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Menopause is a phase that
women between the ages of 45 and 55 naturally go through.
The cycles of hormone fluctuations
that began with puberty stop and a woman is no longer able to conceive. In
effect, the ovaries take a long-awaited rest. This results in the virtual
elimination of progesterone. Oestrogen, on the other hand, can be
synthesized and secreted from fat cells. However, these levels become
significantly lower since their main purpose now is simply to maintain a
woman’s feminine features.
During the transitional years when the ovaries are slowing down and
producing a diminishing amount of hormones, the adrenal glands are called
upon to help minimize the fluctuations by secreting their own version of sex
hormones. These help buffer the changes. It is the degree and speed of
change, which causes menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, most women have
already overworked adrenal glands because of their busy and stressful lives.
They are often exhausted and cannot provide the extra support for which they
are now responsible.
Menopausal symptoms vary and can include:
These
last two most distressing symptoms (hot flushes & sweats) can be very debilitating
affecting a woman’s self-confidence; resulting in embarrassment, discomfort and lack
of concentration as well as sleep deprivation. The sweats can literally leave a woman
drenched in perspiration.
There
are other concerns about menopause, which cause undue anxiety for women. Unfortunately,
the resulting lower amounts of oestrogen have erroneously been accused of causing
osteoporosis, heart disease and accelerated aging. In reality, these concerns are more a
function of long-term nutritional imbalances, chronic stress, the use of certain
medications and a lack of adequate exercise.
Some
women start to experience menopausal symptoms as much as 10 years prior to completely
ceasing to menstruate. Most women start experiencing symptoms from one to two years prior
to menopause and some never experience symptoms at all.
The period of time when a woman is still
menstruating on a regular basis and experiencing symptoms is known as PERIMENOPAUSE.
During this time, there will be months when ovulation does not take place and therefore no
progesterone is secreted to balance the estrogen.
Today,
we usually refer to MENOPAUSE when the cycle is inconsistent (failing to menstruate
certain months or menstruating more frequently for shorter periods of time). Hot flushes
and sweats are also often present at this phase.
Finally,
the POST-MENOPAUSAL years are those following a one-year duration of no menstruation.
Although, some women still have symptoms of hot flushes and sweats into their
post-menopausal years.
STAGE
TIMEFRAME:
Perimenopause
Around 40 to 45 years of age
Menopause
Around 50 years of age
Post-Menopause
Around and after 55 years of age
Timing
may be influenced by genetics, start of puberty, number of pregnancies, years on the Pill
(oral contraception) or by other factors such as health, smoking habits and psychological
issues.
Hot flushes and sweats are typically a sign of low oestrogen levels. What
can be done to diminish hot flushes and sweats?
Eat
foods high in phyto-oestrogens (i.e. soy products) cruciferous vegetables such as
broccoli, brussel sprouts cabbage and cauliflower as well as flaxseed
Avoid
substances that enhance hot flushes and sweats such as caffeine, alcohol and certain hot
spices
Reduce
excess salt intake
Quit
smoking or reduce considerably
Learn
to manage stress better in order to strengthen your adrenals
If
you don’t already exercise, incorporate 3 one-hour sessions of gentle to moderate
exercise per week. Weight-bearing exercises will build bone mass
Consider
taking a good supplement with generous amounts of the B-Complex vitamins such as Bio-Strath
Sage
rebalances the temperature regulating mechanisms. In other words, sage is a sweat
regulator that also reduces the frequency and duration of hot flushes. This herb has
tranquilizing properties and acts effectively against anxiety as well as improving
digestion and assimilation. Being able to efficiently digest and assimilate the nutrients
to support your adrenal and other glands, during this time, is fundamental to minimizing
symptoms.
The statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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