
In TCM, at its simplest diagnostic level, health is viewed as a balance between Yin and Yang, and illness arises when there is an imbalance in the body’s energy. During menopause a woman’s Yin (cooling, calming energy) declines, leading to a relative excess of Yang (heat, activity). To use an analogy, imagine that the coolant in a car's radiator is low, the car will overheat, which can cause issues with the engine if not addressed. One of the aspects of this increase in Yang and heat energy is systemic inflammation which can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, and other symptoms and increase the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
Herbal Formulas for Increasing Yin and Decreasing Inflammation
Chinese herbal formulas have been used for centuries and studies have shown that they can significantly affect the endocrine system which can help to decrease symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia, just to name a few.
More importantly, many of the herbs used will specifically address the imbalances of the Yin and Yang energies, and some herbs are considered heat-clearing. Studies demonstrate that these herbs can affect the inflammatory response of the body through different mechanisms by inhibiting cytokines or blocking inflammatory signaling.
Other herbs in these formulas are considered Yin-nourishing herbs. Herbs from this category help support the cooling aspects of the system. Some of these herbs are phytoestrogens, which means they have similar molecular structures to estrogen and can affect the body in similar ways. A good example of a common food that contains phytoestrogens is soy.
Herbal formulas contain multiple herbs and are designed to limit side effects while providing the support the body needs to bring balance to the system. There are many herbal formulas that can help correct a range of different TCM diagnoses. It is important to see a qualified practitioner to ensure the best formula is selected for the appropriate conditions.
Dietary Support in TCM for Brain and Heart Health
In TCM, food is considered medicine, and eating the right foods can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of both dementia and stroke. The focus is on consuming warm, nutrient-dense foods that nourish the brain and cardiovascular system while avoiding overly cold or processed foods that can stagnate energy flow.
Brain-Nourishing Foods: Foods rich in healthy fats like walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocados are encouraged, as they support brain function and protect against cognitive decline. Goji berries and black sesame seeds are also popular in TCM for nourishing the Yin and improving blood circulation to the brain.
Cardiovascular Support: Foods like leafy greens, oats, and garlic are recommended to support heart health by lowering cholesterol and promoting healthy blood pressure. TCM also emphasizes the importance of regularly consuming soups and stews made with nutrient-rich ingredients like bone broth and herbs to strengthen the body and support overall health.
Postmenopausal women face an increased risk of dementia and stroke due to declining estrogen levels, but this doesn’t mean these conditions are inevitable. Acupuncture and TCM offer a holistic and natural approach to protecting cognitive and cardiovascular health, especially for women who cannot take HRT. By promoting blood circulation, reducing inflammation, balancing energy, and nourishing the body with herbs and proper nutrition, TCM provides a powerful way to mitigate these risks and support long-term well-being.
If you’re concerned about the risks of dementia and stroke after menopause and would like to learn more about how acupuncture and TCM can help you please click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation either in person or over the phone. I would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if moving forward with treatment would be right for you.
As women transition through menopause, they face a range of physical and emotional changes due to a decline in estrogen and other hormones. However, what is often overlooked is the increased risk of serious health conditions such as dementia and stroke in postmenopausal women. Research suggests that the drop in estrogen levels, which offers protective effects for the brain and heart, may contribute to these heightened risks.
The gold standard of treatment for protecting women from long-term health risks as a result of menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The latest data has shown that when given correctly, there is far less risk of cancer than was originally thought as a result of this kind of therapy. Seeing a medical doctor is the best way to learn about this kind of therapy.
Unfortunately not all women can actually participate in HRT because their medical history might include a condition that would make the hormone treatment potentially harmful. A few examples of such conditions are blood clots as a result of previous use of estrogen, a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, or a history of stroke. The good news for these women is that alternative practices like acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a natural and holistic approach to potentially reducing these risks, promoting long-term cognitive and cardiovascular health without the use of hormones. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between menopause, dementia, and stroke, and how TCM can be an effective tool in protecting against these conditions.
The Link Between Menopause, Dementia, and Stroke
Estrogen’s Role in Brain Health
Estrogen, the primary female hormone, has a profound impact on brain function and cardiovascular health. During the reproductive years, it helps protect neurons, supports cognitive function, and enhances the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. Estrogen also reduces inflammation in the brain, which is crucial for protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
During perimenopause when estrogen levels begin to decline and after menopause, as estrogen levels plummet, women lose this protective effect, making them more susceptible to cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that post-menopausal women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop dementia.
