Although menopause is a natural stage of life, certain physiological changes – such as inappropriatehot flushes, uncontrollable mood swings, insomnia, headaches, weight gain, and bloating – not only make a woman very uncomfortable, but also put her more at risk for specific disorders such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, urinary tract infections, thrush, and even depression. So an understanding of what these risks are and how they can be reduced will help you manage menopause more easily.
Oestrogen is responsible for a woman’s female sexual characteristics such as her breasts, widened hips, and body hair distribution. It also helps regulate her reproductive cycle, as well as her fluid and electrolyte balance; it helps lower her blood cholesterol; helps build strong bones and muscles through a process known as protein anabolism; and helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and the mammary glands for lactation.
OESTROGEN DECLINE:So when this incredibly valuable hormone decreases significantly, it is not surprising that a woman feels her body is going a bit mad: her bone density declines and she is at risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures; her firm breast tissue is replaced by adipose tissue (fat); the pH of her urine changes so she is prone to urinary tract infections or else experiences symptoms such as frequency, urgency, or incontinence even when there is no actual infection; the tissue lining of her vagina thins and smooths resulting in vaginal itching, dryness, and pain during sex; her pelvic floor muscles weaken, resulting in prolapses of pelvic organs or uncomfortable sensations of ‘heaviness’ in her vagina and lower back; and, most commonly, she becomes prone to depression and vasomotor symptoms such as flushing or hot flushes.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
It is beneficial to understand and accept the transition into menopause. As the saying goes: ‘If you decide to meet age with a smile, you greatly enhance your chance that it will smile back on you’ .
in cultures where age is respected and older women are valued, menopause is not such a negative experience. However, in the youth-obsessed cultures of the West, the emphasis of menopause is on loss, rather than on transition, and hence menopause is considered more of a disease than a normal stage of life .
HERBAL SOLUTIONS
Herbs can be a great help during menopause. For up to six years before menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels start to decline resulting in a variety of physical and emotional changes. Menstruation becomes irregular, scanty or heavier, and PMS is often more severe and uncontrollable. During this time, not only do oestrogen levels change, but progesterone levels also decline. The herb chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is invaluable for peri-menopausal symptoms as it has an indirect progesteronic action and helps normalize the menstrual cycle .
Women can also help decrease the risk of osteoporosis from an early age by avoiding smoking, doing weight-bearing exercises, and eating foods rich in calcium.
The following may assist with menopausal symptoms:
MENOCLOVE PLUS contains redclover, black cohosh and B6
LILIA caps contains HMR lignan to reduce hot flushes, ease mood swings, helps with fat and sugar metabolism
FEMULAR FORTE contains Actaea Racemosa root (black cohosh) to ease menopausal symptoms
MENOSCRIPT contains 7 natural active ingredients for menopause symptoms and support.
In addition to herbs, an evening primrose supplement can be beneficial for hot flushes, dry skin, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. If the vaginal dryness or itching is particularly bothersome, then pure vitamin E oil or Aloe vera gel can also be used to lubricate the area.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods during menopause as they are known to trigger hot flushes and aggravate urinary incontinence
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A symptom of menopause that is often overlooked, yet very common, is depression. Oestrogen affects serotonin levels and it is also thought to be neuroprotective, having positive effects on memory and cognition. Declining hormone levels may result in low moods or depression.
IDEXIS STRESS PLUS capsules contain Rhodiola, Ashwaganda and Theanine to assist with balancing mood and hormones
CONCLUSION
Despite the unpleasant physiological changes during menopause, this transition can be liberating. According to Oprah Winfrey: ‘So many women I’ve talked to see menopause as an ending. But I’ve discovered this is your moment to reinvent yourself after years of focusing on the needs of everyone else. It’s your opportunity to get clear about what matters to you and then to pursue that with all of your energy, time, and talent’.
References
- Natural medicine world: July 2024, Dr Ruth Hull
- Natural Menopause Journey, June 2010. Available from: http://www.natural-menopause-journey.com/perimenopause-symptoms-and-culture.html. Accessed: 21 March 2017.
- Oprah Winfrey. Available from: http://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/relationships/7-quotes-from-awesome-womenthatll-make-you-think-differently-about-menopause. Accessed: 22 March 2017.
