Menopause, a naturally occurring and climacteric period in a woman’s life, signalling the completion of regular menstruation, the winding down phase of a womans reproductive cycle, typically effecting woman in their mid-late 40’s and 50’s (depending on the age of a menarche and number of pregnancies)

As a woman ages, the number of viable eggs declines along with the levels of the female hormone, Oestrogen. As the levels of Oestrogen drop, the length of each menstrual cycle begins to vary and periods become irregular, eventually stopping completely.

Symptoms often associated with menopause can include:

Although all of these symptoms are commonly experienced, the physical and mental/emotional symptoms are typically due to dietary and lifestyle inadequacies.

As the onset of menopause places higher demand on our body and brain chemistry, it is extremely important that any nutritional deficiencies are addressed to reduce the extremity of symptoms experienced. Just as our bodies require additional nutritional support during menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding our nutritional requirements also change during the time of menopause.

Focusing on a diet rich in magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, EFA’s and Zinc can help to naturally reduce the severity of symptoms experienced such as loss of bone density, muscular aches and pains, cramping, mood swings and hot flushes.

Following the recommendations of the WNAS (Womens Nutritional Advisory Service) there are many ways you can naturally reduce the symptoms of menopause with some dietary and lifestyle changes.

Mother Nature has indeed provided us with alternatives to stimulate the positive effects of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), without the nasty side effects.

Phytoestrols:

It is also important to boost calcium, zinc, magnesium and EFA’s to increase absorption of the gut lining and improve bone density. Reducing the intake of sugar and salt to avoid water/fluid retention, reduce the amount of nutrients lost through the urine.Incorporating relaxation techniques each day can reduce the frequencies of hot flushes along with regular low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga to maintain a sense of well being. Pelvic floor exercises can help prevent prolapse and maintain the health of the vaginal muscles.

During menopause it is extremely important to replenish the body of lost nutrients through the inevitable demands of time and nature, focusing on solutions to address the short-term oestrogen withdrawals and to maintain a healthy heart, clear mind, and strong bones.

Feel Good
Feeling good about yourself at any time of life is important and especially so in menopause. Often the physical symptoms you may experience are not the main problem, the mental and emotional ones are… which can result from negative perceptions and preconceptions.
We live in a world where there is so much emphasis placed on youth and beauty and as a result older woman often feel at loss as they no longer feel that they fit in to this ideal image, Well its about time we change that!

Talk about your concerns and don’t suffer in silence and never feel guilty to ask for help or say NO. Look forward to the rest of your life and remember, menopause is a natural process, not a disease.