Increased Stroke Risk After Menopause
Similarly, estrogen plays a protective role for the cardiovascular system. It helps maintain healthy blood vessels, prevents the buildup of plaque in arteries, and regulates blood pressure. The loss of estrogen during menopause can lead to an increased risk of stroke, as it may contribute to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), high blood pressure, and blood clots. According to research, stroke rates are higher in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women, and this risk continues to grow with age.
How Acupuncture and TCM Can Help
While the risks of dementia and stroke increase after menopause, acupuncture and TCM offer natural approaches to address the underlying imbalances that contribute to these conditions. Here’s how these ancient practices can help:
Acupuncture for Cognitive Health and Stroke Prevention
Acupuncture, an essential component of TCM, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of energy (Qi) along the meridians. Research shows that acupuncture may have a significant impact on both brain and heart health, making it a valuable tool for preventing dementia and stroke.
Enhancing Brain Function : Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the brain, supporting cognitive function and improving memory and focus. By targeting specific acupuncture points, it can promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize), reduce inflammation, and protect against the neuronal damage associated with aging and dementia.
Improving Circulation and Reducing Stroke Risk: Acupuncture has been shown to regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of blood clots all of which are key factors in preventing strokes. For instance, acupuncture points such as LI 4 (He Gu) and ST 36 (Zu San Li) are often used to improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation.
Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to both dementia and cardiovascular diseases. Acupuncture helps modulate the immune system, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can otherwise damage blood vessels and brain cells.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Therapy
In TCM, at its simplest diagnostic level, health is viewed as a balance between Yin and Yang, and illness arises when there is an imbalance in the body’s energy. During menopause a woman’s Yin (cooling, calming energy) declines, leading to a relative excess of Yang (heat, activity). To use an analogy, imagine that the coolant in a car's radiator is low, the car will overheat, which can cause issues with the engine if not addressed. One of the aspects of this increase in Yang and heat energy is systemic inflammation which can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, and other symptoms and increase the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
Herbal Formulas for Increasing Yin and Decreasing Inflammation
Chinese herbal formulas have been used for centuries and studies have shown that they can significantly affect the endocrine system which can help to decrease symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia, just to name a few.
More importantly, many of the herbs used will specifically address the imbalances of the Yin and Yang energies, and some herbs are considered heat-clearing. Studies demonstrate that these herbs can affect the inflammatory response of the body through different mechanisms by inhibiting cytokines or blocking inflammatory signaling.
Other herbs in these formulas are considered Yin-nourishing herbs. Herbs from this category help support the cooling aspects of the system. Some of these herbs are phytoestrogens, which means they have similar molecular structures to estrogen and can affect the body in similar ways. A good example of a common food that contains phytoestrogens is soy.
Herbal formulas contain multiple herbs and are designed to limit side effects while providing the support the body needs to bring balance to the system. There are many herbal formulas that can help correct a range of different TCM diagnoses. It is important to see a qualified practitioner to ensure the best formula is selected for the appropriate conditions.
Dietary Support in TCM for Brain and Heart Health
In TCM, food is considered medicine, and eating the right foods can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of both dementia and stroke. The focus is on consuming warm, nutrient-dense foods that nourish the brain and cardiovascular system while avoiding overly cold or processed foods that can stagnate energy flow.
Brain-Nourishing Foods: Foods rich in healthy fats like walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocados are encouraged, as they support brain function and protect against cognitive decline. Goji berries and black sesame seeds are also popular in TCM for nourishing the Yin and improving blood circulation to the brain.
Cardiovascular Support: Foods like leafy greens, oats, and garlic are recommended to support heart health by lowering cholesterol and promoting healthy blood pressure. TCM also emphasizes the importance of regularly consuming soups and stews made with nutrient-rich ingredients like bone broth and herbs to strengthen the body and support overall health.
Postmenopausal women face an increased risk of dementia and stroke due to declining estrogen levels, but this doesn’t mean these conditions are inevitable. Acupuncture and TCM offer a holistic and natural approach to protecting cognitive and cardiovascular health, especially for women who cannot take HRT. By promoting blood circulation, reducing inflammation, balancing energy, and nourishing the body with herbs and proper nutrition, TCM provides a powerful way to mitigate these risks and support long-term well-being.
If you’re concerned about the risks of dementia and stroke after menopause and would like to learn more about how acupuncture and TCM can help you please click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation either in person or over the phone. I would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if moving forward with treatment would be right for you.