Menopause and Perimenopause

As a woman enters her forties, she embarks on a new stage in her life, considered a significant turning point in her personal and health journey. The transition to perimenopause and menopause is one of the most profound periods in a woman’s life, witnessing immense changes in both body and mind. Between the ages of 45 and 55, a woman begins to experience intense hormonal changes that affect all aspects of her life.

The “perimenopause” period represents a transitional phase where hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate significantly. While the impact of these changes varies from woman to woman, it is a period marked by numerous physical and psychological challenges and changes.

As for the “menopausal” stage or the stage of renewal, it is when menstruation ceases completely, and conception becomes naturally difficult. This stage may be accompanied by physical challenges such as osteoporosis and sleep disturbances, as well as emotional challenges such as adapting to hormonal changes and changes in self-image.

During this period, it is crucial for women to take care of themselves by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, as well as seeking emotional and professional support that may be necessary to help them adapt to the changes occurring in their lives.

What Happens During Menopause?

During the pre-menopausal stage, hormonal changes significantly affect the body. This stage witnesses a decrease in the secretion of estrogen and progesterone hormones, known as female hormones. However, the crucial point here is that the decrease in the progesterone hormone occurs much faster than the decrease in the estrogen hormone. In the pre-menopausal stage, the progesterone hormone decreases significantly, about 70% of its normal level, while the estrogen hormone decreases more slowly, leading to a large gap between hormone levels.

This gap between estrogen and progesterone hormones causes an increase in estrogen levels in the body, resulting in symptoms such as frequent nocturnal urination, hot flashes, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, changes in skin and hair, and other symptoms associated with the pre-menopausal stage.

Symptoms of the Pre-Menopausal Stage:

– Irregular menstrual cycles characterized by changes in the menstrual cycle pattern.

– Hot flashes: Women experience a sudden increase in body temperature and excessive sweating.

– Decreased libido: Some women may notice a decrease in sexual desire.

– Vaginal dryness: Dryness in the vagina may occur due to hormonal changes.

– Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause sudden mood swings.

– Difficulty sleeping: Women may experience difficulty sleeping or frequent waking during the night.

– Digestive disorders: Women may experience constipation, bloating, gas, and other digestive problems during this stage.

– Fatigue: There may be a constant or recurring feeling of fatigue and low energy.

Menopausal Symptoms:

After menopause, many symptoms associated with decreased estrogen levels appear, including:

– Dryness and thinning of the vaginal lining, making intercourse painful.

– Burning sensation during urination and sudden urinary urgency.

– Decrease in collagen and elastin in the skin, making it less elastic and more prone to dryness.

– Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

– Unhealthy cholesterol levels associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.

However, did you know that you can alleviate these symptoms after reaching the age of forty or even postpone them until the beginning of fifty by changing your lifestyle and adopting a healthy diet, consuming some herbs and natural dietary supplements? Alleviating these symptoms depends on rebalancing a woman’s hormones in her body, which can be achieved by enhancing the health of the six pillars that play a vital role in women’s health and hormone regulation. The more attention paid to the health of these pillars, the later the symptoms of menopause will appear. In case these pillars are disrupted or diseased, symptoms of menopause may appear at an advanced age. The six pillars for balancing women’s hormones are:

1. Adrenal Gland:

The adrenal gland produces estrogen and progesterone hormones that affect menstruation and fertility. When these hormones are deficient, the adrenal gland is activated to compensate for the deficiency, making maintaining its health essential for hormone stability, especially in the pre-menopausal stage. This can be achieved by adopting a healthy diet that includes healthy fats, avoiding stress, and exercising regularly. In addition, the health of the adrenal gland can be enhanced by using dietary supplements such as ashwagandha, vitamin D3, and omega-3.

2. Estrogen Hormone Balance:

After the age of forty, the importance of estrogen in women’s health increases, as it affects heart health, bones, and skin, and contributes to emotional balance and maintaining mental health. Therefore, it is recommended to consume cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, radishes, cauliflower, kale, and turnips, in addition to regular exercise, while avoiding foods and chemicals that may negatively affect estrogen levels. This can be supported by taking dietary supplements such as DIM and evening primrose oil.

3. Liver Health:

In the forties, the liver becomes important in regulating hormones and detoxifying the body from toxins. However, stress and pressures can hinder its role, leading to the accumulation of unwanted estrogenic hormones. Therefore, it is advisable to take care of liver health to enhance the detoxification process and achieve health and vitality. Therefore, it is necessary to consume foods rich in nutrients necessary for the liver such as spinach and cabbage, and to avoid harmful substances such as alcohol. Liver health can be supported by taking dietary supplements such as milk thistle.

4. Thyroid Hormone Balance:

The thyroid hormone affects metabolism and energy provision, contributing to maintaining a healthy weight and stable energy levels. Therefore, it plays an important role in supporting women’s health after the age of forty. Therefore, thyroid health depends on consuming foods rich in iodine and selenium, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, ensuring adequate sleep, and can be supported by using some dietary supplements.

5. Digestive System Health:

After the age of forty, the digestive system becomes more important in women’s health, as it contributes to the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, the secretion of happiness hormones, and the enhancement of the immune system. In addition, the bacteria in the digestive system Akkermansia muciniphila play a crucial role in improving metabolism and fat loss, and maintaining a healthy weight. Therefore, attention should be paid to the health of the digestive system in women after the age of forty to promote overall health and maintain hormonal balance. This can be achieved by consuming fiber and fluids in adequate amounts, and avoiding harmful substances such as carbonated beverages and alcohol. Digestive system health can be supported by using dietary supplements such as probiotics and digestive enzymes.

6. Insulin Hormone Balance:

Insulin resistance increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, and also affects the balance of other body hormones. Women after the age of forty should pay attention to balancing insulin levels by consuming low-starch and sugar foods, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and can be supported by using dietary supplements.

For more information on achieving hormone balance and alleviating menopausal symptoms, explore the Women’s Health Protocol tailored for women over forty. This protocol offers insights into maintaining youthful vitality and embracing your forties with vigor. It includes a comprehensive dietary guide, featuring permitted and restricted foods, along with a healthy shopping list. Additionally, it highlights natural herbs and superfoods to optimize women’s health and hormonal balance. The protocol covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, ensuring a balanced diet throughout the day. It also offers recommendations for dietary supplements to support women’s health and enhance their quality of life.

To access the Women’s Health Protocol for women over forty, please click on the link below: