Many women may not have access to comprehensive information about menopause, including its symptoms, management strategies, and available support. Despite being a significant transition that impacts countless women worldwide, there are several reasons why menopause may not be openly talked about. These may include societal norms, cultural taboos, personal discomfort, and a lack of awareness.

In this blog post, we will explore the complexity of menopause and provide tips on how to manage its symptoms effectively.

What is the definition of menopause?

Menopause, also known as “the change of life,” is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Menopause is characterized by a decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormones produced by the ovaries, leading to changes in menstrual cycles and eventually causing them to stop altogether.

There are three stages of menopause:

• Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. During this stage, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to irregular periods and the onset of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
• Menopause officially begins when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months due to the cessation of ovarian function. During this stage, estrogen levels drop significantly, leading to more intense symptoms like bone loss and an increased risk of heart disease.
• Postmenopause follows after menopause has been confirmed and lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. In postmenopause, most symptoms may get better, but some women do continue to experience symptoms of menopause.

What is the menopause age?

Menopause generally happens to women between the ages of 45 and 55 worldwide, although the specific timing can differ from person to person. However, a systematic review conducted by ResearchGate aimed to investigate the age of menopause onset and the prevalence of menopausal symptoms in different regions globally. One of the findings revealed that in Asia, the age range for menopause onset is between 42.1 and 49.5 years. Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, affect between 22% to 63% of Asian women.

On average, menopause symptoms last for several years, typically around seven years, but can be as long as 14 years. Some women may experience menopause symptoms for a shorter period or even not at all, while others may have symptoms that persist for a longer time.

Signs and symptoms of menopause

Menopause brings about a variety of physical and emotional changes due to hormonal fluctuations. Signs and symptoms of menopause can vary in severity and duration, with some resolving after menopause while others may persist.

While the specific experience can differ among women, here are some of the common signs and symptoms of menopause:

• Irregular periods: The first sign of menopause is the change in menstrual cycle length and flow during perimenopause, which eventually leads to the cessation of periods during menopause.
• Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by flushing of the face and sweating, are a hallmark symptom of menopause. Hot flashes can vary in intensity and frequency for every woman.
• Night sweats: Similar to hot flashes, night sweats involve episodes of sweating during sleep, which can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue.
• Sleep disturbances: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep during menopause.
• Fatigue: Changes in hormone levels, sleep disturbances, and other menopausal symptoms can contribute to feelings of fatigue and low energy levels.
• Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression in some women.
• Changes in libido: Some women may notice a decrease in sexual desire or changes in sexual function due to hormonal shifts during menopause.
• Vaginal dryness: Declining estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, causing discomfort or pain during intercourse. It can also result in itching or irritation in the vaginal area.
• Breast pain and tenderness: Hormonal imbalance can lead to increased breast tissue sensitivity and inflammation. Estrogen dominance, where there is a higher level of estrogen relative to progesterone, can contribute to breast pain and tenderness.
• Weight gain: Changes in metabolism and hormonal fluctuations can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, during menopause.
• Changes in skin and hair: As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, the production of collagen slows down, leading to a decrease in collagen synthesis that can lead to changes in skin elasticity and moisture levels, while hormonal changes may also affect hair texture and thickness.

Is there a menopause treatment?

While there is no treatment to reverse or stop menopause, natural remedies can provide relief from the symptoms associated with this life transition. Some may even slow the rate of perimenopause by strengthening the luteal phase. These options aim to alleviate the discomfort and challenges that often accompany this phase, ultimately improving the quality of life. Here are some commonly recommended natural remedies:

• Phytoestrogens : These are plant-based compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Foods rich in phytoestrogens include soy products, flaxseeds, chickpeas, lentils, and whole grains. Incorporating these into your diet may help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
• Black Cohosh : This herb has been used for centuries to manage menopausal symptoms. It may help reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. If you have liver problems or are taking certain medications, consult with your healthcare professional before using black cohosh.
• Evening Primrose Oil : This oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Some women find it helpful in reducing breast pain and tenderness associated with menopause.
• Exercise : Regular physical activity can help manage menopausal symptoms and improve overall well-being. Engaging in activities like brisk walking, swimming, yoga, or strength training can help alleviate hot flashes, boost mood, promote better sleep, and support strong bone health.
• Mind-Body Techniques : Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. These techniques may assist in managing mood swings, anxiety, and other emotional symptoms of menopause. Prayer is a great stress reliever, helping you to release heavy pressure and relax.
• Healthy Lifestyle Habits : Adopting a healthy lifestyle can make a significant difference in managing menopause. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and getting regular, adequate sleep.

There are also menopause products available that combine the beneficial properties of various herbs and supplements into a single formulation.

Menopause Complex

This supplement contains a blend of herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are specifically chosen to support hormonal balance and address common menopausal symptoms. Ingredients such as black cohosh, red clover, dong quai, and soy isoflavones are often included for their potential benefits in reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

Estriol Oil

More women are also attesting to the effectiveness of estriol oil in alleviating menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness. Estriol oil is a natural, topical hormone supplement formulated with natural, bioidentical estriol. This formulation contains therapeutic oils extracted from safflower, evening primrose, apricot kernel, and grapeseed. All of which are traditionally used to improve female discomfort. Estriol is not a breast cancer threat and leaves the body within 24 hours.

DIM 150

DIM 150 is another menopause product that has gained attention. DIM, short for diindolylmethane, is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. DIM has been studied for its potential to support hormonal balance by promoting the metabolism of estrogen in the body. DIM 150 may help alleviate symptoms related to estrogen dominance, such as breast pain and tenderness, and has been found helpful for those with PCOS. Don’t forget how important it is to still eat your broccoli and cauliflower too.

Organic Ashwagandha

Organic Ashwagandha offers the therapeutic advantages of the herb Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, a small plant native to India renowned for its numerous health benefits that can serve as a safe and effective option for relieving mild to moderate symptoms in women during perimenopause that have been validated through scientific research. It also has the potential to alleviate pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety. Additionally, it may enhance muscle strength, memory, adrenal gland health, fertility, and sleep. Last, but certainly not least, Ashwagandha is widely known for increasing libido, which is very important, especially in postmenopausal years.

Menopause is a significant milestone that signifies the end of fertility and the start of a new phase in a woman’s life. While it may bring about certain challenges and adjustments, it also presents an opportunity for personal growth and the embrace of the next chapter of life, full of vitality and well-being.

Visit our shop today and discover natural remedies to help you navigate through this phase of life with greater comfort and well-being. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find the support you need. Shop now and embrace a smoother menopausal journey!