There are many women going through divorce who are perimenopausal or menopausal. The menopause denotes the end of a woman’s monthly menstrual cycles and the reduction of the level of female hormones in the body such as oestrogen. It can be a very difficult time for most women and to top it with divorce proceedings can be too much for some. Let us at I AM L.I.P help you.
This website will help you navigate your divorce. But then that leaves your menopause. We wrote this article to help you navigate your menopause.
There is no set age when the menopause can start. Some women suffer a few symptoms whereas there are others that experience a wide range of symptoms. So what are these symptoms
- Hot flushes.
- Brain fog.
- Loss of breast fullness.
- Night sweats.
- Chills.
- Slow metabolism.
- Mood swings.
- Weight gain.
- Reduced sex drive.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Anxiety.
- Concentration issues.
- Lower energy and tiredness.
- Dry skin.
- Thinning hair.
- Irritability.
- Irregular periods/missed periods/shorter periods/closer together cycles.
- Increased risk of the onset of osteoporosis, heart disease and obesity.
And finally one point we would like you to remember – the menopause is NOT an illness. It is a part of life and half the world’s population have one through it, will go through it or are going through it
Natural remedies and products available for women to help with menopausal symptoms?
INCREASE INTAKE OF CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D
The menopause can cause the onset of osteoporosis which can result in brittle bones and hip fractures. Calcium and vitamin D are two nutrients that can help reduce bone loss. Calcium helps to build strong bones and maintain them while vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium. You can increase your intake of these two nutrients by taking a supplement or eating food rich in them. Foods rich in calcium are milk, cheese, yoghurt, spinach, kale, sardines and beans. Vitamin D is produced by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Foods rich in vitamin D are eggs and oily fish.
INCREASE INTAKE IN FOODS THAT CONTAIN PHYTOESTROGENS
Phytoestrogens are plant based compounds that have the same effect on the body as the female sex hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen levels in the body reduce during the menopause. It has been shown that a diet rich in phytoestrogens reduces the amount of hot flushes and night sweats a menopausal woman experiences. Foods rich in phytoestrogens are sesame seeds, flaxseeds, linseeds, soya products, and tofu. Phytoestrogen supplements are also available from your health food store. Please note anybody with liver issues should not take phytoestrogens.
DRINK MORE WATER
Water will help your body counteract dry skin and reduce bloating. Water can also help increase metabolism. If you do not like the taste of water then add cordial or a little juice to it for flavour.
TRY BLACK COHOSH SUPPLEMENTS
This is a health supplement that is known to help with night sweats, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and irritability. Black cohosh contains phytoestrogens that help with menopausal symptoms by mimicking the effects of the female sex hormone oestrogen. The levels of oestrogen in the body reduce during the menopause.
TRY RED CLOVER SUPPLEMENTS
Red clover is a herbal supplement that contains phytoestrogen compounds that mimic the effects of the female sex hormone oestrogen. The levels of oestrogen in the body reduce during the menopause. Red clover can help with the menopausal symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats.
TRY DONG QUAI SUPPLEMENTS
Dong quai is a herb used in traditional chinese medicine. It is also known as female ginseng and chinese angelica. Dong quai is known to help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL (EPO)
EPO is a supplement high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are important for bone health, menstrual cramps, irritability, discomfort and pain during menopause. EPO also has compounds that have phytoestrogen properties that mimic the effect of the female sex hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen levels in the body reduce during the menopause.
TRY KAVA SUPPLEMENTS
Kava supplements are known to help with menopausal anxiety. Please note that any person with liver issues should avoid kava.
TRY KOREAN RED GINSENG SUPPLEMENTS
Ginseng can help with sleep disturbances, tiredness, and mood swings during your menopause. It has also been shown to improve sexual arousal in menopausal women.
VALERIAN SUPPLEMENT
Valerian is a herbal medicine that can help menopausal women relax and be calm. Evidence shows valerian can help with hot flushes and insomnia. You should not take valerian supplements if you are taking medication for anxiety or pain or you’re taking kava or st john’s wort supplements.
If you have any more interesting facts or experiences of the menopause please let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
