Life Trans™

Menopause, or "the change" as it’s sometimes called, is not a disease but rather the beginning of a new phase in a woman’s life. Historically menopause has been ignored or women have been told the best part of their life is over. It’s been estimated that over 1.3 million women in America will reach natural menopause in the year 2000. Although it is not a disease it tends to be treated aggressively with prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). While studies have shown benefits of HRT there are also concerns associated with it. In fact over two-thirds of women who begin HRT eventually discontinue its use due to side effects.

The symptoms associated with menopause are due to the declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, produced by the body. Factors such as stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and inherent genetic problems weaken the body’s ability to cope. You may be familiar with the more noticeable symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, sleep disturbances, headache and depression. There are more serious problems associated with menopause such as increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

The body has built into its infinite wisdom, the ability to make this chemical transition both naturally and harmlessly. There are a number of natural substances that work with the body to reduce or eliminate many of these symptoms:

Phytoestrogens – plant-compounds that provide low potency estrogen, which does not produce the side effects sometimes seen with HRT.

Black Cohosh – widely used by Native Americans and indigenous peoples of Central America. Black cohosh has long been a favorite in the relief of menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause.

Dong Quai – regarded as the "female" tonic in Asia. Clinical studies support the of Dong Quai in reducing and eliminating hot flashes.

Licorice Root – is an ancient herb used for its positive affects on the adrenal glands. After menopause the adrenal glands take over the production of estrogen. Too much stress can cause adrenal exhaustion, thus affecting the body’s ability to produce estrogen.

Pantothenic Acid (B-5) – part of the B-vitamin family and important in nourishing the adrenal glands and combating the effects of stress.

Ipriflavones – studies have shown ipriflavone to be effective in increasing bone density in the wrist and reducing bone loss in the spine.

Mexican Wild Yam – is probably the best known herb for managing menopause. Natural progesterone is made from an extract of this herb. Wild yam also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Kava Kava – is a naturally calming herb useful for anxiety and sleep disturbances.

It’s important to combine these targeted nutrients with a full-spectrum nutritional program as well as a healthy diet, exercise and stress management.