Understanding Menopause

Menopause is inevitable for all women but their response to this natural aging process can differ. Some sail through this time without even noticing any changes but for others, life falls apart, anxiety builds and strange emotional and physiological symptoms occur. It is caused by the gradual, natural decline of the production of oestrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. This process generally starts around 30 years.

It has also been shown that menopausal symptoms can be more pronounced for those women who, through their lives, have experienced extended periods of nutritional, physical and or emotional stress.

Symptoms

Here are some of the common symptoms that can be experienced:

Physical Symptoms:

• Sudden waves of mild or intense body heat known as hot flashes.
• Hot flashes that occur at night with profuse sweating.
• Broken sleep or restlessness while sleeping. An unpredictable menstrual cycle.
• There is ultimately a decrease in bone density due to a decrease in hormones.
• Osteoporosis becomes an issue.
• Headaches

Sexual Symptoms:

• Due to the drying out of mucous membranes, vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal wall membranes can be experienced leading to discomfort during intercourse.

Emotional Symptoms:

• Increased volatility and mood changes
• Increased anxiety
• Problems with memory and concentration.

Solutions

Natural Progesterone or Estrodial Cream:

Estrogen production drops during menopause but progesterone levels fall very close to zero. In the absence of progesterone, the body starts to produce DHEA which can result in male patterned hair loss and facial hair. But other symptoms of decreasing levels of progesterone include: vaginal dryness, uterine fibroids, an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, hot flushes, dry and wrinkly skin. This cream derived from the wild yam, can be an excellent way to safely address progesterone deficiency.

Boosting the adrenal glands with this good high potency B-complex is excellent intervention assisting in the smooth functioning of a woman in menopause.

Life can still be really busy and weight gain an issue. Sally T. On the Run meal replacement is a superb product. It ensures a balanced low kJ meal taking both issues into consideration. Now is not the time to skip meals. Just add water. Have it as a meal or snack once, twice or even three times per day. Add the sachet to 300ml of water, shake well and then enjoy!

Dietary Considerations

Controlling blood sugar levels and avoiding junk foods is essential and helps promote the balancing of our hormones. Ensure that alcohol intake is not excessive and smoking is reduced or possibly stopped. Drinking lots of still water (2 litres per day) and exercise help to keep all aspects of health in good nick. Now is also a good time to reinforce the emotional bonds with family and friends. Often it can take a while to get the hormonal balance right. Do not hesitate to seek the assistance of an Integrative Functional Medicine health practitioner.