Menopause & Decreased Lung Function

A recent article links menopause and decreased lung function such as increased risk of allergies and asthma. According to research presented in the December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, women who had not menstruated in the last six months had an 80 percent increase in respiratory issues compared to those women menstruating regularly.

Naturopathic physicians have long linked balanced hormones to a healthy immune system, yet researchers are still trying to figure out the exact mechanism. The researchers in this study postulated that as women age, insulin resistance increases – especially when female sex hormones decrease. This increase in insulin resistance contributes to a proinflammatory state which exacerbates or brings on allergies or asthma.

Naturopathic physicians treat lung conditions very effectively with nutrient and botanical therapies. These treatment plans decrease or eliminate the need for asthma or allergy medications. In particular, corticosteroids (used to treat asthma) have serious side effects such as intestinal Candidiasis, glaucoma, cataracts, and adrenal gland suppression. Adrenal gland suppression causes a host of problems for women later down the road including weight gain, autoimmune disease, and longstanding fatigue.

Our goal at ALETRIS is to balance hormones, which play such an integral role in lung health and overall health, and provide alternatives to medications for issues such as asthma and allergies in menopause.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.