Hot Flash – Menopause is Manageable
Power, energy and freedom! These are meant to be the rewards of menopause. An informed woman can improve her physical health and appearance, as well as maximise her energy and enhance her quality of life, whatever her age. Every woman has a different reaction to the hormonal upheavals that take place in the body during menopause. However, weight-bearing exercise and a more active lifestyle, plenty of relaxation, sensible nutrition and supplementation and eating good natural foods make for a healthy framework that should last well beyond the years of menopause.
Some experts might claim that menopause has been "medicalised". Starting on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can sometimes be wonderful - hot flushes stop, sleep patterns and mood swings improve. However, we are still exploring the aspects of clinical safety and long term use. There is still confusion and disagreement over HRT, but there is no denying the benefits to women who are genuinely low in oestrogen after menopause. These benefits lie in the ability of this important female hormone to relieve vaginal dryness, mood swings and to stop hot flushes. Heightened stress levels tend to make hot flushes worse.
Each year the skin's biochemical processes slow down a little as a result of free-radical damage, internal and external pollution and ageing. Hydrating your skin by maintaining adequate hydration ensures the suppleness of the skin structure, and this must be supported by increased intake of the omega-3 fatty acids. Scaly skin is a common sign of omega-3 deficiency. Hair care is important and hair structure and follicle health is also supported by the fatty acids found in oily fish like tuna and salmon or in supplements. Our body demands more support for moisture as we age.
Life is about give and take, and the same applies to menopause. There are swings and roundabouts. What you lose on the youth and beauty stakes you gain with the wisdom of your years and your freedom.
In conjunction with other dietary measures, plus moderate exercise and regular periods of relaxation, these nutrients are important during this stage of your life:
For general symptoms, take magnesium, calcium and the B vitamins For hot flushes, take vitamin E, essential fatty acids and ginseng, along with the herbs vitex or black cohosh For anxiety attacks, take B vitamins & magnesium For depressive states, take B vitamins, vitamins C and E and magnesium For lack of libido, take magnesium, zinc, iron and B vitamins For heavy periods, concentrate on eating an iron-rich diet For skin problems, take zinc and B vitamins To prevent osteoporosis, take calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and essential fatty acids