The menopausal phase of life is a huge change for many women. The physical and emotional changes can be overwhelming, debilitating and extremely frustrating. Many women experience a roller coaster ride of symptoms during menopause including mood swings, hot flushes, fatigue, cognitive impairment, insomnia, and depression or anxiety.
These are all common symptoms that can occur with varying levels during menopause and can greatly impact upon quality of life.
Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen. In the few years prior, the ovaries reduce the amount of oestrogen they produce and hormone levels start to fluctuate and women start to notice some changes such as hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, low libido, vaginal dryness, weight gain, irritability, and change in menstrual cycle.
Eventually oestrogen levels drop completely and once there has been 12 months with no period, it can be said that menopause has been reached.
Natures answer to menopausal challenges..
Making positive changes to your diet can reduce the symptoms of your menopause.
Phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) replace some natural oestrogens lost during menopause and may reduce menopausal symptoms. Good sources of plant oestrogens include organic soy products such as tofu, linseeds, whole grains and legumes.
Eat a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables every day
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
Decrease caffeine intake (tea, coffee, and caffeinated soft drinks).
Limit alcohol to one or two standard glasses per day.
Herbal medicines to relieve menopausal symptoms
Physical symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, back pain, and dry skin may be relieved by use of herbs like rhemania, chinese yam and zizyphus.
Herbs such as bupleurum, paeonia, dong quai, licorice, and ginger can all be used in synergy to relieve emotional symptoms such as irritability, depression, and headaches associated with menopause.
Regular physical activity
Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week to maintain general health, control weight, and help keep your bones strong and healthy.
Menopause is the start of a whole new stage of life. The “change of life” often gives women a good reason to reassess many areas of their life and make better choices for their health, and in many cases make their health a priority.
A naturopath can support you through menopause so that you can face your future with healthy bones, energy and vitality. If you would like to talk to me about your “change of life”, please leave a comment below or contact me on 02 4226 4740.
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