Womens Health

"Every woman will experience menopause although the symptoms can range dramatically."

Over the next decade, an entire generation of women will pass through the normal transition called menopause. Referred to as the "change of life", it is the end of a woman's childbearing years and the cessation of her menstrual cycle. Most women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 50,but it may occur anywhere between the ages of 40 and 55. During this time, the ovaries become less sensitive to the hormonal signals which stimulate estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries do not produce consistent amount of hormones and the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. In time, the ovaries stop producing adequate levels of estrogen and the menstrual periods cease entirely.

Symptoms may vary and each woman will have a different experience during menopause. Symptoms and their intensity will range from person to person.

Symptoms of Menopause may include:

Night Sweats
Mood Swings
Weight Gain
Poor concentration
Insomnia
Hot flashes
Irritability
Anxiety
Aches and Pains
Joint aches and pains
Insomnia

Menopause doesn't mean that a woman's estrogen supply dries up overnight. It is a decline of hormones over a number of years. But part of nature's balancing act is the adrenal glands. These important glands contribute to an estrogen reservoir. The adrenal glands produce a number of hormones which fill in for the declining estrogen and progesterone levels and supply us with the hormones that we need to go through the day with energy and enthusiasm.

If these glands are healthy and functioning well, they will ease the symptoms and the transition period. On the other hand, if your adrenal glands are depleted, you are much more likely to suffer from fatigue and menopausal symptoms. Many of us are overstressed and the glands are in a weakened state by mid-life. Modern lifestyles, job demands, family situations, lack of sleep or poor quality sleep, caffeine, sugar, smoking and alcohol place additional stress on the adrenals. By taking extra care of ourselves and removing excess stressors we can help create an optimal transition. It is important to be aware that during menopause there is an increased risk factor for heart disease and osteoporosis. Due to the hormonal changes and the loss of natural estrogen, bone loss can accelerate. It has been estimated that approximately 30% of women past menopause will be diagnosed with osteoporosis, along with an increased risk of heart disease.

There exist many natural treatments for the symptoms and risks associated with menopause. It should not be viewed as a disease, but rather a transitory phase in every woman's life as we leave our childbearing years behind and move forward towards our golden years. Hormonal health depends on the health at various levels. A strong foundation is important at anytime, but it especially supports every woman as we enter menopause. Lifestyle, nutrition and exercise are all integral parts of this process in order for a positive experience.

Lifestyle - There are multiple ways in which women can reduce the intensity and symptoms of menopause. A well balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide important nutrients for the body to thrive. For many women the significant changes that their body goes through during menopause lead to emotional changes (depression, insomnia, weight gain) as well as increased levels of stress and anxiety. Stress reduction is VERY important to maintain hormonal health. Relaxation and rejuvenation are important components. Find ways to reduce the stress in your life to help maintain healthy adrenal gland function while increasing emotional health.

Nutrition - Individuals who follow a healthy diet cope better with menopausal changes and in the process also help protect themselves against other diseases such as heart disease, some cancers and osteoporosis. Increase soy-based foods. It is well-known that many Asian countries, where the diet contains high levels of soy-based foods (typically 40-60 grams of soy protein per day), there is also a very low incidence of menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes). Soy-based foods are among the richest concentrations of phytoestrogens called isoflavones.In the body, isoflavones act as a "weak" form of estrogen to provide many of the beneficial effects of estrogen, without the adverse effects associated with high dose (unopposed)estrogen-replacement therapy.

"Every woman will experience menopause although the symptoms can range dramatically."

Exercise can assist in weight loss and the increase of lean muscle.

Supplementation Daily MUSTS