The Menopause

The menopause - also known as the change of life - is the natural phase of a woman's life when menstruation ceases.

The average age for the menopause in Western women is 50, but it can occur much earlier or later. During menopause a woman's glandular and reproductive systems undergo major changes, with the production of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone gradually reducing.

The menopause is not a disease, but with these hormonal changes come symptoms and health concerns that encompass the physical, mental and emotional aspects of life: 

Osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, breast and vaginal cancer are some of the more serious health concerns often linked with the menopause.

Conventional medicine offers HRT (hormone replacement therapy), which uses synthetic hormones to help maintain hormone levels. Over recent years increased risk of hormone related cancers, diseases and side effects have been reported in connection to HRT. 

How Nutritional Therapy can help

Diet, herbs and specific supplements are a key way of managing the symptoms during menopause and maintaining health in the years that follow. In some cases eating the right foods and using appropriate herbs and supplements can eliminate the symptoms of menopause altogether.

For example, plant compounds called phytoestrogens found in certain foods can partially compensate for declining oestrogen levels the body. Medicinal herbs and limiting the intake of salt, caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can help prevent hot flushes.

More indirectly but just as important, good nutrition can be used to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, which is often a big help in managing the symptoms of menopause.

Nutritional therapy also offers strategies to counter osteoporosis, which now affects around 50% of older women and is a common concern for women in the menopause.

Laboratory tests are often used to build up a picture of the unique factors at play in each individual, in particular the Menopause Profile which measures oestrogen and progesterone levels and yields indicators of osteoporosis and cancer risk.

At Essentia Nutrition, we will create a personalised  strategy for dealing with your menopause, based on a detailed understanding of your own unique person and circumstances. We offer a natural and effective way to manage symptoms and health concerns of menopause, especially for those concerned about the possible risks of conventional treatments such as HRT.

Call Essentia Nutrition today to book a consultation or to find out more on how nutritional therapy could help you on 07781 890 541.

© 2006 Norma Bridge, Essentia Nutrition, 36 Chiltern Park, Thornbury, BS35 2HX, Tel: 07791 890 541, info@essentianutrition.co.uk Privacy Policy