Menopause: A Natural Part of Aging

Menopause is a natural part of aging that occurs when a woman’s body stops producing the hormones needed for reproduction. It’s accompanied by physical, emotional, and psychological changes. On the physical side, many women experience hot flashes and night sweats as well as vaginal dryness due to decreased levels of hormones like estrogen. Mood swings and fatigue may also occur due to hormonal changes during menopause. Women may find that they are more prone to anxiety or depression during this time. Some women may also have difficulty sleeping or experience joint pain.

Additionally, there are potential risks associated with menopause such as an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease. While these symptoms can bring about discomfort, there are treatments available to help manage them. Taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle - exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting plenty of rest - can help women cope with the changes associated with menopause. With proper care and management, women can make the transition into menopause smoothly and without too much disruption to their daily lives.

What Causes Menopause?

Menopause is a natural process in which a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs and her body produces less estrogen and progesterone—two hormones that are vital to reproduction. This transition from reproductive years to non-reproductive years marks the end of fertility for women, typically occurring between 45-55 years of age. While many women experience this transition differently, there are some common symptoms associated with menopause that can include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep problems, fatigue and weight gain.

Common Menopause Symptoms

Hot Flashes & Menopause

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, but many people don't know that hot flashes can begin even before menopause - during the perimenopause phase. During hot flashes, women may experience a sudden increase in body temperature and reddening of their skin. These hot flashes occur when hormone levels drop, causing the hypothalamus in the brain to be tricked into believing that the body is getting cold – it responds quickly and tries to warm up the body.

Other hormonal disruption may contribute to hot flashes such as thyroid hormones being out of balance, or irregularities in other bodily functions like metabolism or circulation. Thankfully, hot flash episodes usually resolve within a few minutes though occasional long-duration hot flashes can be physically uncomfortable as well as emotionally unpleasant.

Night Sweats & Menopause

Menopause-related night sweats are caused by a drop in estrogen levels due to the end of a woman's reproductive cycle. The resulting decrease in hormone production can cause the body's temperature regulation system to be disrupted, leading to excessive sweating at night. It may also be accompanied by hot flashes. Several studies have shown that the incidence of night sweats increases with age, peaking around and into menopause. Additionally, some research suggests that women who experience more severe symptoms during perimenopause are more likely to suffer from night sweats during the menopause phase. 

Weight Gain

During menopause, a woman's body undergoes significant changes that can lead to an increase in body weight. This is due to a combination of factors, including hormonal shifts and age-related metabolic changes. As hormone levels decrease, women often experience a decrease in muscle tissue and an increase in fat cells. In addition, the natural decline in metabolism associated with aging also contributes to potential weight gain during this time.

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity may play a role in how much weight someone gains during menopause. With reduced estrogen comes increased sensitivity to insulin, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise and contribute to unwanted abdominal fat accumulation. Finally, the stress associated with life transitions such as menopause can lead to overeating and further weight gain. It is important for women to be aware of the factors that can lead to weight gain during menopause, so they can make any necessary lifestyle modifications to prevent or reduce it.

Vaginal Dryness

During Menopause, women's bodies experience a decrease in estrogen production. This change can cause the mucous membranes to become thinner and less lubricated, leading to dryness in the vagina. Common symptoms of vaginal dryness include itching, burning and painful intercourse. In addition, this decrease in estrogen can also affect the urinary tract’s ability to fight off infection, resulting in an increased risk of bladder problems such as urinary tract infections. 

Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help reduce these uncomfortable symptoms associated with vaginal dryness during menopause. Using supplements with ashwagandha and Estrog-100 can provide natural solutions to better vaginal lubrication and increased libido. Hormone replacement therapy is one option that can replace some of the lost estrogens and provide relief from these symptoms. Other treatments include over-the-counter topical lubricants and moisturizers to help keep the area well-moisturized. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as avoiding long, hot showers or baths and wearing cotton underwear can go a long way in helping reduce vaginal dryness.

Low Libido and Sex drive

The lowered levels of estrogen and, progesterone can lead to lower libido, or sex drive, due to decreased sensitivity to sexual stimulation as well as lowered production of testosterone—the hormone associated with sexual desire. Additionally, increased stress levels during menopause may reduce the ability to enjoy sexual activities. Some other physical symptoms related to menopause such as vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse can also influence sex drive. Again, using supplements with Ashwagandha and Estrog-100 can provide natural solutions to better lubrication and increased libido.

