Being a woman surely means you shudder when you hear the term menopause. It’s not easy, that’s for sure. Thanks to endless research, though, we are learning more each day about new methods, techniques, and products to help alleviate this phase in a woman’s life. We want to share with you some recommendations to help improve your quality of life during hormonal changes. (1,2,3)
Move your body
You’ve probably read that exercise is suggested for overall health. Physical movement never fails us! Especially with menopause, it helps tremendously by controlling unhealthy lipids, regulating body mass and fat, and, most importantly, increasing endorphins in the hypothalamus responsible for good mood. In addition, exercise helps with other menopause symptoms like hot flashes and sleeping problems. Adding more physical activity is the key to opening the door to a better relationship with menopause. (1,2,3)
Rely on information from the right sources
One of the worse aspects of going through menopause is not understanding what is happening within your own body and mind. Which is why arming yourself with information is the most important step. Aside from making a doctor appointment, you can also enroll in classes geared toward menopausal self-care, which provide tools to help navigate the process. It’s been proven that women who choose these options improve their quality of life. (4)
Complement your life with assistance from nature
The first thing that comes to mind for most menopausal women once the midnight hot sweats, headaches, and fatigue kick in is to go for hormonal replacement therapy. On the other hand, some are afraid to try it due to possible side effects such as increased risk for embolism or breast cancer (1). Therefore, more and more women are opting for complementary products made from plants, especially those that contain phytoestrogens and vegetable hormones with isoflavones that help relieve some symptoms. The most common products used are:
Soy: A systematic review discovered that isoflavones, found in soy, help decrease night sweats and hot flashes – one of the more common menopause symptoms. Soy was also found to help combat mineral deficiency in the spine and vertebrae, improve systolic blood pressure, and regulate the glycemic index. Add soy milk to your diet or choose products like tofu as alternatives to meat. (5)
Red clover: An abundant source of phytoestrogens. A systematic review from 2017 found that consuming red clover could have a positive effect on lipid regulation in peri- and postmenopausal women. (6)
Licorice: This root has shown positive effects in quality of life for menopausal women, helping reduce depression and stress by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels (7). A study also found licorice could decrease the amount and intensity of hot flashes. (8)
Royal jelly: This honeybee secretion has helpful properties that can treat some menopause symptoms, especially by stimulating estrogen receptors. It’s even used to treat vaginal dryness during menopause. (9, 10)
Omega 3: Supplementing this fatty acid helps fight depression symptoms associated with menopause and post menopause which, in turn, improves quality of life thanks to its eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. (11)
Little steps along the way can make a big difference in the menopause experience.
Let’s be healthier, together.
Your Santo Remedio Team
