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 cycle and typically occurs between ages 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.
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$43.48 Add to cartMenopausal 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.
Treatment 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:
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- 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.
- Passion Flower – This climbing vine with white and purple flowers has been used since the 16th century to treat anxiety and sleep. Researchers believe that passionflower supplements may work by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical the brain makes to help regulate mood.Clinical research compared the effectiveness of passion flower to the drug oxazepam in reducing generalized anxiety. Passionflower took 7 days to work vs. 4 days for oxazepam but had fewer side effects. In another study, participants experienced a significant reduction in menopause symptoms including headaches, depression, insomnia, and anger, compared to the control group.
- Lemon Balm – Although called lemon balm, it is not related to lemon or lemongrass. A member of the mint family, this herb gets its name from its lemon scent. It has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep and relief for indigestion discomfort. Anxiety and sleep issues are common during menopause. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in adults with depression and/or anxiety shows that using lemon balm significantly improved mean anxiety and depression scores compared with placebo.
- 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. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to treating symptoms. However; herbs can interact with other supplements or medications, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about which menopause treatment and supplements are best for you.