Some of the most frequent questions we get at our functional medical practice are around hormones and, more specifically, menopause. In this blog we will explore the history of menopause, treatment, and how to best support the transition every woman goes through. Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life, yet it has long been misunderstood. To explore its origins, we first need to break down the term itself. The word “menopause” is derived from two Greek words: “meno,” meaning month, and “pause,” meaning to stop. Essentially, it signifies the cessation of monthly menstrual cycles, marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Early Greek Perspectives on Menopause
The early Greek physicians believed that menstruation served as a way for women’s bodies to purge excess humors (fluids), a concept central to their understanding of health. When menstruation stopped, they assumed that this retention of fluid was harmful. Menopause, then, was seen as a dangerous state where this “purging” no longer happened, and without this regular release, women were thought to be at risk of illness. This misunderstanding contributed to the view of menopause as something to be feared and treated.
The First Treatments for Menopause
The origins of menopause treatment date back centuries. Ancient physicians sought various remedies for what they perceived as a dangerous and abnormal cessation of menstruation. These included herbal treatments and lifestyle changes, although they were often based on misconceptions about the female body. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that physicians began experimenting with hormone replacement. Early crude formulations of hormone replacement therapy involved extracting ovarian tissue from animals, such as cows and pigs, in attempts to replace what was “lost” during menopause. These formulations were far from refined, but they were the beginnings of what would eventually evolve into modern hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Crude Origins
The first attempts at hormone replacement were rudimentary at best. Scientists discovered that the ovaries produced hormones and sought to replace these hormones with extracts from the ovarian tissue of animals. These early treatments, while imperfect and unregulated, marked a significant step toward understanding the role of hormones in women’s health. Eventually, this would lead to the development of more sophisticated and safer forms of hormone replacement therapy that we use today.
Menopause: A Transition, Not a Disease
It’s essential to understand that menopause is not a disease—it is a natural life transition. Just as puberty signals the beginning of reproductive years, menopause signifies the end. It’s a time of change that every woman experiences differently, and it doesn’t mean the end of vitality or well-being. Women deserve to be supported through this phase of life just as they are during other transitions, with care that addresses their physical, emotional, and hormonal health.
The Average Age of Menopause and the Longevity of Women
On average, menopause occurs around age 51, although this varies for every woman. When we consider that the average lifespan of women today is around 81 years, this means that many women spend approximately one-third of their lives in their post- menopausal years. This further underscores the importance of providing ongoing care and attention to women’s health beyond their reproductive years.
Menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life, but it is not an illness. The origins of our understanding—and treatment—of menopause have come a long way, from early Greek misconceptions to modern HRT. Today, we know that menopause is a natural transition that requires personalized care. Women deserve to be supported, empowered, and treated with respect throughout their entire lives, including the menopausal years, to ensure they continue to thrive. At Vytal Living we have the testing, support, and treatment plans that can help you navigate and even thrive during menopause and post menopause. We’re just outside of Nashville, TN, ready to help. Schedule a consultation today and start to see a new path to better living!