Let’s Talk Menopause
Life is full of changes to our surroundings, relationships and even our bodies. Menopause can be a difficult change all women experience. Cooper Clinic Platinum Preventive Medicine Physician Riva Rahl, MD, addresses the basics of menopause to help women better navigate this phase of life.
In short, menopause is not a disease or disorder but rather a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and typically occurs between age 40 and 58 although premature or early menopause can take place at any age. Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman goes 12 months without a menstrual period. This biological stage can occur naturally or be induced when premenopausal women have their ovaries surgically removed. Women who experience induced menopause often have more severe symptoms.
Menopausal symptoms
The symptoms of menopause can be uncomfortable and disrupt one’s daily lifestyle and routine. “The most common menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, reduced energy levels and difficulty sleeping,” states Dr. Rahl. One can also experience mood changes and even memory loss and vaginal dryness during this transitional phase.
So what causes these physical symptoms to occur? “They are due to the relative lack of estrogen and progesterone that happens when the ovaries stop producing the amount of these hormones as before.” Dr. Rahl explains.
The bones also undergo change during this time and become less dense, making women more likely to experience fractures and develop osteoporosis. Post-menopausal women can become more vulnerable to developing heart disease. Eating a balanced diet with heart-healthy and calcium-rich foods is important to keep the heart and bones strong.
Menopause Health Supplement
Custom Formulated with pure genistein, microencapsulated BioResponse DIM, botanicals, and nutrients for support of normal menopausal symptoms and healthy estrogen levels in women.†
$41.30 Add to cartTreatment options
Effective treatments to relieve the symptoms of menopause range from simple lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy and nutritional supplementation solutions. Cooper Complete Menopause Health is designed to help manage menopausal symptoms and healthy estrogen levels in women. This supplement is specially formulated with key ingredients:
- Red clover – The stalk and flowers of this herb contain isoflavones called phytoestrogens which are structurally similar to the female estrogen hormone. An analysis of seven clinical trials found red clover was associated with improvement in night sweats.
- Black cohosh – Coming from the root and rhizome of the North American black cohosh plant, more than 1,400 studies deduced that this ingredient can reduce hot flashes by regulating estrogen levels.
- BioResponse DIM® (Diindolylmethane) – DIM is a type of phytochemical called an indole found in cauliflower, kale, broccoli and cabbage that promotes healthy estrogen metabolism. Traditional DIM supplements are poorly absorbed by the body. However, BioResponse DIM® is a microencapsulated form of DIM proven to successfully absorb through the intestinal tract.
- geniVida® Genistein – This phytoestrogen mimics the role estrogen plays in the body and has been shown to strengthen bones as well as minimize the occurrence and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. geniVida® is a pure, nature-identical form of genistein that is not derived from soy.
- Magnesium – Typically found in nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and fortified foods, healthy magnesium levels have been proven to support quality sleep as well as stabilize mood and metabolism.
While menopause presents a multitude of symptoms affecting daily life, there is hope for relief as your body undergoes many changes internally. As a reminder, your physician understands your health profile best, so it’s important to talk to him or her about which menopause treatment and supplements are best for you.