Menopause

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

Menopause, like PMS, puberty, pregnancy, and post-partum are all different, yet entirely natural phases of a woman’s life. Rather than being seen as the end of “womanhood”, menopause should be embraced and celebrated in much the same way other rites of passage are. Indeed, perimenopause (the roughly 15 years from 35 to 50 when female hormones increasingly start to fluctuate), and menopause (that is one full year without menses), are transitions in every woman’s life, and though perimenopause and menopause may cause uncomfortable symptoms in some women, others report few to no symptoms at all.

A LENDING HAND

Interestingly, as the ovaries start making fewer female hormones, our "backup system", adrenal glands, start to take over some of the roles of the failing ovaries. During this life stage, the adrenals produce a hormone called, androstenedione, which can convert to the most potent estrogen, oestrone, via conversion that takes place in fat tissue. Androstenedione is also converted into testosterone and in turn, testosterone can undergo a process known as aromatisation, to convert into another form of estrogen called oestradiol. Since the source of precursor hormones for estrogen and testosterone and progesterone are produced by the adrenal glands, optimal adrenal health is critical during both menopause and post-menopause.

THE MENOPAUSAL YEARS

Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, occurring 12 months after your last period. Some women transition into menopause as early as their early 30’s, with most women enter menopause in their 40’s or 50’s (the average age in Canada is 51.4 years old). As our estrogen levels decline and fluctuate during the perimenopausal years, our normal hormone balance is disrupted, which is when certain menopausal symptoms start to manifest. The more unbalanced hormones become, the more intense symptoms can get, which is why so many women have recourse to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

HRT are basically synthetic hormones that can be taken as estrogen-only or as a combination of estrogen and progestin (combined HRT). Combined HRT is most commonly used. It's important to note; however, that HRT is not without risk. And recent studies on the long-term use of HRT linked it to higher risks of unhealthy cell growth, heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. Fortunately, there exists a wide range of effective nutrients and herbals that can be used to support the female system, as well as ease the menopausal transition.

TOP PERIMENOPAUSE / MENOPAUSE SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTS

Dong Quai

an herb with natural estrogenic activity in vitro, which has shown to ease some of the most common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Black cohosh

a plant used to treat perimenopause and menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, moodiness, vaginal dryness, and excessive sweating.

Damiana

is used in both menopausal and post-menopausal women to increase sexual desire. In fact research reports that women taking damiana for 4 weeks had a significant increase in sexual desire (72% increase) and satisfaction with overall sex life (68%).

Phytoestrogens (soy extracts)

may improve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

Chaste Tree Extract (Vitex)

The hormone-balancing effects of Vitex agnus-castus help relieve symptoms of menopause. In one study, vitex oils were given to 23 women in menopause. Women report improved menopause symptoms, including better mood and sleep. Some even regained their period

Licorice

has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of hot flashes

Of course, it's critical to support the adrenal glands during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, with effective nutrients such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, Schisandra berry, Holy basil, Eleuthero, Ginkgo, Astragalus, and Suma.

Always refer to the product labels for further information on combinations, dosing, length of use, and any potential interactions.

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