The Menopause

From the moment every woman is born, she has a supply of about 2 million eggs in her ovaries.  They gradually get used up, when at the menopause there are no more left.  The hormones that have been monitoring this system since her adolescence undergo changes.  This change of hormones may cause unpleasant symptoms such as mood swings, night sweats, hot flushes, declining libido, osteoporosis, lack of energy, weight gain, a change in hair quality, headaches, depression and anxiety.  Diet and lifestyle can hugely reduce these symptoms.  It is important to remember that the menopause is a natural event - not an illness.  Not just women go through this ‘change’.  Men frequently experience similar symptoms as they go through the andropause.  Improving the diet may help enormously.  For advise on male herbs and supplements go to your local IAHS approved health food store.

During the menopause, the ovaries stop making the hormone oestrogen.  But as the human body is so ingenious, other glands step in to make the change as smooth as possible.  Our adrenal glands and fat cells begin making a similar hormone. But if you are ultra slim or if your adrenal glands aren’t working well (perhaps because of too many stimulants or too much stress in your life), your hormone system won’t be functioning as good as it should and this ‘change’ may be more rough than smooth.

There are a few steps to help ease the menopausal change.  First and foremost, improve your diet…check out the article from last Dec. 14th.  Especially take note of the foods high in phytoestrogens.  These foods (including oats, brown rice, linseeds, soya, legumes, garlic, apples, fennel, celery, rhubarb and parsley) can positively mimic oestrogen in the body, making it easier for your body to adjust.  Also consider cutting back on red meat and dairy, which encourage calcium excretion, increasing the chance of developing osteoporosis.

Next, consider taking nutritional supplements*.  Vitamin C may help reduce hot flushes and help to keep elasticity in your skin.  Vitamin E is also great for hot flushes and vaginal dryness.  The B vitamins are great if you are under stress, both physical (as your body goes through the menopause) and mental (anxiety, tension, irritability, poor concentration).  Magnesium will help to keep your bones healthy and to keep you calm (-er)!  Essential fatty acids may help symptoms that you thought were caused by the menopause, but actually may be because of a deficiency e.g. depression, fatigue, dry skin, aching joints, breast pain, lifeless hair, unmotivated.

Many women find enormous help from herbs during the menopause*.   Agnus Castus and Black Cohosh are both fantastic for hot flushes.  Sage is very effective for helping reduce night sweats.  Some women find Dong Quai very supporting and Milk Thistle helps to clear out the liver, to ensure that all ‘old’ hormones are being excreted efficiently and not adding chaos to the problem.

Regular exercise is an integral part of a healthy hormone system.  Do 20mins brisk walk every other night, 10mins outbound and 10mins home.  Try and get a good night sleep every night, and most importantly be easy on yourself!
*Do not take any nutritional supplements or herbs if you are taking ANY medication, including HRT.  Always consult your doctor.  Nutritional supplements and herbs can be found at your local IAHS approved health food store.