Women’s Health – Transitional Years

 

Health Issues for Women

Woman experienced special challenges when they reach perimenopause and menopause. They experience hot flashes and night sweats. Their energy levels and sleep habits are affected.

Other symptoms my consist of:

  • Stress/mood swings
  • Loss of Libido
  • Weight
  • Appearance
  • Maintenance: heart health, breast health, bone health

 MENOPAUSE 

  • Definition-The permanent end of menses, naturally, through surgery or otherwise.
  • Definition of Perimenopause-period of symptoms (average 4 years).
  • Statistics-Currently about 45 million women.
  • Typical Symptoms-hot flashes, night sweats, occasional sleeplessness, mild mood changes, weight gain, changes in libido, changes in hair and skin, vaginal dryness, and more!

How to deal with the Symptoms of Menopause

  • Lifestyle-Exercise can have a significant impact on symptoms-especially hot flashes, mood, bone and heart health.
  • Diet-foods like soy that have phytoestrogens may help with symptoms.
  • Nutrients and herbs-can support many aspects of health and provide symptom relief.
  • Conventional treatment-hormones, antidepressants, medications to support bone, heart, or other specific areas.

Certain herbs and nutrients provide nutritional support specifically for women who have reached the transitional years of peri-menopause and menaopause, that help relieve hot flashes and night sweats while promoting an upbeat mood, increased energy and more restful sleep, such as:

  • Black cohosh - Black cohosh is perhaps the best-studied herb for symptoms of menopause. It has been shown in studies to help with hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood changes associated with menopause.
  • Panax ginseng - Ginseng is an adaptogen – an herb that helps to counteract the effects of stress on the body. It helps to combat fatigue and may also help to support libido and decrease vaginal dryness.
  • Licorice root - Licorice root supports healthy balance between estrogen and progesterone. It also supports a healthy immune system.
  • Hesperidin - A bioflavonoid that helps to strengthen blood vessels, hesperidin has been studied for its ability to help reduce hot flashes.
  • Suan Zao Ren – This traditional Chinese herb is a nervine that helps to calm and relax. It may also improve sleep quality. Traditionally, Suan Zao Ren has also been used for spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and irritable mood.
  • Gamma-Oryzanol - Gamma-oryzanol is a natural extract from rice bran, which was first studied to help with symptoms of menopause in the 1960s. It is particularly helpful with hot flashes. It also supports healthy testosterone levels and gastrointestinal health.
  • Flax Seed  – Flax seed contains a phytoestrogen called lignan that may help with symptoms of menopause. It also supports bone, heart and colon health.
  • Red Clover - Red clover is a rich source of isoflavones – a type of phytoestrogen. It has been studied for its ability to help reduce hot flashes. It may also support cardiovascular health and immune system function.
  • Suma  - This herb form Brazil has been used both as an adaptogen (a substance that helps the body deal with stress) and to support women’s health. It also supports a healthy immune system
  • Gotu Kola - Gotu Kola is a unique herb that acts to support brain health and memory, healthy mood, and maintain strong blood vessels.
  • Saw Palmetto - But I don’t have a prostate! Saw palmetto may be one of the best-kept secrets for women after menopause. Saw palmetto extract inhibits an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The activity of this enzyme typically increases after menopause and can contribute to hair loss and “menopausal acne.” By inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, saw palmetto supports healthy skin and hair during and after menopause.
  • Milk thistle – Milk thistle is perhaps the best-studied herb for the support of liver health and for acting as an antioxidant in the liver. The liver is important for helping to metabolize and detoxify hormones as well as other substances.
  • Magnesium - An essential mineral that promotes relaxation, as well as supports bone and heart health
  • Zinc - An essential mineral that supports immune, eye and brain health.
  • Valerian Root - A nervine herb that helps to facilitate calm mood & restful sleep.

Stress, environmental toxins and hormonal changes affect women in ways that are fundamentally different from men. Certain natural herbs and phytonutrients have been known to support the healthy metabolism of estrogen, promote balance and purify the body of toxins.  (Click on the name of the ingredient for more information.)

 Go here to find supplements that address the challenges of perimenopause and menopause.

 

 

Supplements addressing these challenges.