Menopause Supplements
Menopause is the final stage of a natural process that occurs in all women. It encompasses the time period when levels of female sex hormones decrease particularly estrogen - and ovarian production slows and eventually ceases.
During menopause, estrogen production diminishes slowly in a womans body over a period of a few years. However, the decrease in estrogen commonly results in night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings and memory problems. A woman is in full menopause when menstruation ceases for a period of 12 months. Living without the positive effects of estrogen can increase a womans risk for developing many severe medical conditions - including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Fortunately, there are dozens of supplements and traditional hormone treatments available to ease the uncomfortable symptoms and reduce the health risks related to menopause. They include:
- Dietary and nutrition supplements: These include soy, calcium, magnesium, Vitamins C, D, E and K and omega-3 fatty acids. Soy foods are rich in isoflavones (plant-based estrogens), which reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, bone loss and high cholesterol. Calcium is vital for building bones, so foods that contain a large amount of calcium should be consumed regularly such as dairy, leafy green vegetables, black strap molasses, almonds and dried beans.
- Magnesium helps the body absorb calcium, so the two are vital to consume together. Rich sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, soy bean products, nuts, pumpkin, squash seeds, peanuts and black strap molasses.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (or EFAs/essential fatty acids) can be found in fish oil, fish such as salmon or flaxseed oil. EFAs have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.
- Herbs and Chinese medicine: Commonly used in Eastern countries, and more recently in North America, natural herbs such as Black Cohosh with their gentle, but effective properties have been used to help relieve many menopausal symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on boosting kidney energy by balancing yin and yang from inside a womans body.
