HEALTH REPORT
Navigating menopause
Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life, discover how embracing natural remedies can offer significant comfort and control during this phase.
Menopause is an opportunity to assess your health and become reacquainted with your body. Understanding what is happening to your body and mind, and how natural alternatives like herbs and acupuncture can provide significant relief, will put the controls firmly back in your hands. Defining menopause Menopause was long referred to, rather euphemistically and confusingly, as “the change of life”. Thankfully, it is now discussed far more openly and honestly, and symptoms which may result from this natural stage in a woman’s life no longer need to be a source of fear or worry. In fact, many women remark that once they have adjusted to changes such as hot flushes and mood swings – many of which are temporary and short-term – that they feel empowered and look forward to the freedoms and opportunities ahead. Menopause is defined as having taken place once there has been no menstrual period for 12 months. Hormone levels fall to a point where the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, the average being around 51. The transition phase before menopause is referred to as perimenopause and typically takes about three years. During this time,
the supply of mature eggs in a woman's ovaries diminishes, ovulation becomes irregular and the production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone decreases. Period cycles may become longer, shorter, or totally irregular, bleeding may become lighter, heavier and/or unpredictable. Although fertility after the age of 45 is low, falling pregnant is still a possibility and it may be mindful to discuss with your healthcare professional about contraception. Each woman experiences menopause differently and symptoms can include any of the following: • Hot flushes (or flashes): These sudden rapid increases in body temperature usually start occurring before a woman's last period. A hot flush can vary in frequency, intensity and length for each woman. Some may experience just a brief warmth throughout the body, with possibly a little light perspiration, but others may have a more debilitating form, including a sensation of intense heat, palpitations and heavy sweating, Studies show that one to three hours of exercise a week significantly reduces hot flushes
followed by feeling chilled and shaky. Night-time can often be worse, with hot flushes resulting in exhausting sweats that flood bedding and sheets, and severely impair sleep. Common triggers for both hot flushes and night sweats include hot weather, smoking, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing and stress. • Aches and pains: A crawling or itching sensation under the skin is also common. • Forgetfulness, headaches, fatigue and poor concentration. Anxiety, depression, irritability, low self- esteem: Often (understandably) caused by adjusting to these changes in the body, and coming to terms with physical signs of ageing, changes to libido, and possibly other health issues. • Reduced libido: Increased urinary frequency, vaginal dryness and painful sex are all linked to this.
Links for support Australian Menopause Society: www.menopause.org.au Jean Hailes for Women’s Health:
www.jeanhailes.org.au/ health-a-z/menopause
Margaret Leedham brings a wealth of experience as a naturopath, educator, product developer and writer to her role as the Brand Manager for NutriVital. With over 24 years of experience in the field, Margaret has also helped thousands of clients reach their health and wellness goals through an evidence-based approach.
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ISSUE 70 • 2024
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