My personal journey with early menopause
I am happy to share my journey and learnings of the right foods to help with menopause. My battle is now ongoing through undiagnosed peri-menopause due to failed early detection resulting in low bone density. I reached early menopause by the age of 44.
After 4 visits to my GP, suffering from an immune system that was constantly crashing amongst many other symptoms. On the last visit, I was told “Look at you there is nothing wrong with you”!
I then asked for a hormone test which came back showing I had extremely low levels of estrogen and was in peri-menopause which I had been since around the age of 36 years old.
I wish I had realised the impact of being underweight and what I could have done to both assist my symptoms and ongoing health earlier, but it is never too late to start.
There are many things you can do and most are available to all of us, managing your way through menopause can help you live a long and healthy life.
Read on for some food and beverage do’s and don’ts and supplements that can help.
In brief here are some dietary changes that can help you
Reduce in your Diet
Refined carbohydrates, caffeine and alcohol intake.
Hot, spicy foods can also increase symptoms.
Add to your Diet
Be sure to get enough fibre, magnesium, probiotics, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D.
Don’t forget to ensure good calcium intake, with many of us being dairy intolerant there are lots of other foods that have natural sources of calcium than dairy.
Add 50gm soya protein per day
It has been shown to decrease the intensity of hot flushes, soya beans, and soya products containing phyto estrogens and isoflavones, which have been shown to decrease menopausal symptoms and modulate estrogen levels. Although I add, It is important to ingest them in moderation.
Add to your diet
cashews, peanuts, oats, corn, wheat, apples, and almonds which contain significant amounts of Phyto estrogen and they appear to block the effects of excess estrogen stimulation of the breasts and uterus which may well have a protective effect.
Some Herbal Remedies
Turmeric can assist in reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitex agnus castii also known as Chaste Tree, Chasteberry and Monks pepper can work a treat.
Siberian ginseng is thought to reduce the negative effects of estrogen withdrawal in women experiencing menopause.
Dong quai Some women have found that they get relief from hot flashes.
Wild yams are a natural alternative although there is no scientific evidence as yet.
amongst many more…….
Tinctures and oral combinations of these varieties are available in health food shops. They must be used in four to six weeks before improvement in symptoms is noted.
Chinese herbal remedies some have been shown to greatly reduce menopausal symptoms.
Supplements should be taken as a last resort, real food should be your main aim.
If required take vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) and citrus bioflavonoids with ascorbic acid as per the dose recommended.
I recommend you take action NOW, its never too late!
It is always recommended to get a blood test and consult your doctor and an individual practitioner for more information regarding menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, etc. I can personally recommend Dr Sandy Skinner, I have been my guinea pig of trials including compounding creams and after all the scientific research I am a fan of HRT. Get in touch with Sandy here.
The information above is a guide and it is important to remember that we are all different with symptoms that vary for every woman and personal dietary requirements vary too.
If you are interested in learning more and would like to discuss your individual needs book a free call on the website appointment calendar.
Book a face-to-face workshop here or join my self-paced 12-week online course for women with support here.
It is important to prioritise your well-being, support yourself and your Sista’s!
