MANILA, Philippines—It’s not over until it’s over—or is it?” Most women dread menopause because it signals the end of their reproductive years. But are you unproductive if you are menopausal?
Menopause happens between the ages of 45-55. It is premature for women to menopause before the age of 40 though it affects one in 100 women. Illness or a medical procedure like hysterectomy can also induce it.
What happens in between and now? The symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, headaches, insomnia, tiredness, mood swings/rages, depression and anxiety, vaginal dryness, painful urination, loss of libido, dry skin. These symptoms may last from three months to several years.
What can be done? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or natural therapy.
HRT is replacing lost hormones with oestrogen and progesterone to be taken for five to 10 years. HRT comes in the form of pills, implants, gels. Make an informed decision with your doctor.
Studies indicate that a diet rich in phytoestrogens chemicals found in some plants may alleviate menopause, breast cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Sources include peas, beans, brown rice, cereals, lentils, chickpeas, soy, sprouting beans like alfalfa/clover/flaxseed, fruits, vegetables, hops, green/black tea, virgin coconut oil and some beers.
You may eat three daily servings of soya provided it is non-GMO (genetically modified organism) as medical science does not know its long-term effects on the human body. The source of your phytoestrogen should be food derived.
Sleep in loose, comfy clothes, avoid hot drinks/soups/alcohol and spicy foods, cut back on sweets.
Hot flush
When hot flush happens, take long, slow deep breaths, close your eyes. Imagine you are sitting on top of an ice cap rolling over snow or having an iced tub bath. It should be over in one to three minutes. Have a cool or chilled but not ice-cold drink.
Calming smoothie
Freeze one ripe banana and mango, peeled and sliced. Place all ingredients in a blender mixed with one cup soya milk (optional). Add one teaspoon of flaxseed oil.
Skin smoothener
Mix three tablespoons of virgin coconut oil with capsule contents of vitamin E (remove capsule). Rub all over your body and face.
Supplements
Take 200-400 in vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) with selenium one to three times a day, 50-mg B complex twice daily, 250-mg chelated calcium, 125-mg magnesium, soy isoflavonoid complex twice daily. To brighten your mood, St. John’s Wort Tea or capsule.
Oriental herbal remedies would include Korean red ginseng, dong quai, black cohosh. Do any mind-body exercise like yoga, tai chi, qi-gong.
Life isn’t over for you at this stage. In fact, you have ripened to a level of self-knowledge.
Affirm: “I am rediscovering my greatness each day.”
Love and light!
Reference: “The Natural/Menopause Cookbook” by Angie Jefferson & Fiona Hunter
“Vitamin Bible For 21st Century” by Dr. Earl Mindell
