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Is homeopathic therapy right for me?

When you enter the menopause, usually between the ages of 45-55, your oestrogen levels drop. This can lead to unpleasant vasomotor symptoms. In our symptom checker, you can read about the symptoms that can occur.

You may have heard of homeopathic therapy, which can reduce symptoms. Below you will find all the important information you need to decide whether this is right for you.

What is homeopathy therapy?

Homeopathy is an alternative approach to medical treatment based on the principle of «like cures like». Homeopathy therapy for menopause is based on the concept that a specific diluted form of a substance that causes similar symptoms in healthy people can bring about a cure in people who have these symptoms.

In homeopathy, each person is seen as an individual being and treatment aims to treat the totality of a person’s symptoms rather than focussing on a specific condition or symptom. The homeopathic approach to treating the menopause focuses on relieving the symptoms that women may experience during this phase of life.

What does the homeopath do?

A homeopath will first take a thorough history, taking a woman’s individual symptom complex during the menopause. This will include physical, emotional and mental symptoms as well as information about the woman’s lifestyle and personal history. Based on this comprehensive case assessment, the homeopath will develop an individual treatment programme.

What are homeopathic remedies?
The homeopathic remedies used during the menopause are usually made from natural substances such as plants, minerals or animal products. These substances are diluted in special potencies to enhance their effect while minimising potential side effects.

Advantages of homeopathy therapy
Homeopathy therapy has several potential benefits:

1. holistic approach: Homeopathy looks at the person as a whole and considers physical, emotional and mental aspects in treatment. This approach aims to restore balance and harmony to the body.
2. individualised treatment: homeopathy treats each woman individually. An experienced homeopath will carry out a comprehensive case assessment to understand the woman’s unique symptoms and characteristics and develop a customised treatment.
3. low risk of side effects: Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, which means that they usually contain very small amounts of the original substance. As a result, homeopathic remedies are generally considered safe and have a low risk of side effects.
4. support for self-healing powers: Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s own self-healing powers. It is intended to stimulate the body to activate its natural healing processes and alleviate symptoms.

Risks of homeopathic therapy

There are potential risks and concerns with homeopathy therapy that should be considered. Here are the main risks:

1. delay in appropriate medical care: As homeopathy is considered an alternative form of therapy and has no scientifically proven efficacy, choosing homeopathy-only therapy may result in a delay in seeking appropriate medical care. This can be particularly problematic in the case of severe or acute symptoms.
2. potential ineffectiveness: As homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, they usually contain only very small amounts of the original substance. This has led to many studies suggesting that the effect of homeopathic remedies goes beyond the placebo effect. In other words, the perceived effect may be based on psychological factors rather than the actual efficacy of the remedies.
3. lack of standardisation and quality assurance: There are no uniform standards for the production of homeopathic remedies. The quality, purity and dosage of the substances used can vary greatly, which can lead to inconsistencies and uncertainties.
4. potential interactions and contraindications: Homeopathic medicines can have potential interactions with other medicines. It is important that women taking homeopathic medicines inform their treating doctor of all the medicines they are taking to avoid possible unwanted interactions.

Measures to reduce the risk

If you decide to take homeopathic therapy, there are some measures you can take to reduce potential risks:

1. consult an experienced homeopath: look for a qualified and experienced homeopath who has a sound knowledge of homeopathy. Good training and experience are important to ensure appropriate treatment. With our team of experts, we can provide this.
2. inform your doctor: It is important to inform your doctor about your decision to try homeopathic treatments. Your doctor can inform you about possible interactions with other medications and help you make a decision.
3. use high quality products: Make sure that the homeopathic medicines you use come from trustworthy manufacturers and meet quality standards. Make sure the products are properly labelled and dosed.
4. inform yourself about possible side effects: Although homeopathic medicines are generally considered safe, side effects can still occur. Find out about possible side effects of the medicine you are using and watch out for adverse reactions.
5. communicate with your homeopath: Tell your homeopath about any other medicines or treatments you are taking. This will help to identify and avoid potential interactions.

When is homeopathic therapy not suitable?

Homeopathic therapy is not suitable for all menopausal women. Here are some factors to consider:

1. severe symptoms: If a woman is suffering from severe, distressing symptoms such as severe hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood swings or other severe symptoms, homeopathy therapy may not be sufficient to provide adequate relief.
2. contraindications or medical conditions: Women with certain pre-existing illnesses or medical conditions may be advised against homeopathic therapy.
3. urgent medical need: If a woman has acute or serious health problems that require immediate medical attention, homeopathy should not be considered as the sole method of treatment.
4. insufficient improvement of symptoms: If a woman does not notice an improvement in her symptoms after a reasonable amount of time and treatment with homeopathic remedies, it may be advisable to consider alternative treatment options.
5. rejection or lack of confidence in homeopathy: If a woman does not believe in the efficacy of homeopathy or feels uncomfortable using an alternative treatment method, she should consider her own preferences and beliefs.

Possible side effects of homeopathy therapy

In some cases, side effects may occur:

1. allergic reactions: Although homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, some people may be sensitive to certain substances used in the remedies. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching or breathing difficulties may occur.
   2 Drug interactions: It is possible that homeopathic medicines may interact with other medicines you are taking. It is important to tell your homeopath about all other medicines you are taking to recognise and avoid possible interactions.
2. aggravation of symptoms: In some cases, there may be a temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement occurs. This is sometimes referred to as an «initial aggravation».

It is important to note that homeopathy is generally considered safe, and most people report minimal or no side effects.

You have now learnt the basics of homeopathy. Of course, the question now is whether homeopathic therapy is an option for you?

Is homeopathic therapy right for me?

Our experts can help you weigh up the benefits and risks and suggest a decision based on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history.

Here are some questions you should consider before you speak to our experts.

1. do I have confidence in homeopathy as an alternative treatment method? Do I believe in the concept of homeopathy and am I prepared to accept this type of treatment?
2. have I already tried conventional medical treatments and not achieved satisfactory results? Would I like to try an alternative treatment to alleviate my symptoms?
3. am I willing to invest time and resources in homeopathic therapy? Homeopathy often requires a detailed case assessment and individualised treatment planning. Are you prepared to invest the necessary time and budget?
4. am I open to a holistic approach that takes into account not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual aspects? Do I want a therapy that takes into account my overall condition and lifestyle?
5. do I have a condition for which homeopathy can be considered a safe complement to conventional medical treatment? Is my condition serious or acute so that I may need prompt and proven medical care?

It is advisable to speak to an experienced homeopath before starting homeopathic therapy and also seek the opinion of a conventional medical practitioner to ensure comprehensive medical care.

Get in touch if you need help.

Joëlle & Adrian

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