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Managing
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.Menopause |
Darlene Booth
R.N.H |
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....Not so long ago in world history, women experiencing menopause were thought of as sinners or suffering from a form of hysterics. In this earlier era, when a woman’s average life expectancy was around fifty, the change of life often coincided with the end of life but |
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with hot flashes, Chaste Tree for balancing hormones, Dandelion Root to support a stressed liver and help in regulation of hormones, Dong Quai is a Chinese herb that helps with estrogen deficiency and Ginkgo Biloba for energy and memory lapses. Remember |
that is seldom the case today. Our average life expectancy range is roughly eighty so it stands to reason that many women will live a good portion of their life well after her ability to bear children ceases. Thank goodness we have come to view menopause not as an illness or disease but as a new and exciting transition in a woman’s life. For some women this transition is smooth sailing, and some find it quite challenging.
....As I approach the menopausal years and observe its effect on my own body,
I have come to refer to this transition as reverse puberty! While this may not be technically accurate, this monumental rite of passage can bring on similar bouts |
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that herbs are strong medicine and should only be used under the guidance of a trained herbalist.
2. Personally, I have mixed feelings on soy. There are as many reports applauding the benefits of soy as there are those contradicting the benefits. In my own diet, I eat soy in moderation and aim for organic and non GMO when I do. There are those that feel only fermented soy products can be assimilated. In my own body, I know this to be true.
3. Ground flaxseed is high in omega 3 fatty acids and beneficial Lignans. Some studies have shown that by including up to 4 tbsp of ground flaxseed into the |
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?of hormonal “confusion” as the body adjusts to shifting estrogen levels and cessation of ovulation. These symptoms are varied and may include; short term memory loss, weight gain, hot flashes, emotional highs and lows, lack of libido, heart palpitations, sleep problems, increased risk of osteoporosis, shortness of breath, and more.
....For most women, menopause will happen around age 52. Some may experience it much earlier in life. Though not always the case, sometimes the symptoms may interfere with quality of life. Is it possible to have a hot flash in the middle of the night and not disrupt your partner’s life? Traditionally the medical profession will use hormone replacement therapy to deal with symptoms and in some cases this may be necessary and effective. But what are the risks? There are studies that have shown that HRT may increase the risk of cancer and many women today are looking for alternatives. As each and every one of us is an individual, it is always best to consult with your health care practitioner to find out what strategy, if any, you may wish to use during this transition.
....Here are some popular natural aids that may help in managing menopausal symptoms:
1. There are several herbs that have been used to help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Black Cohosh may help |
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diet, hot flashes can be reduced by up to 50%. I would caution that you would want to slowly work more flax into the diet as it can cause digestive disturbances due to its high fibre content.
4. Exercise is a wonderful stress buster and brings oxygen to all parts of the body. You can’t beat it for health benefits and it helps reduce frequency of hot flashes too. Many women find it all too easy to gain weight with menopause – daily exercise can burn calories and keep the metabolism revved up.
5. Menopausal women are more at risk for osteoporosis. There are studies that have linked estrogen deficiency as the culprit. Exercise, calcium, vitamin D and sunshine are among the essential ingredients to build strong bones.
6. Just as important as what you include in your diet is what you exclude. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, dairy products, meat and spicy foods may trigger hot flashes and should be used in moderation.
....Wherever you are on life’s path, do your body a favour and eat nutritious foods, be kind to yourself and look for ways to simplify. Remember that we can only step forward if we let go of the past. Celebrate this rite of passage and each and every day we have on this wonderful planet!
....Blessings and good health to you! |
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