Brain Fog

The hormone estrogen plays a key role in cognitive function – helping keep neurons alive and memory intact. When a woman’s estrogen levels drop at menopause, it can have an impact on the connections between these neurons and lead to brain fog. Additionally, poor diets long term can result in deficiencies in essential vitamins or minerals, such as Vitamin B12, can lead to mental fog or confusion. Finally, stress has been identified as a major contributor to brain fog during menopause as high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol have been linked to decreased cognitive function. Ultimately, it is likely that a combination of these factors contributes to brain fog in menopausal women. 

Natural Solutions for Menopause

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these symptoms in the same way or at the same intensity level; everyone’s hormone journey is unique. Additionally, there are several self-care steps everyone can take such as practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation; limiting caffeine intake; practicing good sleep hygiene such as avoiding screens before bed; drinking plenty of water; and engaging in activities that bring joy like reading or spending time with friends and family members. 

Exercise the Body and Mind: Yoga and Meditation

The physical and mental benefits of yoga are well-documented—but did you know that it can also help with menopausal symptoms? Yoga helps reduce stress levels which in turn can help reduce fatigue and insomnia which are both common during this life stage. The physical aspect of yoga is also beneficial because it increases blood flow which in turn helps regulate body temperature during hot flashes. It can also help improve overall muscle tone which can help counterbalance weight gain caused by hormonal shifts.  If yoga is not of interest – then any cardio and weight training workout will help to get the same results.

Similarly, meditation has been found to be effective in reducing stress levels and improving overall wellbeing. Regular mediation sessions have been linked with improved sleep quality by reducing anxiety levels that would otherwise interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.                                                                                                             

Dietary Changes

Making dietary changes is another way to manage your menopausal symptoms naturally. Eating more fiber-rich foods such as whole grains and legumes helps balance hormones.  Limiting all sugar, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods will reduce bloating and decrease inflammation (which can cause fatigue, bloating and joint pain during menopause).

Additionally, increasing your intake of healthy fats like avocado or nuts can help reduce weight gain.  The hormonal shifts cause the fat cells to store estrogen which often becomes imbalanced during menopause leading to weight gain in certain areas such as the hips or abdomen area. Furthermore, eating fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut will increase gut health which in turn will help regulate hormones throughout the body more effectively. Drinking more water (and pure water) helps flush out toxins that could be causing hormone imbalances as well as other side effects associated with menopause like headaches or skin breakouts. 

Prioritize Self-Care & Mental Health

It's important not to forget that everyone's experience with menopause is different so what works for one person may not work for another when it comes to managing symptoms naturally! However, there are plenty of options available such as herbal remedies, yoga/meditation practices, dietary changes, etc., so whatever approach you choose make sure you prioritize self-care! Doing things like getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night), eating nutritious meals throughout the day and exercising regularly will go a long way towards helping you cope with any unpleasant side effects associated with menopause!

Reduce Stress

High levels of stress can lead to an imbalance of hormones so it’s important to take time for yourself and relax when needed. Additionally, social support networks can provide an invaluable source of connection and comfort during this period of transition. Finally, it is important to be aware of changes in mental health such as drastic mood swings, signs of depression, persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Supplementing with mood enhancing herbs like Ashwagandha and Maca can help as well. 

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical issues and menopause is no exception. For example, sage tea has been known to reduce hot flashes and evening primrose oil helps with vaginal dryness. Certain vitamins and minerals can help restore hormonal balance such as Vitamin B6, Zinc, Magnesium, and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Other common herbal remedies used for menopause relief with varied results include black cohosh, chasteberry, dong quai root extract, and ginseng.  

Estrog-100, a proprietary, plant-based blend, has been clinically studied and shown to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, vaginal dryness and other common menopausal discomforts. Estrog-100 has been clinically proven to be effective in reducing the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms. The adaptogenic root ashwagandha helps with menopausal effects as it is an excellent solution to vaginal dryness, poor sleep and anxiety. Before taking any herbal supplement for menopausal symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure there are no contraindications to any medications or other supplements you’re taking.

There’s HOPE!

The experience of menopause is different for every woman, but it is important to remember that it is a natural part of life and one that all women will eventually go through. Knowing what to expect from this process can help you anticipate and prepare for any challenges that come along with it so that you can get through them in the best way possible. By adopting healthier habits and managing any symptoms associated with menopause, you can make the transition smoother and reduce some of the discomforts that come along with it. With the right support, all women can manage their menopausal transition successfully and even use it as an opportunity to take better care of their bodies.